Geography teacher David Alcock has been recognised with a national award from British Orienteering, celebrating his outstanding service to developing the sport at Bradford Grammar School (BGS) and beyond.
David received the Outstanding Service to Schools Orienteering award at the British Schools Orienteering Championships in Edinburgh at the weekend [NOV 16], where he also led BGS students to an impressive third place nationally in the large secondary school category.
A former British champion himself – David won the 2021 M40 British Sprint Orienteering title and also competes for the Welsh Veterans team – he has spent more than a decade bringing the sport to BGS students. He has built a thriving school orienteering programme that includes fortnightly morning training for Year 7 pupils, a senior lunchtime club and regular competition opportunities.
“I had no idea I was going to be presented with the award, so it was a real surprise and I feel very proud,” said David. “Orienteering gave me so much when I discovered it in my twenties, and I’ve always wanted to give students the chance to experience it too.
“It’s a sport that tests both mind and body – we call it ‘cunning running’. You don’t have to be the fastest runner; resilience, problem-solving and staying calm under pressure all play a part. It gives students confidence, independence and the ability to cope in tough or unfamiliar surroundings. Those are skills they take back into everyday life.”
David first discovered orienteering during his PGCE course at Leeds University and has remained an active competitor ever since, training and racing with Airienteers, an orienteering club covering the Leeds, Bradford, Airedale and Wharfedale areas.
Headmaster Dr Simon Hinchliffe said: “David’s commitment to orienteering at BGS is exceptional. His meticulous planning, dedication and passion give our students opportunities they would simply not have otherwise. Being one of only two teachers nationally recognised by British Orienteering reflects the huge impact he has made on school orienteering.”
“It’s a sport that tests both mind and body – we call it ‘cunning running’. You don’t have to be the fastest runner; resilience, problem-solving and staying calm under pressure all play a part. It gives students confidence, independence and the ability to cope in tough or unfamiliar surroundings. Those are skills they take back into everyday life.”