Hampton offers a number of annual travel awards from a fund set up in memory of Mr E.R. Badman, a former Deputy Headmaster of the School and a legacy from Mr A.T. Shepherd, an old boy and former Chairman of Governors. The awards are intended to enable Hamptonians to travel, either in this country or overseas, to broaden their horizons, for educational purposes, and in pursuit of adventure.
During the 2023 summer holidays, a number of senior Hamptonians received Badman Shepherd Awards which allowed them to travel to destinations ranging from Europe to Africa. Upper Sixth pupils Sam Ho and Josh Hood headed to the Spanish capital Barcelona, which offered the linguists invaluable language practice and the opportunity to explore the art, history and culture of this vibrant city. Sam and Josh tell us more about their trip:
Having travelled to Barcelona this summer for six days, thanks to funding from the Badman Shepherd Award, we were able to take advantage of visiting many Catalan tourist sites, and other cultural opportunities which Barcelona has to offer. We took great interest in the exceptional art works of Antoni Gaudí and Pablo Picasso. La Sagrada Familia, La Casa Batlló and Picasso Museum were also highlights of our trip. We were able to discover the intricate ways in which both of these major Hispanic cultural figures enlightened generations through their designs, ideas and concepts. The profound impacts of the opportunity to see these sites are endless, including enhancing our insight into the complexities of Catalan regional culture, as well as aiding us in our university applications. We are incredibly grateful for the funding provided from the Badman Shepherd Award committee, for which none of this would have been possible without their support.
Another Sixth Former, Josh Freer, travelled further afield to Uganda, where he took the opportunity to explore the country’s vast landscape as well as work in a local primary school. Josh explains more about his visit to Uganda:
For a month in the summer holidays, I was able to visit the East African country of Uganda. Here I had the opportunity to teach primary school children English and Maths, whilst also adjusting to a very different lifestyle! I soon adapted and was able to use the Badman Shepherd Award to pay for accommodation, food and transport – enabling me to fully engage in my travel experience. I was also able to see a range of wild animals, including getting up close to lion cubs. It was such an amazing experience and the people I met, and the things I learnt from them, has been a real eye opener in seeing a different view of the world both economically and politically.
Other Hamptonians also took the opportunity to travel to Germany, Italy and the UK.
Back to All Articles
