This term, year 8 took part in The First Give programme as part of their “My Quest Journey”. This social action campaign enables students to identify local social issues and engage with charities that address them. The students then compete to win £1,000 for their chosen charity.

Across the cohort, students worked incredibly well together and united ideas in order to best support a social issue. The form groups’ chosen charities were as follows:-

8.1 – Mind – supports people with mental health issues

8.2 – Duffus Foundation – helps young people impacted by cancer

8.3 – St Christopher’s Hospice – supports people at the end of their lives

8.4 – JAGS Foundation – works to build better foundations for young people in Croydon

8.5 – Bromley and Croydon Women’s Aid – supports victims of domestic violence

8.6 – Lives Not Knives – helps young people avoid knife crime

Students across the year group showed maturity and compassion with emotive issues, and commented that this project has given them a deeper understanding of modern life. Miss Dixon was especially impressed with 8.4’s questions and engagement with JAGS, who delivered a talk to 8.4.

All classes worked hard to produce a social action and fundraising campaign including bake sales, car washes, creating educational resources, designing badges, raffles and sports events in order to raise money.

On Thursday 31st of March, we held the Year 8 First Give Charity Final. With support from their My Quest Journey teachers, students worked hard to perfect their presentations. They all performed amazingly, and it was fantastic seeing them grow in confidence and improve their presentation skills.

Congratulations to the winning team of Anna, Deja, Sienna, Filipe, Morris and Kishawn, representing 8.2, who received a cheque of £1,000 for their chosen charity, Duffus Foundation. Individual awards for public speaking went to Honey Durling and Asaru Parr who showcased an excellent ability to captivate and educate their audience.

Thank you to all those that supported the students with this project. We are very pleased with the achievements of Year 8 and would like to thank them for their dedication and amazing work!