Year 8 Learning Together

 Year 8 Activities

WOW, what a start to the last half term for year 8s.  While 100+ years 8 were experiencing challenges on a water sport based trip to Newquay the remaining 180+ students had 2 days of bespoke activities.

Split into 2 main groups, they all experienced a team building and Winston Skills challenge day on the field.  Lead by Mr Doul and a team of teachers Year 8 had to work with others to complete a variety of tasks such as 'follow the rope' This activity is a great trust activity where groups experience visual sensory deprivation as they navigate their way around a course and learn to appreciate the importance of other senses and, as importantly, learn to rely on team-mates for support. Designed to help develop trust and communication within a group, participants must follow a trail through the woods, negotiating obstacles along the way and all without the ability to see using blindfolds. Participants were grateful for the support of their teammates and equally, they provided support in turn. The team solved problems, use analytical skills, took responsibility and were safety aware of themselves and others.

“ Build the Bridge”  Using a range of given different materials the group should try to build a bridge in limited time.  Then, put a cup on the finished bridge and carefully pour water in it until the cup is full or the bridge collapses.

“Shape Circle” where students form a specific shape using rope.  While all holding onto the rope circle, some students are blindfolded this relies on engagement from all involved and excellent communication skills.

Miss Stubbs said 'With the shrinking carpet, everyone had fun and used innovative skills by playing other teamwork games with it.'  

On the following day all students took part in a STEM challenge set by Mr Queshi and a team of  teachers.  They had to plan, design and make a catapult in groups using cardboard and some other materials such as hot glue, wire, elastic bands and masking tape.

Mr Eaton said “it was a fantastic couple of days. I saw some excellent teamwork and was very impressed at the level of ideas some groups came up with for their catapults”

 

At the end of the day the catapults were put to the test and judgement was made regarding both design and effectiveness.  Throughout the day students constantly analysed what they had done and actively tried to make changes to ensure their design was fit for purpose. They demonstrated a variety of Winston skills in this STEM challenge and for some, their resilience was really put to the test.