Sixth Form Leadership Development Event, Hosted By Gp Capt Harry Kemsley OBE

The day was led by Gp Capt Harry Kemsley OBE, who kicked things off with a discussion about what it really means to lead, follow, and be part of a team. We all introduced ourselves and got to know each other before heading into the first challenge - an orienteering and code-breaking task in mixed teams. We split into two groups, the Octonauts and the Chimeras, and worked in pairs to find clues around the school. It was a fun way to start the day, and a good icebreaker. The Chimeras took the first win!

Next, we moved into a series of teamwork challenges. We learned how to take part in group discussions and debates, covering topics like AI in the workplace and gap year volunteering. These taught us how to listen, express ideas clearly, and keep a conversation flowing without dominating it but also contributing well.

One of the highlights was a scenario challenge where we had to work out the best route to deliver antivenom to a teacher on a map. It really got us thinking about planning, decision-making, and how to play to each other's strengths.

After lunch, the physical team challenges began. Back in our school groups, we had to complete tasks like forming a square with a rope while blindfolded (with some of us not allowed to speak), and guiding each other through an obstacle course using only verbal instructions. One of the most memorable was flipping a bedsheet with all of us standing on it; we managed it in 6.7 seconds which we were all very excited about! The moment we saw the time was definitely one of the highlights of the day for me.

Later in the day, we worked as a team to plan our goals for the year ahead and created a presentation to share our ideas. It was a great exercise in leadership and learning how to bring different opinions together into one clear vision.

The final challenge involved building a bridge - one part was made with LEGO while blindfolded, and the other using lollipop sticks, tape, and cardboard. Both tasks tested our communication and problem-solving skills. In the end, both schools performed differently well, so it was called a tie - fitting, considering how much we learned from each other.

We ended the day with a formal black-tie dinner, which was a really nice way to relax, chat, and reflect on everything we’d done. It was announced at the end that this was the first time the event had ended in a draw, which felt like a fair outcome given how much both schools brought to the day.

Overall, it was a fantastic experience. We came away with new ideas, new friends, and a stronger sense of what it means to lead - not just in title, but through teamwork, communication and action. Thank you so much to Gp Capt Harry Kemsley and his team for running the day and to RMS, Mrs Freeman, Mr Herring and Mrs Younge for facilitating us being there and organising the day!