School hosts first Law Summer Day Out
On Saturday 3 June 2017, The Dickson Poon School of Law hosted its first Law Summer Day Out event at the university's sportsground in Honor Oak Park, South East London.
The event was arranged in response to recent student and staff feedback and themed around the ideas of community and wellbeing. Law Summer Day Out was designed to bring students, staff (and their families) together, to enjoy a day of fun, relaxation and recuperation just as the May exam period finished.
With the aim of strengthening the feeling of community in the School and highlighting the importance of wellbeing, Law Summer Day Out brought members of the School together to enjoy each other’s company in ways which it does not often get the chance to do and to have conversations which didn't have to revolve around academic work or career ambitions. In promoting the importance of physical and mental wellbeing, the event incorporated fun exercises and activities which focused on training and relieving the mind and offering alternative ways of thinking and focus.
Staff and students engage in a friendly game of tug-of-war!
Activities at the event paired an old-fashioned sports day - with sack races, egg and spoon races and tug of war - with arts and crafts such as flower crown making, candle-making and tote bag printing. Tai Chi and Yoga sessions also ran throughout the day, plus there was a dedicated relaxation zone in which guests could simply sit back and relax in a deck chair and absorb some of the glorious sunshine which (luckily) came out for the day.
Law Summer Day Out also partnered with King's Sport and their BeActive Team, for some 5-a-side football, touch rugby, volleyball and good old-fashioned rounders! For the young ones, there was a family zone with face painting, crafting, games and much more.
Map of the event with all of the activity 'zones'
The day was organised by the Law School Professional Services Team in partnership with the staff King's Sport, Health and Wellbeing.
Daniel Robson, Student Experience & Engagement Manager in The Dickson Poon School of Law, who headed up the organisation of the event, said: 'This project has shown how successful and rewarding university collaborations can be. It has been a tremendous amount of work for all involved but I think it was worth it and we have made some great working partnerships and friendships along the way. I hope everyone enjoyed themselves and I hope the spirit of the event will last for some time.'
Professor Gillian Douglas, Executive Dean of the School said: 'There was a great turnout from staff and students, plenty of food and drink, lots to do, and perfect sunshine for those of us who just wanted to relax in a deckchair. It was a lovely way to celebrate the end of the academic year and a great example of the warmth and friendliness that is a hallmark of the School.'
Our sincere thanks to everyone who helped organise the day and make it the success it was. Thank you to the students and staff who attended and helped further enhance the community spirit which helps make the experience at The Dickson Poon School of Law so unique.