Miss Dawson, Biology Teacher (CAS & Service Coordinator)

During the Autumn Term, Year 10 have been taking part in an advocacy programme called Giving Forward. Over a number of sessions, the girls discussed social issues, and then in small groups they chose one they felt passionate about and found a local charity that addressed that issue. In the half-term holiday, the groups visited their chosen charity, met the staff and volunteers and spoke to beneficiaries of the charities.

On their return to school, they put together a five-minute presentation, including a video, to show what their charity did and why they deserved to win the £1000 grant on offer.

After the internal heats, eight teams were selected to go through to the final – Bedford Daycare Hospice, St John’s Hospice (Sue Ryder), Cruse Bereavement Care, The Mind Map Charity, Tibbs Dementia Foundation, HULA, Clophill Heritage Trust and Schoolreaders.

The final was held on Monday evening. The judges had a very difficult decision as all of the groups showed great knowledge and passion in advocating for their chosen charity. After much discussion and deliberation, the judges awarded the £1000 grant money to Ella Craven, Velvet Few-Wiegratz, Lydia Franklin, Eleanor Schwalm and Joanna Solomon, for their chosen charity of St John’s Hospice in Moggerhanger. The girls demonstrated they really understood the issues and objectives, and they had taken on board the message of their charity, presenting the information with sensitivity and clarity. The teams representing Bedford Daycare Hospice and Schoolreaders were each awarded £250 for their charities.

Thank you to all of the charities who gave their time to support our students and to the students who worked with passion and determination.