Beaconsfield School Children Awarded For Their Journalism Skills

School children from Year 6 at Butlers Court School in Beaconsfield received awards this week for their amazing journalism skills. The articles reported on the recent Paralympics themed trip to Stoke Mandeville Stadium which was organised by South Bucks District Council in partnership with WheelPower a national charity for Wheelchair Sport. 

Sixteen articles were 'Highly Commended,' with three being awarded a Bronze, Silver and a Gold Mark. The articles on the 'Paralympics Day' talked about their experiences and the thrill of meeting elite athletes Nikki Emerson and Chris Rattenbury, both of whom are training to represent Great Britain at the London 2012 Paralympics.

The awards were presented by South Bucks District Council's Chairman Councillor Allan Waters and Portfolio Holder for Community, Councillor Anita Cranmer. The children were delighted with the certificates and sports vouchers awarded to them by South Bucks District Council. Councillor Cranmer commented that "The articles written by the children showed great insight into the trials and tribulations encountered by the budding Paralympians whom they met on their visit to Stoke Mandeville Stadium; the home of wheelchair sport." 

The Paralympics day was designed to fulfil two objectives; to give young people an understanding of the history of the Paralympics, and the role that Stoke Mandeville Stadium played, plus an opportunity for the children to gain an insight into the level of training and preparation undertaken by elite disabled athletes. In total 120 children from schools in South Bucks attended.  

Image courtesy of geograph  © Copyright David Hawgood and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.