Summary

In this conversation, Bex shares her inspiring journey from being a passionate athlete to becoming a firefighter. She discusses her early influences in sport, her experiences competing at elite levels, and the challenges she faced due to injuries. Bex highlights the importance of community, mentorship, and resilience, offering valuable life lessons for both teenagers and adults considering career changes.

Takeaways

• Bex always dreamed of becoming an Olympian, which shaped her path in sport.
• She represented Great Britain in surf lifesaving and held a world record.
• Bex earned 19 caps for the Welsh rugby team while working full-time.
• Her transition from swimming to rowing was driven by her Olympic ambitions.
• Injuries led her to retire from elite sport, which was a difficult adjustment.
• Bex found motivation in setting small goals during her recovery.
• She loves the unpredictability and adrenaline of being a firefighter.
• The fire service community feels like a family, offering strong support.
• Bex emphasises the importance of enjoying life and not stressing over small things.
• Change is possible at any age, and it’s never too late to pursue new paths.

Links

www.swps.org.uk

https://www.instagram.com/rowerugby/?hl=en

Summary

This conversation explores the Model United Nations (MUN) experience from the perspectives of students and their teacher. The discussion covers the structure of MUN, the process of debating global issues, personal growth through participation, and the impact of attending conferences. The students share their experiences, challenges, and aspirations, highlighting the importance of understanding diverse perspectives and the value of engaging with serious global topics.

Takeaways

• MUN allows students to represent different countries and debate global issues.
• Students prepare by researching their assigned countries and relevant topics.
• Debating in MUN helps develop critical thinking and public speaking skills.
• Participation in MUN fosters personal growth and confidence.
• Students often feel intimidated at first but find support among peers.
• MUN encourages collaboration and teamwork among students from different year groups.
• Attending conferences provides valuable real-world experience.
• Students learn to advocate for perspectives that may differ from their own.
• MUN discussions often tackle serious and complex global issues.
• Engagement in MUN can inspire students to explore global cultures and issues further.

Links

www.swps.org.uk

Summary

This discussion delves into the significance of VE Day, particularly in light of its 80th anniversary, through the perspective of students engaging with historical documents and personal reflections. Pupils share their experiences of learning from letters written during the war, emphasising the emotional impact and the importance of understanding history. The conversation also considers the legacy of Winston Churchill and how his role is viewed in today’s society, underlining the need to remember and educate others about past sacrifices.

Takeaways

• Engaging with historical documents fosters empathy and understanding.
• Pupils discovered personal connections to history through wartime letters.
• VE Day commemorations encompassed both celebration and mourning.
• The effects of war on young people are profound and enduring.
• Churchill’s legacy continues to shape contemporary views of British identity.
• Historical narratives reveal enduring human experiences across generations.
• Commemorating major historical events remains essential.
• Pupils’ projects reflect meaningful engagement with history.
• Letters offer unique insights into the everyday lives of people during wartime.
• Educators play a vital role in helping students understand the past.

Links

www.swps.org.uk