Field Day brings learning to life beyond the classroom
Last week’s Field Day saw Tonbridge boys step out of their usual routines and immerse themselves in a wide range of hands-on learning experiences, from community volunteering to sailing, science and empathy-based challenges.
One of the largest activities, Tonbridge Community Action (TCA), saw 119 boys volunteer across 18 projects in the local community. Many spent the day at their regular placements, leading scavenger hunts and drama sessions at Long Mead Primary School, playing games at Derwent Day Centre, shadowing staff at Hollanden Park Hospice, helping at the Sustain food bank, and running art and cookery workshops at The Oaks Specialist School. Their energy and enthusiasm made a lasting impression on the people they supported.
On-site, groups from Scotts Project, The Oaks Specialist School and Slade Primary School joined boys for a range of creative activities across campus. Juliet Burnett, Head of Community Action, said:
“Field Day gives the TCA boys a sense of how their placements operate and really challenges them to get fully involved. It’s a fantastically positive way to start their volunteering, and by the end of the day, everyone had grown in skills and confidence.”
The CCF Army and RAF Sections deployed to Pippingford Park, near Crowborough, for an overnight exercise and full day of field training. Cadets established a secure harbour area, built bashas and practised tactical movement before rotating through stands focused on navigation, laser tag tactics, command tasks, signals, and camouflage and concealment. Throughout, they demonstrated resilience, teamwork and strong leadership, with senior cadets mentoring newer recruits in challenging conditions.
Meanwhile, 3rd years from the CCF Royal Navy Section spent the day in Eastbourne completing yachting and powerboat training under the guidance of Bourne to Sail instructors. Cadets learned practical seamanship, navigation and vessel handling, reaching speeds of over 40 knots during advanced manoeuvres. The remainder of the Navy section visited the Historic Dockyard in Portsmouth.
Back at school, boys took part in an Empathy Action experience with visiting pupils from Benenden, Walthamstow Hall and Kent College, exploring global inequality through immersive role play.
From fieldcraft and sailing to volunteering and creative collaboration, Field Day once again gave boys the chance to learn by doing, developing leadership, initiative and perspective beyond the classroom.
