The Record 2014 - 2015

“I wanted to say what a fantastic morning we have all had. The pupils are buzzing and are wearing their Readers Make Leaders t-shirts with pride” Teacher, Orchard Meadow Primary

Director of SeeSaw, writes “Our relationship with Teddies has been so positive and as their Charity of the Year, they have raised over £34,000 for us - incredible. In all, Teddies has raised nearly £100,000 through direct and indirect means”. In addition over £15,000 has been raised for other charities. Again, this has been through both staff and pupil-led initiatives. Elsewhere, I worked with a group of Fifth Form pupils in a group called ‘be the change’. The intention was to give them an opportunity to be cultural architects in their community and wider world. They decided they wanted to be the change in their year group. They wanted to challenge and change the social dynamic by breaking down barriers between different groups of pupils. They designed and developed ideas for a Fifth Form ‘be the change’ dinner. At an individual level Sixth Former Joe Percy responded to a Chapel Service by applying for a £1,000 grant from Reverend Andrew Greaves to initiate a charity project in Palestine. Open Goal uses the universal language of football to offer children an alternative to conflict and occupation. He subsequently developed links with refugee camps following a school assembly talk from Computer Aid International. Joe also trained as a Good Lad facilitator.

In reply:

“My sentiments exactly! It was a really lovely morning and our students got so much out of it”. Ashley Young, MCS. It also created space for members of staff from all schools to explore other ways that partnerships and initiatives could be developed to encourage opportunity for all. There continued to be commitment to charitable activity. Three charities were selected by prefects and presented in a school assembly. This was followed by an invitation for all members of the St Edward’s community to vote. The charity chosen was SeeSaw. The charity works to support children and young people and their families who experience bereavement. Fundraising was supported and sustained by members of the Upper Sixth and notable individuals in the Fourth and Fifth Form. It is good to see their compassion and service have space to flourish. SeeSaw have also secured additional funds as a result of St Edward’s support. Through the networking and awareness raising at various events they were successful in securing a significant three-year grant from the Rank Foundation. Helen Mackinnon,

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