Tonbridge and Benenden team up for a day of learning, lacrosse and ‘immersive theatre’

Novi boarders welcomed Year 9 students from Benenden School to Tonbridge on Field Day (Wednesday 4 October) for a day of shared activities.

Benenden’s pupils took the lead in a session of lacrosse at the Tonbridge School Centre, giving demonstrations and coaching, with the students then combining once more for games of mixed tag rugby.

The day began with the students teaming up in groups of six to take part in the ‘Poverty Trap’, an immersive workshop set up near to the Tonbridge campus and run by the charity Empathy Action.

This event, led by a team of volunteers and based on real-life testimonies, enabled participants to experience something of what it feels like to be trapped in extreme poverty, and to understand more about causes and conditions of extreme deprivation in many parts of the world.

Josie McNeil, Tonbridge’s Lower Master, said: “The day enabled students from both schools to share experiences, work in teams and get to know a little more about each other, and I’ve had lots of positive feedback.

“The students are all learning from each other and I’m looking forward to our return visit to Benenden next month.”

Tonbridge’s boarding houses are twinned with those from Benenden, with respective students getting together at least once a term for a range of activities including quiz nights and meals at Pizza Express.

Near the start of the Michaelmas Term, Tonbridge’s Praes met with their opposite numbers at Benenden, the Grey Jumpers, for a training afternoon which included team-building, problem-solving and public speaking exercises, as well as hearing talks on well-being and time management.