King Richard School UK Work Related Learning Experience July 2008
SITREP
Monday 7th July 2008
19 students from King Richard School arrived safely at RAF Brize Norton yesterday evening after a pleasant and
uneventful trooping flight from Cyprus. The Y10 and Y12 students left the hot weather and sunshine of the
Mediterranean and arrived to pouring rain, thick black cloud and very low temperatures.
After a three hour journey in white fleet minibuses via the M40, the North Circular Road and the Blackwall Tunnel,
the group arrived at Woolwich Barracks to begin their week of 'Army Life' under the watchful eye of the Army
Recruiting Team 1 (ART 1).
The ART members spent the whole of last week at KRS working with all students from Year 7 upwards. They
concentrated on developing team building, leadership and key skills. The ART 1 members were able to develop
good working relationships with the students which will be invaluable this week. In addition to the Key Skills
activities, the Y10 and Y12 students underwent 20 minute interviews last Friday as part of their overall Work
Related Learning package. After their week in Woolwich, the students will move on to the University of
Westminster Hall of Residence in Victoria for a week's work experience in 'civvy street'.
In Central London the students will be living on a budget, arranging and cooking their own meals and getting
themselves around on their own. Their placements, which have been arranged by Trident from Edexcel, include
Arsenal FC, Lord's, the Metropolitan Police, the Royal Courts of Justice, Tony and Guy's in Covent Garden,
Imperial College and the City Farm. They will also fly on the London Eye and visit two West End theatres to watch
'Woman in Black' and 'We will Rock You'.
After a good night's sleep at the TA Centre in Grove Park, the students arrived for 'scoff' at 0700hrs. After the
heat of Cyprus, the English weather continued to throw shower after shower at the 'troops'. Undeterred they lined
up in two sections, proudly wearing their newly issued 'kit', and marched off to the Gym (courtesy of the QM) to
complete a number of command tasks throughout the morning.
After a short minibus journey to Chelsea, the 'troops' paid a visit to the Army Museum before returning to Grove
Park for evening activities, including a squash and badminton competition.
Mrs Duhig and Mr Lawrence met up with the students throughout the day, but took time out to visit the Trident for
Edexcel offices in Kelvedon to hand in paperwork and discuss next year's plans. Many thanks to Norma (pictured
left) and Emma for all the help in finding the placements. Thanks also go to the Regional Manager Ian Poulter for
his offers of support for the work experience and the 14-19 curriculum.
SITREP
Monday 7th July 2008
19 students from King Richard School arrived safely at RAF Brize Norton yesterday evening after a pleasant and
uneventful trooping flight from Cyprus. The Y10 and Y12 students left the hot weather and sunshine of the
Mediterranean and arrived to pouring rain, thick black cloud and very low temperatures.
After a three hour journey in white fleet minibuses via the M40, the North Circular Road and the Blackwall Tunnel,
the group arrived at Woolwich Barracks to begin their week of 'Army Life' under the watchful eye of the Army
Recruiting Team 1 (ART 1).
The ART members spent the whole of last week at KRS working with all students from Year 7 upwards. They
concentrated on developing team building, leadership and key skills. The ART 1 members were able to develop
good working relationships with the students which will be invaluable this week. In addition to the Key Skills
activities, the Y10 and Y12 students underwent 20 minute interviews last Friday as part of their overall Work
Related Learning package. After their week in Woolwich, the students will move on to the University of
Westminster Hall of Residence in Victoria for a week's work experience in 'civvy street'.
In Central London the students will be living on a budget, arranging and cooking their own meals and getting
themselves around on their own. Their placements, which have been arranged by Trident from Edexcel, include
Arsenal FC, Lord's, the Metropolitan Police, the Royal Courts of Justice, Tony and Guy's in Covent Garden,
Imperial College and the City Farm. They will also fly on the London Eye and visit two West End theatres to watch
'Woman in Black' and 'We will Rock You'.
After a good night's sleep at the TA Centre in Grove Park, the students arrived for 'scoff' at 0700hrs. After the
heat of Cyprus, the English weather continued to throw shower after shower at the 'troops'. Undeterred they lined
up in two sections, proudly wearing their newly issued 'kit', and marched off to the Gym (courtesy of the QM) to
complete a number of command tasks throughout the morning.
After a short minibus journey to Chelsea, the 'troops' paid a visit to the Army Museum before returning to Grove
Park for evening activities, including a squash and badminton competition.
