Whole Day Enterprises 2023

Whole Day Enterprises is a valuable twice yearly off timetable programme and a clear example of Canford’s vision for every pupil to explore, to express and to excel, and the School’s mission to make a difference to their own lives and to the lives of others. We make full use of our location for pupils to experience a whole raft of opportunities on our doorstep throughout the academic year.  This Whole Day Enterprises was another chance to take advantage of the school’s proximity to the coast and countryside of the South West region.  Pupils got involved in a range of options including CCF exercises over the whole weekend, overnight and day, sporting activities and community action projects, all designed to develop life skills and offer off timetable learning experiences.

Canford’s CCF comprises Army, Royal Navy and Royal Marines sections and has been rated best in the country by The Week Independent Schools Guide.  As part of the Enterprises weekend, over 120 cadets from the Army and Marines sections travelled to the infamous training ground of the Commando Training Centre in Lympstone for an exercise overnight patrolling into “enemy territory” and receiving lessons on field rations, living in the field, camouflage and concealment with the Royal Marines completing the Endurance Course over Woodbury Common.  The Royal Navy cadets had some excellent training from the RN SI team in Chichester working through skills in canoes, kayaks and SUPs. They then overnighted at Baker barracks on Thorney Island. On Monday saw them off to Butser Hill and some competitive orienteering followed by some truly excellent mountain bike training with first class kit from the RN SI’s. Cadets then tried their hands at progressively more challenging mtb tracks and trails. All in all, as Sub Lt (RN) Simon Rood commented: “A fantastic trip with some fantastic young people.”

Other activities pupils got involved with included mountain biking in the New Forest, climbing at Dancing Ledge, kayaking in the Purbecks, DofE Expedition skills in the New Forest, Global Connections at Kingston Lacy, survival skills near Milton Abbey, watersports in Poole Harbour, sub aqua diving at Canford Sports Centre and clay pigeon shooting at Pimperne.  Shell pupils spent the day onsite developing their leadership and teamwork skills through a programme of fun activities and challenges involving debating, persuasive writing and lateral thinking.

Canford was crowned the winner of this year’s School House awards for the quality of its community partnership work. Canford pupils spend over 8,000 hours each year working with the local community, and Whole Day Enterprises was a great opportunity to share resources and facilities with groups from across the local area.  Activities included visiting the elderly in care homes, French Language teaching with primary school children, swimming club for children at the Canford pool, F24 racing with The Bourne Academy, work with Wimborne Food Bank, Music concerts for local residents, Art workshops in junior schools, Drama with pupils from Beaucroft School, volunteering at High Mead Farm and a retiree Bridge Club in the Old Library. Sixth Form Canfordians also joined pupils from The Bourne Academy at Castle Court Prep School for a junior Model UN event. Our Sixth Formers acted as mentors to the Year 8 pupils. They helped guide pupils research, drafting resolutions and preparing for the final debate. Thank you to Castle Court for creating a fantastic record of the day you can watch at this link: 

Model UN

Another varied, challenging and rewarding Whole Day Enterprises for all our pupils, and wonderful to be able to involve so many members of the wider community.  Thank you to all the staff involved for making it so successful.