KJS Family Learning Weekend 2007

The team of stewards knew they were in for a busy day when the first people arrived at 9.10am for registration and it wasn’t long before there was sizeable queue leading outside the front entrance of King James’. With great efficiency, the eager participants were signing away in the main school hall and by 9.50am, three of the activities were already fully booked. “ It was wonderful to see such enthusiasm and interest for the activities” commented Bryan Western, Head of Music and organiser of the event, “and although some of these were booked up early, the were so many more new and unusual sessions that people could enjoy”. It was always going to be difficult to provide something for everyone, especially as this year was based on a one-day event and clearly some people were going to be disappointed. There inevitably had to be a limit on activities and the numbers of participants with which tutors could cope. Mr Western continues, “I rely totally on the good nature of the tutors who give up their Saturday to provide new experiences for young and old alike. They have to be comfortable with the numbers they work with and we always have to consider health and safety. Having said this, the majority of people enjoyed a wide variety of activities”.

Over 360 people took part in the learning day which compares very favourably to the whole weekend numbers from previous years and, with a choice of 30 activities, some families and individuals managed to take part in 6 or even 7 things throughout the day. Fortunately for those who could not manage to get in one or two sessions of their first choice, there were a number of pop in activities that were available and really successful. Once again, the face painting and banner making were very popular and busy, but new activities like the steel pans, aboriginal arts, ceramics and card making were a huge success. Also new this year was support from A level drama students Stephanie James and Lucy Emmett, who ran the ‘want to be an actor’ session. One young participant commented that this was brilliant and clearly had great fun in the process. Mr. Western was indebted to the pizza making ladies, who in the second session managed to produce 34 pizzas for would be Gordon Ramseys: a magical fete in view of the fact that originally only 15 were scheduled to be made! Equally busy were the circus skills, tie-dyeing, origami and street art. There was a constant stream of youngsters down to create their street art masterpieces and the tutor was still finishing off the last attempts at 5.00pm! The café, headed by new catering manager Chris Boyle and supported ably by the languages team, as always, provided a constant supply of much needed food and drink to the hungry participants.

Bryan Western congratulates the wonderful team of 30 tutors and 20 stewards, without whose support, the weekend simply would not have been viable. Particular thanks go to Richard Crosby, Sam Pedel, Dan Hebron of Year 11 and staff member Julian Hooper who helped to make the whole event go so smoothly.

Mr. Western has had some really useful feedback from the questionnaires and will endeavour to make the programme even wider, run even more smoothly and offer more opportunities next year. He noted, “It does however, depend on who comes forward to do the sessions: the event can only be successful if people are prepared to offer their expertise and time. I am truly grateful to all those who have made the event such a success and must not forget the sponsors for the day. These included NYCC, Connecting Youth Culture, Knaresborough Council, Knaresborough Rotary Club, Knaresborough Lions and Bobby’s Bakery.

Finally, a huge thank you to all those who came to support the day. Ultimately, if families didn’t attend, there would be no Family Learning Day! Looking forward already to 2008.