Mrs Duhig and Mr Lawrence met up with the students throughout the day, but took time out to visit the Trident for
Edexcel offices in Kelvedon to hand in paperwork and discuss next year's plans. Many thanks to Norma (pictured
left) and Emma for all the help in finding the placements. Thanks also go to the Regional Manager Ian Poulter for
his offers of support for the work experience and the 14-19 curriculum.
|
| Dhekelia Station BFPO 58 & Ayios Nikolaos Station BFPO 59 |
| Providers of post - 14 education opportunities in the Eastern Sovereign Base Area of British Forces' Cyprus |
King Richard School UK Work Related Learning Experience July 2008
SITREP
Tuesday 8th July 2008
The students arrived early at Woolwich for breakfast. The weather was generally much better today.
The first activity was the dreaded 'BFT'. Most of the students performances were okay, but there is some room for
improvement evidently!
The second activity was map reading, followed by another set of tasks. The students chose the topics for their
'Lecturettes'. On Friday they will all give a short presentation on their topic.
During the afternoon the group set off for a shopping trip to Bluewater in Kent, where they later visited the
multiplex cinema.
Mrs Duhig and Mr Lawrence continued their own work related learning by setting off at dawn for Birmingham,
where they are attended an SSAT 14-19 Diploma conference.
SITREP
Tuesday 8th July 2008
The students arrived early at Woolwich for breakfast. The weather was generally much better today.
The first activity was the dreaded 'BFT'. Most of the students performances were okay, but there is some room for
improvement evidently!
The second activity was map reading, followed by another set of tasks. The students chose the topics for their
'Lecturettes'. On Friday they will all give a short presentation on their topic.
During the afternoon the group set off for a shopping trip to Bluewater in Kent, where they later visited the
multiplex cinema.
Mrs Duhig and Mr Lawrence continued their own work related learning by setting off at dawn for Birmingham,
where they are attended an SSAT 14-19 Diploma conference.
King Richard School UK Work Related Learning Experience July 2008
SITREP
Wednesday 9th July 2008
Today was 'Army Day'
A good day to be outside. It rained and rained and then rained some more.
Map reading, camouflage, ration packs, etc. A day of Army life at the local training area.
Cally Everett executed her first Commando Roll and a great day was had by all.
Mrs Duhig and Mr Lawrence returned from Birmingham to Grove Park and joined in the 'Games Night'. The
activities on offer were: badminton, cards, darts, pool and a pub quiz.
The students are having fun as the group 'gel' and bond'. (Their words, not mine.) Lots of happy faces and big
smiles. Everyone is doing fine and making excellent progress. "The team building and problem solving exercises
have helped a lot," said several of the Y10 girls. Twelve girls, one shower, one toilet, bunk beds and yet no
complaints!
SITREP
Wednesday 9th July 2008
Today was 'Army Day'
A good day to be outside. It rained and rained and then rained some more.
Map reading, camouflage, ration packs, etc. A day of Army life at the local training area.
Cally Everett executed her first Commando Roll and a great day was had by all.
Mrs Duhig and Mr Lawrence returned from Birmingham to Grove Park and joined in the 'Games Night'. The
activities on offer were: badminton, cards, darts, pool and a pub quiz.
The students are having fun as the group 'gel' and bond'. (Their words, not mine.) Lots of happy faces and big
smiles. Everyone is doing fine and making excellent progress. "The team building and problem solving exercises
have helped a lot," said several of the Y10 girls. Twelve girls, one shower, one toilet, bunk beds and yet no
complaints!
King Richard School UK Work Related Learning Experience July 2008
SITREP
Thursday 10th July 2008
The day stayed dry after all the rain of yesterday. The sun and some blue sky dared to show their faces and it
finally gave ART 1 the opportunity to erect their portable rock climbing wall tower. After being briefed, the students
roped up and attempted to get to the top.
The next part of the day was spent, not on the tower, but at the Tower, as the students were given the opportunity
to visit the Tower of London and meet the Yeoman Guard, before returning to Woolwich en route to Grove Park.
Friday is the final day, when the students have to present their 'Lecturettes' and receive their reports.
Doesn't time fly when you are having fun? Judging by the smiles on their faces, the students are certainly having
fun. They said 'Happy Birthday' to Jody (pictured above and 'crated') this morning. Jodie is 21 (for the 8th time
today!) and has had the 'enjoyable' task of looking after the ladies overnight.
It was a special moment this morning when two members of ART1 independently said, "It had been a privilege to
be with our students over the last two weeks." It is the KRS students who are privileged to have worked with such
a group of professional, caring and hard working people.
