Year 9 Crime 'Squad'

On Tuesday 22nd June, Year 9 took part in a course called ‘Crime Squad’.

After we assembled in the Sports Hall, we were separated into random groups, all named after different sections of law enforcement, such as ‘FBI’ and ‘Code Breakers’. We then took part in a team building exercise, in which we had to build the longest human line possible with only certain body parts touching the floor. This proved to be very tricky indeed, but it helped us get to know our group better.

Following that, we were given our timetable of activities for the day. My group’s first activity involved us all being strapped into a harness, which formed a web when connected with one another. Using our positions and coloured string, we had to deposit rubber spiders into a central tank, and retrieve ‘golden orbs’. Unfortunately I didn’t do very well here, but the aim was to listen to one another and work as a team.

Activities such as these continued through the day, and I believe we improved over time. The next activity involved dismantling a bomb through a crossword, and we were the first team to complete it. We then succeeded in catching several ‘robbers’ in Cops and Robbers, and in the afternoon rescued a baby gorilla from its kidnapper.

The day ended with an awards ceremony, where the best teams were commended, as well as the best participants. Overall I really enjoyed the day, because it helped me understand where my strengths and weaknesses in a group lie, and how listening is critical in being successful as a group!