The Matt Hampson Foundation delivered an impressive and varied programme of presentations and team-building games to Oakham School’s Form 6 pupils, which encouraged them to reflect on the importance of resilience, teamwork, and effective communication, and to develop their leadership skills. The day was led by England Rugby World Cup finalist Dan Hipkiss and it was great to see OO Dan Kelly (’23) return as part of some voluntary work he is doing with the Foundation when he is not studying at Edinburgh University.
The day started with a brief session focusing on what makes a great leader, sparking ideas and conversation on the day’s focus: leadership.
After the initial leadership session, The Matt Hampson Foundation representatives introduced themselves through some games and activities outside in the sun. Following this, Form 6 were inspired by moving personal stories from two incredible young people who have shown amazing resilience, determination and courage after suffering life-threatening injuries and permanent disability.
In the breakout sessions, pupils were encouraged to develop their teamwork, communication and time management skills as they engaged in a range of activities and challenges, including a Dragons’ Den style activity in which they had to invent, promote and pitch a new product, some fun interactive routines, and a giant game of ‘rock, paper, scissors’.
The Sixth Formers then participated in a session where they reflected on what skills they had used or gained over the course of the day and how these will be important to them in later life. This included understanding their own leadership styles.
The day came to a close with an incredible talk from world record holding polar explorer Alex Hibbert. Travelling 1374 miles in 2008, he earned the title of completing the longest fully unsupported polar journey in history.
Alex told his quite incredible personal story about survival, resilience, determination and the importance of a positive growth mindset in the face of extreme challenges and stressful situations. The impact of his story was obvious as, after a very full day, a large number of pupils stayed behind to talk to him individually and to purchase his autobiography.
This was an excellent day which benefited the pupils in a variety of ways, especially the young people’s personal stories which were truly inspirational.
– Jonny Kay, Assistant Head of Upper School