SITREP
Thursday 10th July 2008
The day stayed dry after all the rain of yesterday. The sun and some blue sky dared to show their faces and it
finally gave ART 1 the opportunity to erect their portable rock climbing wall tower. After being briefed, the students
roped up and attempted to get to the top.
The next part of the day was spent, not on the tower, but at the Tower, as the students were given the opportunity
to visit the Tower of London and meet the Yeoman Guard, before returning to Woolwich en route to Grove Park.
Friday is the final day, when the students have to present their 'Lecturettes' and receive their reports.
Doesn't time fly when you are having fun? Judging by the smiles on their faces, the students are certainly having
fun. They said 'Happy Birthday' to Jody (pictured above and 'crated') this morning. Jodie is 21 (for the 8th time
today!) and has had the 'enjoyable' task of looking after the ladies overnight.
It was a special moment this morning when two members of ART1 independently said, "It had been a privilege to
be with our students over the last two weeks." It is the KRS students who are privileged to have worked with such
a group of professional, caring and hard working people.
| HAPPY BIRTHDAY JODY |
King Richard School UK Work Related Learning Experience July 2008
SITREP
Friday 11th July 2008
The final day with the ART already. How time flies when you are having fun and boy are they having fun! After
'scoff' the students began frantically practising their 'Lecturettes'. All of the students performed well in this task,
even the shyest and quietest students, and they all impressed their audience with the quality of their work. The
afternoon session in the grounds of Woolwich Barracks, included rounders, tug of war and the preparation of
short sketches for the final task.
The students and ART 1 members sat down together to enjoy the sketches as the students preceded to mimic all
of the ART 1 soldiers, including Sergeant Major Davey Aiton.
The students finished to rapturous applause and laughter at the end of a productive, enjoyable and very
satisfying couple of weeks. The ART 1 staff members have constantly commented on the levels of response and
engagement from the KRS students and highlighted where the students have improved, not only over the last two
weeks, but also over the last three years in some cases, such is the rapport which has been established between
KRS students, staff and ART 1.
WO2 Davey Aiton closed the week's activities with a presentation of certificates and prizes to the two best
students, Holly Norman and Sam Hollis. Sam's sister Bethany was left feeling a little 'drained' today, but she said
that she had thoroughly enjoyed the whole programme.
The KRS students and staff will transfer to Victoria tomorrow morning to begin the next stage of the KRS Work
Related Learning London Programme 2008. Hopefully they will now be able to utilise the 'applied learning' skills
developed over the last two weeks when they become more independent and have to fend for themselves in
Central London and undertake a week's work experience.
ART 1 are off to Lewisham tomorrow. They are back to the grind already. However I feel certain that the
experiences of the last two weeks in both Cyprus and London will stay in their minds, and the minds of the
students, for a very long time indeed.
Mrs Duhig and Mr Lawrence met with Lt Colonel Paul Meldon and Major Jim Llewellyn at Horse Guards today to
confirm the arrangements for the next 12 months and put dates in the diary for further ART visits to KRS in
Cyprus next September, June and July and KRS student visits to London in July 2009.
Many thanks again to the ART 1 in Woolwich and the other members of the London Recruiting Team for their
help, kindness and support. Special thanks to WO2 Ed Scullion for his continued support over the last 3 years.
SITREP
Friday 11th July 2008
The final day with the ART already. How time flies when you are having fun and boy are they having fun! After
'scoff' the students began frantically practising their 'Lecturettes'. All of the students performed well in this task,
even the shyest and quietest students, and they all impressed their audience with the quality of their work. The
afternoon session in the grounds of Woolwich Barracks, included rounders, tug of war and the preparation of
short sketches for the final task.
The students and ART 1 members sat down together to enjoy the sketches as the students preceded to mimic all
of the ART 1 soldiers, including Sergeant Major Davey Aiton.
The students finished to rapturous applause and laughter at the end of a productive, enjoyable and very
satisfying couple of weeks. The ART 1 staff members have constantly commented on the levels of response and
engagement from the KRS students and highlighted where the students have improved, not only over the last two
weeks, but also over the last three years in some cases, such is the rapport which has been established between
KRS students, staff and ART 1.
WO2 Davey Aiton closed the week's activities with a presentation of certificates and prizes to the two best
students, Holly Norman and Sam Hollis. Sam's sister Bethany was left feeling a little 'drained' today, but she said
that she had thoroughly enjoyed the whole programme.
