tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-618066295420401291.post6878214151229163785..comments2024-02-12T11:02:41.752+00:00Comments on An Independent Head: Education is a Risky BusinessMark S. Steedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14553896714267081021noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-618066295420401291.post-41412489138135430002009-02-21T19:09:00.000+00:002009-02-21T19:09:00.000+00:00You hit the nail on the head (assuming that's perm...You hit the nail on the head (assuming that's permitted by the H+S lobby) when you talk about the need for managed risk in education.<BR/><BR/>As a pupil at Berkhamsted I found the freedom to learn about assessing risk and taking appropriate chances through the CCF, DofE and other school activities. <BR/><BR/>For me, there was no better place to learn the basics of leadership and self-sufficiency than hiking with friends over snowy Brecon peaks, or flying with the Army Air Corps during Summer camp. They are some of my fondest school memories, and I am grateful to the teachers who gave of their time to allow me the chance to learn some vital life lessons.<BR/><BR/>Now, as a teacher at Berkhamsted, it is a source of great pride that these traditions continue. Watching young men and women taking on the same challenges, along the same routes I trod, and seeing their satisfaction at the end of a grueling expedition, is a reminder that all they need to learn can't be taught in the warmth and comfort of a class room. <BR/><BR/>I hope you are right and the Health and Safety lobby doesn't infringe on our freedom to offer outward bound adventurous training. I've seen it restrict colleagues trying to run DofE and the like when I worked in the maintained sector. I do understand the need to keep our young safe, but that shouldn't restrict the opportunity to take chances and confront realistic obstacles. <BR/><BR/>The world outside the school gates will be no safer just because we hide our students away from reality.Sacha van Stratenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01041060468903643437noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-618066295420401291.post-32874155530180439012009-02-21T12:32:00.000+00:002009-02-21T12:32:00.000+00:00One aspect of life at Berkhamsted is the involveme...One aspect of life at Berkhamsted is the involvement of the armed forces in the school. For three years my son has enjoyed the weekly CCF meetings and I have actively encouraged him to go away with the CCF. I agree totally that a risk free upbringing is not good, and the CCF has taught many of the boys and girls how to look after themselves.<BR/><BR/>On one trip to the Brecon Beacons he fell as he was running, with a bergen on his back and a gun in his hands. Both of his front teeth were broken as he fell on the gun. He required a lot of dental work and I was advised to sue. I didn't because I never want the school to decide that membership of the CCF is too risky. <BR/><BR/>My son has been on ski trips, learned to dive and lived for a long damp weekend under a piece of plastic. All these activities were risky, but I believe have made him into a rounded, happy individual who I am very proud of. Thank you Berkhamsted, please keep it up.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com