We are delighted to have been shortlisted for an IDPE Development Award for the ‘Schools’ Engagement Campaign of the Year’ for The Beckwith 2022.
The IDPE Development Awards showcase and celebrate excellence in schools’ fundraising and engagement happening in independent and state schools across the UK. They are committed to championing innovation and brilliance across the schools’ development sector and are proud to recognise exceptional achievements through the awards every year. More on these awards can be found here: IDPE Online Community
The main aim of The Beckwith event was to build engagement by bringing together pupils, parents, grandparents, Sternians, staff and governors for a wonderful family day. It was also an opportunity to reflect on our history and the heart of LWC, our Foundation. We designed a new route across our 1,200 acre campus, incorporating iconic sites and created route way-markers, using wood from our own trees.
As part of climate week, the pupils engaged in activities and helped prepare the route, with our Estate Teams, through forest management. We promoted the event via social media, email campaigns, Headmaster’s launch video, and huge posters around school with QR codes to register. Regular communications continued pre and post event. Some vied to be top of the 5k/10k leaderboards, others were keen for a Personal Best, whilst many simply reveled in the atmosphere, ambling round the course – all having enjoyed the food and merchandise stands, DJ and warm-up sessions.
This was our biggest fundraising event and it was a joyous occasion, raising £8,000. The route is now permanently established, used regularly by pupils, parents, staff and Sternians. Our wish to begin a new tradition for our second 100 years was realised as we welcomed back another 1,000 smiley faces (and 100s of waggy tails) for Beckwith 2023 at the start of the Autumn term.
The inaugural Beckwith was the start of our Centenary celebrations last year and was a fantastic way to bring our pupils, families, staff and Alumni together. It was also the start of a wonderful tradition that will forge strong bonds in our community for the next 100 years!