The KRS students and staff will transfer to Victoria tomorrow morning to begin the next stage of the KRS Work
Related Learning London Programme 2008. Hopefully they will now be able to utilise the 'applied learning' skills
developed over the last two weeks when they become more independent and have to fend for themselves in
Central London and undertake a week's work experience.
ART 1 are off to Lewisham tomorrow. They are back to the grind already. However I feel certain that the
experiences of the last two weeks in both Cyprus and London will stay in their minds, and the minds of the
students, for a very long time indeed.
Mrs Duhig and Mr Lawrence met with Lt Colonel Paul Meldon and Major Jim Llewellyn at Horse Guards today to
confirm the arrangements for the next 12 months and put dates in the diary for further ART visits to KRS in
Cyprus next September, June and July and KRS student visits to London in July 2009.
Many thanks again to the ART 1 in Woolwich and the other members of the London Recruiting Team for their
help, kindness and support. Special thanks to WO2 Ed Scullion for his continued support over the last 3 years.
King Richard School UK Work Related Learning Experience July 2008
SITREP
Saturday 12th July 2008
A slight change of plan this morning as ART 1 made their way to Lewisham, leaving Mr Lawrence with a 17 seater
van to make shuttle runs to Grove Park to collect the students for breakfast. They returned and packed their
luggage into the bus, cleaned the dorms, did their last few press ups and made their way to the station. Unfortunately
both the District and Circle lines were closed for the weekend, the Strand was blocked off and the bus driver got lost.
Eventually by 1400 hours everyone had eaten lunch and struggled to get their bags into the rooms at Wigram
House. After they had all unpacked, they went for a short orienteering walk, taking in Sam's, Cally's and Laura Gent's
placements. En route to the local Sainsburys they passed Buckingham Palace, Wellington Barracks and New
Scotland Yard. Having spent several hundred Pounds the group carried their bags the short distance back to
Thirleby Road and set about making dinner and preparing their laundry. Later that evening a further short
orienteering walk down to the Thames, Westminster, Whitehall and Trafalgar Square.
SITREP
Saturday 12th July 2008
A slight change of plan this morning as ART 1 made their way to Lewisham, leaving Mr Lawrence with a 17 seater
van to make shuttle runs to Grove Park to collect the students for breakfast. They returned and packed their
luggage into the bus, cleaned the dorms, did their last few press ups and made their way to the station. Unfortunately
both the District and Circle lines were closed for the weekend, the Strand was blocked off and the bus driver got lost.
Eventually by 1400 hours everyone had eaten lunch and struggled to get their bags into the rooms at Wigram
House. After they had all unpacked, they went for a short orienteering walk, taking in Sam's, Cally's and Laura Gent's
placements. En route to the local Sainsburys they passed Buckingham Palace, Wellington Barracks and New
Scotland Yard. Having spent several hundred Pounds the group carried their bags the short distance back to
Thirleby Road and set about making dinner and preparing their laundry. Later that evening a further short
orienteering walk down to the Thames, Westminster, Whitehall and Trafalgar Square.
King Richard School UK Work Related Learning Experience July 2008
SITREP
Sunday 13th July 2008
Depart Victoria 0900hrs. Return Victoria 2100hrs. In between came a stroll through St James' Park, a walk
across Horse Guards Parade, a photograph outside No 10 Downing Street, a visit inside No 10 to view the
Cabinet Room (Sorry, no photographs allowed), orientation to work placements including: Lord's; the Emirates
Stadium and the Spitalfields City Farm, a rendezvous on Tower Bridge, a quick trip back to Victoria for
food, an evening flight on the London Eye and a walk down the South Bank to look at the street artists.
Just a normal day in London for Y10 and Y12 students from KRS really!!
After a quick briefing the students finished their laundry, ironed their clothes, wrote in their diaries and
generally prepared for their first day of work experience tomorrow. With excitement and a little trepidation
the students went to bed with spinning heads after a very eventful day.
SITREP
Sunday 13th July 2008
Depart Victoria 0900hrs. Return Victoria 2100hrs. In between came a stroll through St James' Park, a walk
across Horse Guards Parade, a photograph outside No 10 Downing Street, a visit inside No 10 to view the
Cabinet Room (Sorry, no photographs allowed), orientation to work placements including: Lord's; the Emirates
Stadium and the Spitalfields City Farm, a rendezvous on Tower Bridge, a quick trip back to Victoria for
food, an evening flight on the London Eye and a walk down the South Bank to look at the street artists.
Just a normal day in London for Y10 and Y12 students from KRS really!!
