Two hundred and forty students from Livingstone Academy enjoyed a new year treat with a visit to the BIC’s Cool Coast – the largest indoor ice skating rink on the south coast – last week.

The special trip for the pupils from years 7, 8 and 9, was a reward recognising excellent attendance, positive behaviour and a diligent approach to learning across the curriculum.

The school, which is overseen by Aspirations Academies Trust and is sponsored by games guru Sir Ian Livingstone, places a strong emphasis on cultural capital and enrichment and staff accompanying the trip were gratified as they watched their charges develop their skating ability.

“There were a number of falls and spills on the ice,” says Assistant Principal, Jordan Tewkesbury, “but it was great to see the students enjoy the opportunity to have a go at something new, collaborate with their peers and the staff and, most of all, have fun!

“Some of the staff were also braving the ice for the first time and I think the pupils particularly enjoyed that!”

Livingstone Academy runs reward trips three times a year on a termly basis, setting a date window in which the triangulated criteria need to be met.

“Our winter and spring trips are local and the summer trip can be a bigger scale event, further afield,” explains Jordan.

“The ice skating reward was an overwhelming success and proved just how effective genuine incentives can be in encouraging children to commit to attendance, behaviour and learning.”

• https://www.aspirationsacademies.org/

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