Getting ready for the Sponsored Walk

We are looking forward to our Sponsored Walk on Friday 23 May 2025!

Our students in Years 7 to 10 will take part in the 8km route around Crowborough and Rotherfield to raise funds for Beacon Academy and our student-nominated charities: Clued-Up Info and Folly Wildlife Rescue.

We are delighted to have raised over £18,300 so far including GiftAid! To track our progress, visit https://www.peoplesfundraising.com/fundraising-group/beacon-academy-sponsored-walk-2024.

Key information for the day:

Dress code: Students are permitted to wear non-school uniform suitable for walking/running. All other school policies regarding jewellery, makeup and hair colour apply. Trainers and socks are strongly recommended (please bear in mind that the route may be muddy). Please be prepared for all weathers, applying sunscreen and bringing a hat or waterproof jacket as appropriate. Skimpy or revealing items of clothing are unsuitable for school and will not be permitted. Unfortunately, if a student is dressed inappropriately, they will be asked to return home to change.

Timings:

• Periods 1 and 2 — students will follow their usual timetable.
• The walk will start after break and registration.
• Once they have finished the walk and signed out, students will be permitted to leave school from 2:00pm. School transport will run as normal – students will be able to stay in IT2 and Mu2 until 3:10pm.

Food and drink:

• Breaktime (before the walk): Breaktime will be extended to give students additional time to refuel and go to the toilet ahead of the walk. Students are advised to eat at break time and ensure their water bottle is filled. Chartwells will offer “grab and go” options and the salad bar will be open.
• Lunchtime (after the walk): Chartwells will offer a limited catering service in Café Beech, including hot snacks, pre-packed salads, drinks and ice lollies for purchase. There will be no main meal provided.
• Students should bring a filled water bottle (refills available en route) and may bring light snacks. Any litter must be placed in bins back at school.
• Bags and belongings: Please pack light for Periods 1 and 2 (a pencil case is all that is needed) and leave valuables at home. Students will need to carry their bag if it cannot be stored in a locker.
• Runners: Students that would like to run the route can discuss this with a member of PE staff and sign up in the PE Office. On the day, runners must wear suitable clothing and must be able to jog for 1 hour.
• The route: During the walk, staff will marshal the route. This includes road crossings, walking on pavements and footpaths through woodlands. There is one registration point during the walk and a final registration on their return to school.
• Conduct: As always, we expect students to behave responsibly and respectfully throughout the event. A disregard for these expectations will result in the appropriate sanction.
• At the end of the walk: students will sign out in Beeches Main Hall and receive a pack of sweets free of charge. It is expected that students will finish early on the day from 2:00pm, depending on walk completion time. During lunch time, a limited lunch service will be available in Café Beech. School transport will run at normal times.

Fundraising reminder:

Students are encouraged to raise as much sponsorship as they can to help fund improvements to outdoor social areas, support vital educational resources, and our charities.

Each student has their own personal fundraising link to share securely with friends and family. We have sent the links to parents and to students, so please check your emails!

Prize draw entries are still open:

• £25 raised = 1 entry to win a fitness tracker (one per year group)
• £50 raised = additional entry to win an Apple Watch

If your child is unable to participate due to a medical condition or injury, or you have any questions, please contact Mr Cottrell at p.cottrell@beacon-academy.org before Wednesday 21 May 2025.

Thank you for your ongoing support!