Pembrokian’s are always keen to embrace new experiences and for the past fortnight, a group of twelve, Year 7 children were fortunate enough to do a ‘life swop’ with children from St.George’s School Windsor Castle.
Spending three days a week with their new peers, the children joined a variety of PSB (Pre Senior Baccalaureate) project based lessons – from rocket designing to a topic on castles. They even tried Spanish lessons for the first time. Our children were also invited to join some competitive hockey and football sports matches against Lambrook and Twickenham Prep. Pembroke were the top goal scorers, helping secure convincing wins playing alongside their host school.
When not in the classroom, the children were treated to some unique experiences including a day at Thorpe Park on the rollercoasters; joining evensong with the choristers in the Chapel at Windsor Castle; watching a performance of ‘As You Like It’ at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre plus being given exclusive access into the Royal Mews. A collection of equestrian stables belonging to the British Royal Family, it was here that the children met ‘Emma’ the fell pony and the late Queen’s favourite riding horse, made famous for respectful bowing her head as her coffin passed during the funeral procession on Long Walk.
In contrast, an equally enriching schedule was being enjoyed by the St.George’s students here in Kenya. In addition to participating in lessons and experiencing life in the boarding houses, the children went on a Camel Safari in Soysambu; climbed Mount Longonot and had lunch at Carnelly’s followed by a boat trip on Lake Naivasha. And no Kenya visit would be complete without a visit to Nairobi to see the Giraffe Centre and Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage; swim at the Muthaiga Club and a shop for gifts at the Maasai Market.
The exchange was a truly memorable experience for all of the children, helping to unite different cultures and widen everyone’s schooling perspective. Sincere thanks to St.George’s for making this possible.
