Hundreds of pupils at Highbridge’s King Alfred School were able to try their hand at scores of new activities when a fun-filled ‘out-of-school convention’ was held on Tuesday (October 20th).
Organised by the Highbridge Beat Team from Burnham Police station, the event took place in the school hall and was supported by ten groups who normally hold activities, such as boxing and first aid, outside school hours.
Highbridge’s police team arranged the event to encourage students to participate in clubs during their teenage years since this involvement is linked to improved aspirations, teamwork, communication and social skills, as well as educational success and physical wellbeing.
“Out of school clubs give young people an attitude of self-worth and self-esteem, building up their confidence, which they retain in the classroom and carry forward into adulthood,” PCSO Gill Bawler, the event organiser, told Burnham-On-Sea.com.
The event was hugely successful, with over 500 students taking part and trying their hand at various new skills.
“I am so thrilled with the success of the event and the support that we have received from the leaders, who gave up their own time to promote their activities,” added Gill.
“I would like to pass on my appreciation to King Alfred School, who organised the flow of the students and made us all feel very welcome. The day fulfilled the aims by promoting out-of-school activities and encouraging students to participate and learn new skills. Many of the students were surprised just how many activities were available to them.”
The event will be followed up in school this Thursday, with each student in years 7 & 8 receiving aide memoirs with the contact details for each group.
