Willow Sculptor

Willow Sculptor

The young carers group took part in a workshop run by sculptor Tom Hare. Tom is a renowned willow sculptor and has had his worked installed across the world, including Kew Gardens, Anne Hathaway’s house and Las Vegas. He worked with students to create “flying seeds” which have been installed by the greenhouse near C block. It is a fair to say the process was a test in the art of patience and perseverance as it was very intricate work. However, the results are outstanding! I would like to thank Bishop’s Stortford Rotary club for their incredibly generous funding of the entire workshop.

Mr Harlow, Young Carers


Waitrose

Christmas was delivered to Birchwood Young Carers by Waitrose.

Christmas was delivered to Birchwood Young Carers by Waitrose. Tracy Whitfield, Community marketing champion from the Bishop’s Stortford branch came to school loaded with hampers for our Young Carers and food and drink to get the party started. The Young Carers enjoyed the celebrations, pulled crackers and partied with their friends. We’d like to thank Tracy for taking the time and preparing such amazing hampers and making Christmas time special for our young carers.


Vire Logo

Young Carers went to The Vire Zone escape room

Birchwood’s Young Carers went to The Vire Zone escape room in Bishop’s Stortford for an end of term trip. Students had the opportunity to try several virtual reality experiences – including spaceships, rollercoasters and defending a medieval town from invaders. There was also a chance to take part in an exciting shoot out experience in the Nerf arena before being treated to a pizza lunch. The main event of the day, however, was the main escape room, The Dam Busters, where students had to work as a team in order to crack codes and break free (which also involved some phenomenal teamwork in guiding an electric car through a tube!). The day was enjoyed by all and we would like to express our huge gratitude to Ian, Mel and Bec at The Vire Zone for providing such a fantastic experience.

 


Young Carers go to Vire

On Friday 23rd March, the Vire Zone in Bishop’s Stortford town centre opened its doors to a group of ten students aged between eleven to sixteen from Birchwood High School.

The students, who are all young carers, took part in a range of activities including the Nuclear Launch Escape Room, virtual reality computer games and the Nerf Battle Arena. They all had a wonderful time, demonstrating great team work and resourcefulness. The idea behind the trip was to provide an opportunity for the students to enjoy themselves and bond as a group. Due to their home circumstances young carers may not have the chances to socialise and have fun that other students do. By the end of the hour and a half session, everyone had tried at least two activities, there were big smiles all round and the confidence of the group had visibly increased. Feedback from the students was that…

“everyone at the Vire Zone was really friendly. There was a lovely atmosphere and we felt welcomed as soon as we walked through the door.”

Kate Byers, Community Manager at Birchwood High School thanked Ian Cox, owner of the centre, and his staff for their time and generosity in making the afternoon possible.