This week saw Year 10 embark on our annual advocacy programme, Giving Forward.  Over a number of sessions, the girls will discuss social issues present in our local community, and then in small groups they will choose one they feel passionate about and find a local charity that addresses that issue.

Before the pandemic, the groups would have visited the charity to speak to staff, volunteers and service users, but more recently we have encouraged contact through emails, phone calls and video calls to collect information about the charity and how it supports the local community.  Each group will then put together a five-minute presentation, including a short video, to show what their charity does and why they deserve to win the £1000 grant money on offer.

Miss Dawson, Biology Teacher (CAS & Service Coordinator) said: “Due to the pandemic, charities have been unable to carry out many of their usual fundraising events, and at the same time, many have received more requests for support from service users.  This programme gives our students the opportunity to raise both awareness of and, potentially, money for, a charity of their choice, while also developing key skills such as research, teamwork and communication.”