Lancing College Summer School 2023

Lancing College Summer School provided an enriching experience for students from EYLA, MKYLA, and Clarion YLA. This trip was a perfect blend of laughter, fun, and invaluable knowledge that extends beyond the classroom, preparing students for their boarding school journey.

Exploring the school's history and its connection to the chapel added depth to the experience. One standout lesson was "metacognition," which emphasised the importance of a growth mindset and questioning assumptions. Interactive codebreaking sessions brought out the competitive spirit in our young leaders as they deciphered clues and patterns. Group activities, including scavenger hunts, swimming, movie nights, and campfires with s'mores, fostered camaraderie and teamwork. Yet, the most cherished memory for many was the formal dinner, where everyone dressed up and followed the traditional Lancing dinner structure. Paige, a Lancing 'Foundationer,' shared a moving speech and imparted valuable advice on pride, gratitude, and giving back. This trip left a lasting impression, broadening students' perspectives on boarding life and community dynamics, while also forging deeper connections and lifelong memories.

Sasha (16) writes:

The Lancing college trip was a fantastic experience filled with laughter and fun whilst still giving all of us students from EYLA, MKYLA and Clarion YLA a valuable knowledge that we can use both inside and outside of the classroom equipping us for boarding life. We also had to opportunity to learn about the school's history and background in connection to the chapel which I found very interesting. I left every lesson wanting to know more but also feeling that the knowledge I gained would last me a lifetime.

One of my favourite lessons was ‘metacognition’ where we learnt about mind-set and that we should question rather than taking everything at face value. I also really enjoyed the interactive codebreaking lessons in which we learned to seek out patterns and find out clues; the competitive sides of the young leaders came out as we raced to find the answers! The group activities also helped greatly in getting everyone to know each other and work together, including a scavenger hunt, swimming, movie night and even a campfire with s'mores.

However, the best part about the trip for me was the formal dinner where we all dressed up and followed the structure of a true Lancing dinner. We had the pleasure of listening to and asking questions to Paige, a Lancing ‘Foundationer’ (bursary pupil), and as well as her moving speech she also gave us motivation and advice for our future and how we should be proud of what we have achieved, to see it as a blessing and not something to hide. She spoke about not losing sight of where we have come from and giving back even if it's as small as giving a talk because even the smartest actions show our gratitude.

I am thoroughly grateful for this experience and opportunity as it has broadened my view on boarding life and how communities work together but has also allowed me to make new and deeper connections with the other students and create memories that I will never forget.