After a quick briefing the students finished their laundry, ironed their clothes, wrote in their diaries and
generally prepared for their first day of work experience tomorrow. With excitement and a little trepidation
the students went to bed with spinning heads after a very eventful day.
King Richard School UK Work Related Learning Experience July 2008
SITREP
Monday 14th July 2008
A very smart group of young men and women were up early this morning (Well most were up early!) and
set off for their first day at 'work'. It wasn't long before text messages were coming back to say that they
had arrived. Some began work at 0800hrs, others had a lie in and began 2 hours later. Similarly some
finished between 1600 and 1800hrs. The evening was a 'chill' night when they were able to rest and reflect
on their first day, complete diaries and get their 'admin' up to date.
Wherever they have been, the students have received glowing comments about their behaviour, attitude,
levels of maturity and sense of fun. If you come from a military or public services background, you will
know what it means to 'Wah' someone. Holly Norman shocked the armed policeman outside No 10
yesterday when she asked, "Are you a policeman?" "Yes", he replied, only to be greeted by a very loud
group, "Wah!"
Jack Hunter text me today to say that his placement with Jack Graham at the Metropolitan Police in Beak
Street was, "Awesome!!"
By 1800hrs most of the students had returned to Victoria with mixed emotions. Most were tired, some had
got lost at some point, but soon realised their mistake and sorted themselves out. Some had fantastic days
(In one case, it was awesome to start with - then boring - then awesome again), others very good, some
good and some not so good. Such is life in the 'real' world and that is part of the learning process.
Tomorrow is another day and will bring new challenges, new activities and some new experiences. Positive
thinking and attitudes bring positive results. The students had free time to sort themselves out, prepare for
the next day and think positive thoughts. Some students have already discovered that their dreams and
expectations aren't always matched in the 'real' world. Outside of their comfort zone, they are learning very
quickly.
SITREP
Monday 14th July 2008
A very smart group of young men and women were up early this morning (Well most were up early!) and
set off for their first day at 'work'. It wasn't long before text messages were coming back to say that they
had arrived. Some began work at 0800hrs, others had a lie in and began 2 hours later. Similarly some
finished between 1600 and 1800hrs. The evening was a 'chill' night when they were able to rest and reflect
on their first day, complete diaries and get their 'admin' up to date.
Wherever they have been, the students have received glowing comments about their behaviour, attitude,
levels of maturity and sense of fun. If you come from a military or public services background, you will
know what it means to 'Wah' someone. Holly Norman shocked the armed policeman outside No 10
yesterday when she asked, "Are you a policeman?" "Yes", he replied, only to be greeted by a very loud
group, "Wah!"
Jack Hunter text me today to say that his placement with Jack Graham at the Metropolitan Police in Beak
Street was, "Awesome!!"
By 1800hrs most of the students had returned to Victoria with mixed emotions. Most were tired, some had
got lost at some point, but soon realised their mistake and sorted themselves out. Some had fantastic days
(In one case, it was awesome to start with - then boring - then awesome again), others very good, some
good and some not so good. Such is life in the 'real' world and that is part of the learning process.
Tomorrow is another day and will bring new challenges, new activities and some new experiences. Positive
thinking and attitudes bring positive results. The students had free time to sort themselves out, prepare for
the next day and think positive thoughts. Some students have already discovered that their dreams and
expectations aren't always matched in the 'real' world. Outside of their comfort zone, they are learning very
quickly.
| WAH! |
King Richard School UK Work Related Learning Experience July 2008
SITREP
Tuesday 15th July 2008
Some students had the time of their lives. Leevon got a special round of applause for coping with the
Underground. He made it to work on his own this morning in record time. Others found yesterday very
difficult. They were outside of their comfort zone and suddenly had to learn about life in the real world.
Strong discipline, odd looking uniforms, monotony, stress, strange environments, even rudeness. These
were just some of the comments they made last night. However they were all off the next day to face their
second day of work. During the first part of the morning, some of the staff took the opportunity to pop in
and say hello and thank you to some of the placements. Cally was seen making (and testing) home made
salted crisps in the kitchens of the Goring Hotel, only yards from Buckingham Palace. Paige was chopping
(and not tasting) cabbage. The scene was a cross between 'The F Word', 'Jamie's Kitchen' and 'The
Generation Game'! Laura was very happy in her Belgravia salon and Sam was all smiles in the Queen
Mother Sports Centre on Vauxhall Bridge Road.
