Our Y4 finalists took to the stage on Monday 25 March, to compete in our ‘Dragon’s Den’ Becoming Bedford final.
The top group from each class delivered their presentation to an esteemed Dragons’ Den-style panel, including the Mayor of Bedford and OB, Tom Wootton (78-87); Councillor Andrea Spice (past parent) ; Director at Michael Graham Estate Agents, Richard Banks (past parent); and Headmaster Mr Silk. Fellow Y4 pupils and parents filled the audience.
The boys’ presentations, the culmination of their term’s topic work on ‘Becoming Bedford’, showcased their research learnings and in-depth explorations. Their confidence and enthusiasm shone as they discussed Bedford’s history, natural landmarks, buildings, notable citizens and attractions.
‘Brilliant Bedford’
Jack Xiong, Ronak Keshav, Nathan Awoyemi and Theo Aftab (4O)
Covering the river, the old fire station, Castle Mound, and the town’s amazing history. Andrea Spice told the boys they should be “super proud” of their presentation, which was “absolutely amazing.” She praised the boys’ confidence, great use of language and strong finish.
‘Welcome to Bedford: The Town for Everyone’
Olly Stopford, Sachin Khanna, Ben Smart and Harvey Mustoe (4P)
Explored the town’s rich cultural diversity, including the Italian community, who brought their skills, culture and language to Bedford after WW2. The boys also highlighted the Corn Exchange and gave a brilliant insight into the town’s “proper pubs, brilliant bars and incomparable independents.” Richard Banks was impressed by their brilliant history lesson, full of fun facts, and their energy and expression. He commented, “Wow, you were so very, very good.”
‘Bedford, An Excellent Place to Live, Work or Visit’
Herbie Squire, Max Bahous-Parnell, Caspar Holness-Ward and Matthew Page (4V)
Delved into the town’s excellent transport links, healthcare, esteemed sporting heroes and wealth of history. We loved their fact about how the town’s dirty water (a very long time ago) led to everyone drinking beer and the growth of breweries in the town. Headmaster Ian Silk praised the boys for the excellent range of topics and great research, commenting that they “really sold Bedford”.
After some tough deliberations, the Mayor announced 4P as the winners. He praised all the groups for their “fantastic research” and declared they were all “amazing speakers.”
Congratulations to all the boys on their outstanding work – they should be exceptionally proud.
