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Youth

Outwood Grange Academies Trust Empowers Students to "Get Out There" and Make a Positive Impact

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

A recent challenge, initiated by Outwood Grange Academies Trust (OGAT), provided students with an opportunity to actively demonstrate their positive role in society. In response to student feedback, the "Out There" challenge was created, allowing students to work in teams to deliver community projects that contributed to their local communities in various ways. The challenge was open to students in Years 6 to 13 across all 42 OGAT schools.

Key Takeaways:

  • The "Out There" challenge was designed in response to student feedback from the Trust's Student Voice activity, highlighting the importance of community involvement and positive role modeling.
  • Students worked in teams of up to four, guided by volunteer adult advisors, to deliver nearly 100 community projects, including revitalizing local green spaces, volunteering at food banks, and hosting intergenerational events.
  • The programme was divided into six core categories: Build Relationships, Be a Sustainability Superstar, Boost Community Wellbeing, Build an Inclusive Community, Make your community Safer, and Innovate.
  • Local organizations and sponsors, such as YPO, Leeds Rhinos, and Awaken Education, provided essential financial aid, expertise, and resources to support the challenge.
  • The teams who delivered the most impactful projects will be recognized at an award ceremony in January, with a range of prizes and experiences up for grabs.
  • OGAT plans to make the "Out There" challenge a permanent feature of their curriculum offer, reflecting the Trust's commitment to community engagement and student empowerment.
  • Students from Outwood Grange Academy in Wakefield reflected on their experience, stating, "We decided to take part in the Out There project because we wanted to help the community. We spent time helping out at a local hospice, and our favourite part was seeing how grateful the patients were. We would definitely do it again!"
  • Julie Slater, chief executive principal (OIE) at OGAT, highlighted the importance of the challenge, saying, "Outwood Out There is a fantastic opportunity available to our children and young people who want to make a difference in their communities."

Statistics:

  • 42 OGAT schools participated in the "Out There" challenge.
  • Nearly 100 community projects were delivered as part of the challenge.
  • The programme had six core categories for projects, which included Build Relationships, Be a Sustainability Superstar, and Boost Community Wellbeing.
  • Local organizations and sponsors contributed financially, providing essential resources and expertise to support the challenge.
  • The teams who delivered the most impactful projects will be recognized at an award ceremony in January.

Sources:

  • Byline: Sarah Royal (no publication date provided)
  • "Outwood Out There" challenge (no publication date provided)
  • Outwood Grange Academies Trust (OGAT) (no publication date provided)
  • Julie Slater, chief executive principal (OIE) at OGAT (no publication date provided)
  • Claire Jackson, strategic lead for family and community programmes and partnerships at OGAT (no publication date provided)

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