Tonight the group visited the Fortune Theatre, close to Covent Garden, to watch "Woman in Black" and
they were not disappointed. Some students initially found it difficult to comprehend the plot, others had
studied the work at school and had fewer problems. But in the second act they all screamed very loud, and
on numerous occasions, as the 'Woman in Black' made her appearance. I can see it all now, the rocking
chair, the musical box, the locked door and the woman in black!
The show finished around 2200hrs and it was two quick underground rides and a last minute visit to
McDonalds (for a few), before back to bed and thoughts of work in the morning.
Tomorrow is only a few minutes away and we are already half way through the second week in London.
Tempus fugit. (When you're having fun)
SITREP
Tuesday 15th July 2008
Some students had the time of their lives. Leevon got a special round of applause for coping with the
Underground. He made it to work on his own this morning in record time. Others found yesterday very
difficult. They were outside of their comfort zone and suddenly had to learn about life in the real world.
Strong discipline, odd looking uniforms, monotony, stress, strange environments, even rudeness. These
were just some of the comments they made last night. However they were all off the next day to face their
second day of work. During the first part of the morning, some of the staff took the opportunity to pop in
and say hello and thank you to some of the placements. Cally was seen making (and testing) home made
salted crisps in the kitchens of the Goring Hotel, only yards from Buckingham Palace. Paige was chopping
(and not tasting) cabbage. The scene was a cross between 'The F Word', 'Jamie's Kitchen' and 'The
Generation Game'! Laura was very happy in her Belgravia salon and Sam was all smiles in the Queen
Mother Sports Centre on Vauxhall Bridge Road.
Tonight the group visited the Fortune Theatre, close to Covent Garden, to watch "Woman in Black" and
they were not disappointed. Some students initially found it difficult to comprehend the plot, others had
studied the work at school and had fewer problems. But in the second act they all screamed very loud, and
on numerous occasions, as the 'Woman in Black' made her appearance. I can see it all now, the rocking
chair, the musical box, the locked door and the woman in black!
The show finished around 2200hrs and it was two quick underground rides and a last minute visit to
McDonalds (for a few), before back to bed and thoughts of work in the morning.
Tomorrow is only a few minutes away and we are already half way through the second week in London.
Tempus fugit. (When you're having fun)
King Richard School UK Work Related Learning Experience July 2008
SITREP
Wednesday 16th July 2008
There were a few bleary eyes this morning as the students made their way to work after last night's trip to the theatre. Nevertheless they did
get up and got out on time.
Halfway through the second week and still going strong. Tonight is an opportunity for some retail therapy and another chance to chill.
Tomorrow the students will be going to the theatre again, but must have their bags packed for Friday morning before they go to work.
Mr Lawrence visited Westminster Kingsway College this morning and spent some time with Geoff Booth, Director of the School of Hospitality.
Geoff was one of the speakers at last week's SSAT conference in the Midlands. It was a very interesting tour and very inspiring. Geoff has
offered to assist the Cyprus Consortium and King Richard School wherever he can as the new 14-19 curriculum is introduced.
Click on the link above to find out more about Westminster Kingsway College.
Cally, who is celebrating her birthday tomorrow, has just gone for an 'Indian' with Jack, Jack, Alex and Dan. (Sounds like Trumpton!) The
Primark shopping team arrived home after a hold up on the CIrcle Line. There could be some excess baggage fees to pay at Brize Norton,
judging by the size of their bags.
SITREP
Wednesday 16th July 2008
There were a few bleary eyes this morning as the students made their way to work after last night's trip to the theatre. Nevertheless they did
get up and got out on time.
Halfway through the second week and still going strong. Tonight is an opportunity for some retail therapy and another chance to chill.
Tomorrow the students will be going to the theatre again, but must have their bags packed for Friday morning before they go to work.
Mr Lawrence visited Westminster Kingsway College this morning and spent some time with Geoff Booth, Director of the School of Hospitality.
Geoff was one of the speakers at last week's SSAT conference in the Midlands. It was a very interesting tour and very inspiring. Geoff has
offered to assist the Cyprus Consortium and King Richard School wherever he can as the new 14-19 curriculum is introduced.
Click on the link above to find out more about Westminster Kingsway College.
Cally, who is celebrating her birthday tomorrow, has just gone for an 'Indian' with Jack, Jack, Alex and Dan. (Sounds like Trumpton!) The
Primark shopping team arrived home after a hold up on the CIrcle Line. There could be some excess baggage fees to pay at Brize Norton,
judging by the size of their bags.
King Richard School UK Work Related Learning Experience July 2008
SITREP
Thursday 17th July 2008
Cally awoke one year older. She found the kitchen full of balloons, cards and presents. She had a good start to the day, but then realised
she had to go to work. How quickly they've learned! They came as young students, they will all leave a little maturer and much wiser. Oxford
Street is still recovering from last night's retail therapy.
