This summer we want to empower our pupils to drive positive change in their local community. Through Pupil Voice, young people tell us about how important it is to them to ‘get out there’ and make a difference. We have listened and that is why this summer we are launching Outwood Out There; a programme which will redefine how young people contribute to society. In some areas of the country, last summer saw community unrest and division. The aim of Out There is to continue healing the divisions; strengthening community bonds. Visit www.outwood.com/out-there to watch the pupil launch video.
In teams of up to four, plus an Adult Advisor, pupils will design and deliver a community project during the summer holidays. Anything from a litter pick in the local park to volunteering at a care home or foodbank; designing a public health campaign to encourage healthier living to learning vital first aid skills. It is an opportunity for pupils to pursue whatever they are passionate about, making a difference to the area they live. We are excited to see what brilliant, innovative ideas they come up with.
Each team must nominate an Adult Advisor whose role will be to provide advice, guidance and to support the team in its delivery of the project. The team, together with their Adult Advisor, will be responsible for identifying any potential risks associated with their approved project activity. Adult Advisors will be responsible for reviewing and approving the risk assessment which will be recorded in the team’s Log Book. Owing to the responsibility of the role, all Adult Advisors must be 18 years or older. As part of the registration form, we will collect the name of the Adult Advisor, their relationship to the team/team member and their contact number and email address which will only be used by the school in the event of an emergency during the summer holidays. It is a requirement that all team members and their parents/carers consent to the named Adult Advisor.
Pupils can choose to form teams with their friends, classmates or siblings, as long as they are all in Years 6 to 13 and attend an Outwood school. Teams will document their progress and volunteer hours in a dedicated Log Book which they will submit for judging when they return from the summer holidays. Excitingly, as Out There is a trust-wide competition, involving pupils from all 42 schools in the Outwood family, they will have the opportunity to win fabulous prize experiences including restaurant vouchers, VIP theme park tickets and for the overall winners, an overseas residential. Final-stage winners will also be invited to an awards ceremony at Headingley Stadium in Leeds. More information about the competition can be found attached, including a copy of the competition terms and conditions. Inspiring Change Through Community Action
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Projects will then be approved by school leaders, ready to start from the first day of the summer holidays. Branded t-shirts, Log Books and Adult Advisor Handbooks will be given out in early July.
There is no charge for pupils to take part as the programme is being funded through sponsorship and donations. If you would like to find out more about donating, please visit our Crowdfunder.
Out There will not only bring benefits to the local community but have a lasting impact on our pupils too, from building confidence, leadership and teamwork skills to enhancing employability; from supporting mental and physical wellbeing to providing enriching life experiences. Together, we can empower young people and strengthen communities. Thank you in advance for your support.
