Every year during the summer term, students in their third year at The Mount take part in a Biography Retreat.
These young people take time away as a group to reflect on the journey they have taken in their lives to reach the point of transition from being a Student who learns to becoming a Trainee who puts that learning into practice.
They create individual biography books with support from friends and families, full of images and information that tell the story of ‘I’.
Third-year students at The Mount take part in the Biography Retreat
Safe space for sharing
Staying in a property for the week this year in nearby Edenbridge provided a safe space to share and collaborate, cook and celebrate, living together as a household of nine. Over the week the group enjoyed board games, swimming, cooking and day trips out.
And on each day biographies were shared. Dedicating time to sit quietly and listen, learning each other’s journey, they shared an experience that will never be forgotten and gained an understanding of how hard they worked to get to where they are.
College 2 students test themselves at the Bowls Rocks outdoor centre
Physical challenges
While College 3 were away, the College 2 students had their courage and physical abilities tested at Bowles Rocks outdoor centre in Tunbridge Wells. All the students had the opportunity to try archery, climbing, abseiling, kayaking, ‘leap of faith’ and other team-building challenges.
For many, it was the first time trying these activities. Fortunately, having their friends present cheering them on enabled many brave attempts, as sometimes even the thought of doing some things could be a little scary!
It was wonderful to see how the group supported and encouraged each other, which resulted in them all having two fantastic days that will surely be remembered for a long time.
Learning through drama
College 1 students perform Parsifal
Meanwhile, College 1 students put on their end-of-year performance of the Parsifal play to the community and their families, which they have been preparing this term.
Many hours of rehearsing, stage fear and joy have been experienced throughout the process, but they managed to compose themselves on the day.
Parsifal is the story of a young man’s journey into the world. Parsifal starts to understand more about himself and learns about the human mind, spirit and soul. The rehearsals allowed the students to practice their speech, memory, posture and movement.
Alongside acting, the students broadened their repertoire of performance skills. They learned eurythmy (harmonious body movement to the rhythm of spoken words), medieval dances and rod fencing. They also practised working as a team and helping each other.
Throughout the weeks of practice, they identified and learned to express various emotions such as joy, sadness, anger, fear, and excitement. The performance was thoroughly enjoyed by all those who watched and took part.
About us
The Mount Camphill Community is a thriving community that caters for young adults with special educational needs. It comprises an Independent Residential College and an innovative Cohousing Community.
The individuals’ needs, potential and aspirations are recognised, met and developed. To learn more about us, please visit our website: www.mountcamphill.org.