Everyone is looking forward to the show tonight, but not the packing.
The staff will begin visiting the placements this morning to get feedback about the students progress. Over the next two days all of the
placements will be visited, reports written and paperwork squared away.
There have been some low points, but these have been greatly outweighed by the many high points and they have all been part of the
learning process. It has been a steep learning curve for most, but they have all coped very well. The students have received praise from all
quarters. Many people who we have met (From many countries) have said how good the students have been and how they wished they had
been given the same opportunities when they were younger. People have also commented on how the students have coped with the levels
of responsibility and independence they have been given this week.
It has been a life changing experience for them all. Some of them do not realise just how much they have changed, how much they have
learned and how much better prepared for life after school they are. From every negative, they have learned. From every positive they have
learned. Some of the negatives have produced the greatest learning opportunities.
Two more days of work and then the group will return to RAF Brize Norton for the flight back to Cyprus.
The weather forecast here is for showers today and rain tomorrow. However, nothing is going to dampen our parade.
Chris starred in his own mini version of the 'Terminal' this morning. Having got on the train at Victoria, he lost his ticket. He had no money
and the staff at Arsenal would not let him out. Fortunately they rescinded. Another lesson learned.
As it gets close to midnight, the students are finally finding their way to bed after a very long, but enjoyable day. This evening was the
biggest learning curve of the lot. Tonight 19 students from KRS discovered the meaning of 'Rock and Roll'! They danced, they sang, they
screamed, they clapped and they cheered to the music of the 1970's! 'Queen is dead, long live Queen'. Three pulsating hours of music,
comedy, dance and theatre that is 'We WiIl Rock You'. The girls loved Galileo Figaro in trousers and 'Victoria Beckham' in a kilt. Jack
Graham apparently liked the chorus line in black bras, knickers, suspenders and stockings, judging by the way his binoculars steamed up. It
was another fantastic night and the group eventually got back to Victoria shortly after 11pm. In the theatre, Mr Lawrence bumped into Mrs
Bull from Prince Rupert School and Mr Nelson from Gloucester School who coincidentally have students in Woolwich this week and then to
add to the coincidences the students bumped into Kayleigh Allen, an ex KRS student, on the platform. What a small world we live in.
Tomorrow is the last day of work before the students head off for Brize, some will stay in UK and will be collected tomorrow evening. They will
all leave with many memories.
SITREP
Thursday 17th July 2008
Cally awoke one year older. She found the kitchen full of balloons, cards and presents. She had a good start to the day, but then realised
she had to go to work. How quickly they've learned! They came as young students, they will all leave a little maturer and much wiser. Oxford
Street is still recovering from last night's retail therapy.
Everyone is looking forward to the show tonight, but not the packing.
The staff will begin visiting the placements this morning to get feedback about the students progress. Over the next two days all of the
placements will be visited, reports written and paperwork squared away.
There have been some low points, but these have been greatly outweighed by the many high points and they have all been part of the
learning process. It has been a steep learning curve for most, but they have all coped very well. The students have received praise from all
quarters. Many people who we have met (From many countries) have said how good the students have been and how they wished they had
been given the same opportunities when they were younger. People have also commented on how the students have coped with the levels
of responsibility and independence they have been given this week.
It has been a life changing experience for them all. Some of them do not realise just how much they have changed, how much they have
learned and how much better prepared for life after school they are. From every negative, they have learned. From every positive they have
learned. Some of the negatives have produced the greatest learning opportunities.
Two more days of work and then the group will return to RAF Brize Norton for the flight back to Cyprus.
The weather forecast here is for showers today and rain tomorrow. However, nothing is going to dampen our parade.
Chris starred in his own mini version of the 'Terminal' this morning. Having got on the train at Victoria, he lost his ticket. He had no money
and the staff at Arsenal would not let him out. Fortunately they rescinded. Another lesson learned.
As it gets close to midnight, the students are finally finding their way to bed after a very long, but enjoyable day. This evening was the
biggest learning curve of the lot. Tonight 19 students from KRS discovered the meaning of 'Rock and Roll'! They danced, they sang, they
screamed, they clapped and they cheered to the music of the 1970's! 'Queen is dead, long live Queen'. Three pulsating hours of music,
comedy, dance and theatre that is 'We WiIl Rock You'. The girls loved Galileo Figaro in trousers and 'Victoria Beckham' in a kilt. Jack
Graham apparently liked the chorus line in black bras, knickers, suspenders and stockings, judging by the way his binoculars steamed up. It
was another fantastic night and the group eventually got back to Victoria shortly after 11pm. In the theatre, Mr Lawrence bumped into Mrs
Bull from Prince Rupert School and Mr Nelson from Gloucester School who coincidentally have students in Woolwich this week and then to
add to the coincidences the students bumped into Kayleigh Allen, an ex KRS student, on the platform. What a small world we live in.
