Over 50 students from Bohunt Education Trust (BET) visited Bedales School in Petersfield on 4 March for a ‘game-changer’ partnership event.

The afternoon of workshops at Bedales supported BET’s ‘game-changer’ programme for Y7 students from a variety of backgrounds who attend Priory School in Southsea, The Petersfield School (TPS) and Bohunt School in Liphook, underpinning themes of resilience, leadership, independence and creativity.

Students chose two options from a carousel of four activities on offer at Bedales, all of which chimed with an overarching theme of ‘sustainability’. Those on offer were climate change, digital game design, drama and ceramics.

The workshops were taught by staff from Bedales and facilitated by Sixth Form ‘dons’ and student leaders at Bedales and Bohunt. Students were invited to work with peers from different schools, to encourage confidence and collaboration.

BET and Bedales have been collaborating since 2018 and are committed to working together on joint initiatives. The collaboration started with staff training and developed into a programme of student initiatives, which took place successfully through the 2018/19 year, and have continued into 2019/20.

The day is part of BET’s ‘Game-changer curriculum’ initiative, focused on growing the aspirations, cultural capital and character of all students from a variety of backgrounds, through exceptional opportunities.. This, it was agreed, would work well as a theme for a Bedales/Bohunt collaboration focused on developing character and resilience in students.

Gary Green, Head of Virtual School at BET said,

“BET’s vision for education is about empowering our students to become ‘game-changers’. It is also about giving every single child the same chances in life, no matter where they start from. This is what today is all about – working in partnership with Bedales, friends with a similar vision for education, bringing students together from across our schools, taking them out of their comfort zones, creating new opportunities and building confidence and resilience to help them become the best versions of themselves.”

Speaking about the experience, students said:

“I enjoyed ceramics and the chance to make something. I feel more confident after today,” – student from Bohunt School, Liphook

“I really enjoyed today because of how much I learned. Overall, the day was amazing,” – student from Priory School.

Neil Strowger, Trust Leader at BET said, “This afternoon’s game-changer event continues to build on the successful and growing programme of activities between our school communities, for the benefit of our amazing students.”

Magnus Bashaarat, Head of Bedales, commented:

“With students successfully collaborating from across our schools, this event was a great example of our growing partnership. The event also proved to be an excellent leadership opportunity for the sixth formers from Bohunt and Bedales who enjoyed working on these creative activities with the younger students.”

The cross-sector partnership between BET and Bedales has, to date, included staff professional development sessions, Oxbridge interview preparation, Student Voice sessions, joint expressive arts performances, shared facilities, ‘Question Time’ MP panel events and teacher training.

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