This week, our Lower Sixth students had the distinct honour of being invited to Radley College for one of their annual conferences. This is part of our ongoing partnership called the Respect Project which you can read more about here.
The focal point of the conference centred around the theme of ‘resilience’, featuring insightful talks from the charity 100 & First.
The purpose of 100 & First is to use powerful, incredible real-life experiences as frameworks for you to create and drive your own change, whether that be personal, organisational or cultural.
– 100 & First
The atmosphere was notably friendly and warm, with students collaboratively navigating the day and absorbing wisdom from esteemed speakers such as Henry Fraser, Will Fraser, Sam Cload, and Johanna Cruse.
Henry Fraser underwent a life-altering experience in 2009 during a post-exam holiday. At the age of 17, an accident left him paralyzed from the neck down. Despite this adversity, Henry has since become an author and artist, offering bespoke workshops that focus on finding strength amidst hardships. You can find Henry’s work here.
Throughout the day, both Lower Sixth cohorts demonstrated remarkable respect, actively engaging with the speakers’ advice and personal challenges. Subsequent discussions wove together the students’ individual concerns, fostering a sense of shared experience and solidarity.
It is so important to recognise young people today face a multitude of challenges on every front and if we, as adults, have any experience that can help it is our duty to do so.
– Johanna Cruse
The day was a source of delight for Downe House, as we welcomed the opportunity to meet and engage with such inspiring individuals alongside our counterparts at Radley.
Mr Matt Godfrey
godfreym@downehouse.net
