"As it is an Olympic year it was important for the students to have the opportunity to take part in an exciting sport such as skiing and not only that, they were able to meet an Olympic legend"
Headmaster James Allen
Staff and pupils from Beech Hall School returned from an exciting Ski Trip this week where a twist in events led to a pupil becoming the teacher.
Beech Hall School enjoyed a eight day residential to Claviere, Italy, which was designed to promote the Olympic Values including courage and determination, two traits which were evident amongst the group of 28 as for many, including Headmaster James Allen, it was their first time skiing.
The Tytherington-based school has developed an Olympic Passport to celebrate the Olympic year and to help the pupils really understand the significance of the values - Respect, Excellence, Friendship, Determination, Courage, Equality and Inspiration.
Both the pupils and staff certainly earned courage and determination to add to their passports as the group ranged from complete beginners to semi-professional skiers, all of whom gave all their effort when hitting the slopes.
It was 16 year old Jake Elston who took the lead and gave the younger pupils and Mr Allen some tips to tackling the snow. Jake is a well seasoned skier who has a job as a ski instructor, so he was a real asset to the group.
Jake’s advice proved invaluable as by the end of the trip the novices in the group made it on to the Red Run (intermediate level) and the younger group took gold in a race down the slopes on day three.
The trip was enhanced further when Olympic star Chemmy Alcott, Britain’s number one female Alpine skier gave a presentation about the sport.
The self named “Ski Squad” hopped over the border to France for the remaining few days where the theme was fun. The trip ended with everyone receiving awards for their efforts and Jake was particularly pleased to receive a gold one star award.
Mr Allen commented: “This trip was a great school event which I am thrilled I was able to be a part of and I know everyone else thoroughly enjoyed it too. It was especially nice to be learning alongside the children who were also beginners.
“As it is an Olympic year it was important for the students to have the opportunity to take part in an exciting sport such as skiing and not only that, they were able to meet an Olympic legend – both are experiences that will stay with them for life.”
