Ground-Breaking Student Community Action Programme Empowers Young People to Drive Positive Change

Strategic Insights -

The ground-breaking "Out There" challenge, initiated by Outwood Grange Academies Trust (OGAT), allowed hundreds of students in Years 6 to 13 to dedicate their time to driving positive change in their local areas. This challenge was created in response to student feedback through the Trust's Student Voice activity, where students expressed a strong desire to actively demonstrate their positive role in society, particularly after a year of community division. By working in small teams, guided by volunteer adult advisors, students delivered nearly 100 community projects that made a significant contribution to their communities.

Key Takeaways:

  • The "Out There" challenge was designed to empower students to drive positive change in their local areas, with students from Years 6 to 13 participating across all 42 OGAT schools.
  • The programme was created in response to student feedback through the Trust's Student Voice activity, focusing on students' desire to make a positive difference in their communities.
  • Projects covered six core categories: Build Relationships, Be a Sustainability Superstar, Boost Community Wellbeing, Build an Inclusive Community, Make your community Safer, and Innovate.
  • Students worked in teams to deliver nearly 100 community projects that included activities such as revitalising local green spaces, volunteering at food banks, and hosting intergenerational events in care homes.
  • The programme has been supported by local organisations and sponsors, including YPO, Leeds Rhinos, Connect Yorkshire, and Awaken Education, who provided essential financial aid, expertise, and resources.
  • Teams who delivered the most impactful projects will be recognised at an award ceremony in January, with various prizes and experiences up for grabs.
  • Julie Slater, chief executive principal at OGAT, reflected on the challenge, highlighting the Trust's commitment to supporting students' desire to make a positive difference in their communities.

Statistics:

  • Practically 100 community projects were completed by students.
  • 42 schools from Outwood Grange Academies Trust participated in the challenge.
  • Local organisations and sponsors contributed significantly to the programme's success.

Sources:

  • "Outwood Grange Academies Trust supports hundreds of students in Years 6 to 13 to drive positive change in their local communities through the Out There challenge." - [Source unknown]
  • "The programme aligns with the Trust's family and community support strategy, which focuses on building strong relationships between schools, families, and the community." - [Source unknown]
  • The image of students cleaning up local areas is accompanied by the caption: "Some students helped to clean up their local areas" and "https://imagestore.jpimedia.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjc0NGVkZjg4LTE0YTEtNDNmNy05Yzk1LTAwYzRiZDFkZTVmYzo0MTQ1NzUxNy1kYWI2LTRlMzQtYjRhOS1iMGY1NDIxOGMzMzY=" - [Source unknown]