T: 01283 795000 E: Enquiries@whitemoorlakes.org.uk
T: 01283 795000 E: Enquiries@whitemoorlakes.org.uk
Meet Frankie —or should we say, the U11 Girl’s Fencing Champion of England! 🤺🏆
Here’s the full scoop from her proud parents, Â
“A few years ago, our daughter Frankie attended Whitemoor Lakes on a school residential with Great Addington Church of England Primary School. While she was staying with you, she tried fencing for the first time.
Because of how your staff delivered the fencing lesson, Frankie became very interested, and we found her a local fencing club so she could keep practicing. She’s now been fencing for a year and a half.
Yesterday, Frankie competed in the England Youth Championships, and she won!!! She’s now the U11 Girl’s Fencing Champion of England.
Over the last year and a half, Frankie has fenced in many competitions all over England, winning medals at nearly every one—5 golds, 4 silvers, and one bronze.
Her fencing club, OPS Epee Club, is based in Oundle, Peterborough, and Stamford.”
Frankie’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact a school residential can have on a young person. It was during her time at Whitemoor Lakes that she discovered her skill and enjoyment for fencing.
We are incredibly proud of Frankie and her achievements. A shout out to the parents too who nurtured the seed which was sown and took Frankie to the fencing club, probably glad that Whitemoor Lakes is not offering horse riding!
Here at Whitemoor Lakes we can see daily what impact a residential stay can have on a young person. This is one of the reasons why we are working hard and what gives us the motivation to do our very best every day. The experiences a student has are precious and valuable, completely different to a typical classroom setting, often revealing talents the pupils didn’t even know they had.
Here’s why residential trips are so important:
On a school residential pupils have the chance to come across activities which they never normally experience in their daily lives or in PE classes. For Frankie it was fencing, but for others it can be archery, team-building, canoeing or rock climbing. These unique opportunities can spark an interest and lead to a hobby or even a career path.
Every day we see how much students grow when spending time together and facing challenges which they have never experienced before. It can be overcoming the fear of heights, trying out a new sport, needing the extra push when going down the zip wire, or simply being away from home. Each challenge will improve self-confidence and build resilience, realising that they can achieve more than they thought.
Who wouldn’t like to go on a fun residential trip? Out of the classroom? Yes please! The good news is that learning doesn’t stop when the students leave the classroom, they might think so, but we do know that it doesn’t. The students experience practical learning tasks like making their own bed and clearing away their plate after dinner, they take on responsibilities that they often experience for the first time. The physical activities are also designed to develop other life-skills and benefit the students far beyond their school years – problem-solving, leadership, teamwork and communication.
For many students, the bond and friendships they create can last a lifetime, the students share adventures and bring them closer as a team. The social aspect is as important as the activities.
At Whitemoor Lakes we believe that every student has potential just waiting to be released. Frankie’s story represents countless stories where students discover their skills and passions, growing in self-confidence and often discovering that they are stronger and braver than they thought. These trips give the students the freedom to explore and experience things for the first time, all in a safe space.
After all, the next fencing champion—or artist, leader, or scientist—could be just one residential away from discovering their passion.
Whitemoor Lakes
Barley Green Lane,
Lichfield,
WS13 8QT
Tel: 01283 795000
Enquiries@whitemoorlakes.org.uk
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