Students at Bromley Beacon Academy in Orpington have enjoyed some exciting activities as part of a special week-long summer school.
Mornings have been spent focusing on literacy and numeracy, helping the children to catch up on time missed during lockdown. The afternoons were then filled with fun, giving the 7-13-year-olds the opportunity to try new activities and experiences.
36 students watched the amazing ‘MBE Action Sports Tour’ BMX stunt show and had the chance join a workshop with the riders. There has been a visit from Happy’s Circus, with the big top filling the school field, bungee trampolines, a giant climbing wall, ice skating and on the final day a field fun day picnic with giant inflatables and games.
Bromley Beacon Academy (BBA) is a Special Educational Needs (SEN) through school with sites in Orpington and Bromley, supporting primary and secondary age children with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. Head of School at BBA Orpington, Helena Hamilton, says: “It has been a difficult year for many children, so we are delighted to be able to put on this special week for our pupils.
“Our Summer School is providing a great opportunity to help fill some academic gaps as well as giving the pupils the chance to take part in activities that they perhaps wouldn’t have the chance to otherwise.
“It is wonderful to see the children so keen to learn and try out new things. Hopefully this week will make them all excited about returning to school in September for the start of the new and more settled academic year.”
Among pupils attending the summer school was Dylan, age 7. He says: “Mum can I go to summer camp every day in the summer holidays?”
Parent feedback has been extremely positive, including some of the following comments:
“What you have done for the summer camp is more than amazing. My child has had so much fun. He's come home smiling, laughing and eager to tell me the daily antics. He's grown so much independence over the last week and it's all down to your school and staff! I cannot praise BBA enough! Thank you all so very much”
“My child is much happier and calmer this summer because he has had the opportunity to be a part of the summer camp providing him with respite from his siblings and home as well as giving him some structure through a lengthy break from school that he usually struggles with.”
“These days have encouraged him to talk more at home about his day and experiences and it’s been so lovely to hear as normally we get nothing from him.”
“I would just like to say thank you to every member of staff that contributed to this week it means a lot to our family and your hard work and dedication doesn’t go unnoticed.”
Bromley Beacon Academy is part of London South East Academies Trust. The Trust has a network of mainstream, special and alternative provision schools across Bromley, Bexley and Surrey.
SN