Tomorrow is the last day of work before the students head off for Brize, some will stay in UK and will be collected tomorrow evening. They will
all leave with many memories.
King Richard School UK Work Related Learning Experience July 2008
SITREP
Friday 18th July 2008
The final day and all the students made it out on time to 'go to work' after last night's late finish. The luggage room
was full as they also had to empty their rooms before they left.
They all received excellent reports from their supervisors and some were even offered jobs if they return to London.
The students returned after some final shopping and awaited the arrival of the ART minibuses. Cas and Paul
arrived a few minutes late, the bags were packed, we waved goodbye to Laura on reception at Wigmore House
and we were off for the two hour journey to BZZ. After checking in, the group returned to Gateway House to find
that the dining room was closed. After some crisps, soup and chocolate they made their way to bed.
SITREP
Friday 18th July 2008
The final day and all the students made it out on time to 'go to work' after last night's late finish. The luggage room
was full as they also had to empty their rooms before they left.
They all received excellent reports from their supervisors and some were even offered jobs if they return to London.
The students returned after some final shopping and awaited the arrival of the ART minibuses. Cas and Paul
arrived a few minutes late, the bags were packed, we waved goodbye to Laura on reception at Wigmore House
and we were off for the two hour journey to BZZ. After checking in, the group returned to Gateway House to find
that the dining room was closed. After some crisps, soup and chocolate they made their way to bed.
King Richard School UK Work Related Learning Experience July 2008
SITREP
Saturday 19th July 2008
Awake at 0630 in time for a cooked breakfast at 0700-0800. Cereal only between 0800-0900. An early start for a
scheduled 1200 flight. Even earlier when we discovered a minimum 1 hour delay! The rooms have been
refurbished, but Gateway never changes! Thoughts of horror start to arrive when the receptionist informs us that
the trooper last week was delayed by 3 days!!
All are up and packing. Jack Hunter has grown a moustache in an hour - that'll teach him to fall back to sleep, when
there's a felt tip pen around. The mass are starting to arrive at reception and soon we'll be on the transport down
to the terminal.
We boarded the VC10 at 1240 with a slot time of one hour later. However we may have taken off earlier. It was
difficult to tell as everyone was asleep by take off! Estimated flight time to RAF Akrotiri is just over 4 hours. ETA
Akrotiri 1930hrs .
Just a bus journey back to KRS and the two week learning experience will all be over. Hopefully the lessons
learned will remain with them forever.
One word keeps appearing in the students' diaries about the two weeks. "Amazing".
Having just spent 14 hassle free days in London with 19 students aged 14-19, I think the word equally applies to
them! The bus finally arrived at KRS at 2145hrs and the students were met by the waiting parents.
SITREP
Saturday 19th July 2008
Awake at 0630 in time for a cooked breakfast at 0700-0800. Cereal only between 0800-0900. An early start for a
scheduled 1200 flight. Even earlier when we discovered a minimum 1 hour delay! The rooms have been
refurbished, but Gateway never changes! Thoughts of horror start to arrive when the receptionist informs us that
the trooper last week was delayed by 3 days!!
All are up and packing. Jack Hunter has grown a moustache in an hour - that'll teach him to fall back to sleep, when
there's a felt tip pen around. The mass are starting to arrive at reception and soon we'll be on the transport down
to the terminal.
We boarded the VC10 at 1240 with a slot time of one hour later. However we may have taken off earlier. It was
difficult to tell as everyone was asleep by take off! Estimated flight time to RAF Akrotiri is just over 4 hours. ETA
Akrotiri 1930hrs .
Just a bus journey back to KRS and the two week learning experience will all be over. Hopefully the lessons
learned will remain with them forever.
One word keeps appearing in the students' diaries about the two weeks. "Amazing".
Having just spent 14 hassle free days in London with 19 students aged 14-19, I think the word equally applies to
them! The bus finally arrived at KRS at 2145hrs and the students were met by the waiting parents.
| KRS Y10 & Y12 Work Related Learning London 6th - 19th July 2008 |
