The
6th International Conference
“Broadening Our Horizons”
March 06th - 10th 2006
In March, many international guests came to the freezing cold and rain
of Featherstone. They came to St Wilfrid’s in search fish and chips, new friends
and a chance to sample a slice of life in an English school. Visitors came
to St Wilfrid’s from across the globe, some from our partner schools in Europe,
and others from as far a field as the Ukraine, Poland, Sweden and India. In
all there were 141 students and teachers from 9 different countries who participated
during the week. The spirit and sense of adventure throughout the week was
something to behold, as everyone joined together in icebreakers, cultural workshops,
excursions, a song contest and practically anything that would allow all nations
to collaboratively work together and have fun at the same time! The atmosphere
of the week was tremendous, reflecting the open-minded nature of the students
who contributed.
| It was a chance for our students
to actively seek out friendships among the different cultures
and races who were present for the week. It was an opportunity
to share experiences, laugh and work together to deal with
complex issues which impact upon the daily lives of a modern
community. Young people worked together with their new friends
to discuss racism and cultural diversity. |
|
Now that we have had a few weeks to reflect upon this year’s International
Conference and our heads have stopped spinning, it is clear that the event
was a huge success. It was a remarkable team effort, including contributions
from student ambassadors, parents, the local community, the wonderful talents
of many teachers and the phenomenally hard-working support staff of St. Wilfrids.
The event makes us such a unique school and I wholeheartedly thank you all
for making the week so unbelievably successful!
Far too much happened during the week to include in a short article. Perhaps
one of the most memorable days of the week was the Wednesday; a day for which
we received acclaim by appearing in a national newspaper (TES Issue 10th March).
During the morning session, students actively involved themselves in workshops
to celebrate each other's culture. These included Bollywood dancing, Swedish
sports and Calligraphy, to name just a few of the 12 activities on offer.
They even made tea – Yorkshire style!
 |
As was the norm for the week, the Wednesday was fast-paced and action-packed,
which also involved students watching a thought-provoking theatre session
on current issues of racism in Britain. This superb performance by an
external theatre company has been highlighted as one of the successes
of the week through the feedback of the guests who attended. |
After a Fish and Chip Supper (including the best mushy peas I have ever tasted!),
all nationalities took part in an International Song Contest. This event was
as noisy as ever and was won by a superb performance by The Four Kicks, one
of the many bands in an extremely talented Year 10!
The International Dimension of St Wilfrid’s gives us unique identity and
unites us as a school. There is no doubt that this year’s conference was a
huge team effort, particularly from the students of St Wilfrid’s. I cannot
possibly miss this opportunity to highlight the fact that this year’s conference
was organised, planned and prepared with the help of the International Committee.
This group of talented students, who met in their own time every two weeks,
undoubtedly were the key to making the week so enjoyable for our young people.
 |
So, another International Conference passes and I find myself sat here reminiscing
with a touch of sadness, not yet really believing that it is
over. During the week we all made so many great friends and worked so
hard. I also
believe that the week has contributed to the spiritual growth
of all students involved. |
Don’t worry, the sadness of this loss won’t last
long. Tomorrow, we will start to plan next year’s conference!
Andrew Lewis
Head of the International Dimension
