This week, 12 intrepid young adventurers from Thornlow Preparatory School headed into Moreton Woods to complete a pioneering Leadership Training Course to develop their communication and leadership skills.  Having attended a variety of corporate training days over my many years working in the business world, I can personally state that Thornlow's trip was of the same calibre that professional business men and women from all over the country travel miles to attend in order to develop their leadership capabilities.

As the children left the comfort of the school minibus they headed excitedly into the woods, intrigued by the challenges they would face.  Met by leadership trainers Rob and Neil from Corporate Training Company "Whitehorse Leadership Training", the children started their adventure by completing a blindfold "trust" trail.  It became rapidly apparent that our young leaders needed to work together to reach their destination and achieve their goal!

Within their base camp, comprising of jerry can seats and a roof of camouflaged canvas, our 12 young adventurers went on to present key information on themselves- no easy task when you're standing in front of a large audience!

Team A comprising Olivia, Issac, Marguerite, Thomas, Alexander and Henry, accompanied by Mrs Clarke, were first to be led off into the woods by trainer Neil to complete their first physical / mental challenge of the day. 

Team B comprising Curtis, Joyce, Sky, Fionn, Leah and Fraser, accompanied by Mr Fowke, were led off in the opposite direction by their trainer Rob.

Thornlow's twelve were challenged physically and mentally throughout a variety of set tasks in the confines of the forest.  To unlock their treasure can and raise their glory flag at the end of the day each obstacle must be completed within an allotted time, every task were assigned a different leader therefore everyone had a chance to lead a team to victory!  Whether the task were crossing "tyre ravine", "walking on team plank stilts" or moving jerry "mines" in a cleverly constructed fake mine field, it soon became apparent that clear "assertive" leadership, tenacity, communication and listening skills were critical to achieving success. 

The day culminated with both teams working together to complete a large assault course, cleverly leading us to enchanted magical tunnels cut through rhododendron roots to a clearing within a newly created Woodland School.

The day was enjoyed by all and the smiles and laughter on the bus ride home confirmed we had 12 inspired leaders onboard!

More information on the training centre used can be found on the following link:
 http://www.whitehorse-leadership.co.uk/.

Written by Mrs L. Clarke, 20^th November 2009

Former pupil Lt. Luke Doddington LD returned to Thornlow on Monday to give an awe inspiring presentation on his life in the British Army todate. Lt Doddington mesmerised pupils with his tales of life at Sandhurst and shared with us  all the exciting adventures that he had had so far. These included Parachuting, Skiing, Sailing and playing Squash for the Combined Services.

He then went onto  outline his seven month tour of duty in Afghanistan which he has just completed.Year 7 & 8 were much amused by the excellent demonstrations of back flips by several soldiers as they let off steam in a river.

As we are busy packing shoe boxes to send out to the Troops, he gave us some much needed advice on what the soldiers would like to receive: Crisps, Lip Balm  and Magazines are in popular demand.