The community leadership and charity work of 195 Archbishop Holgate’s School students was recognised at the second Archbishop of York Young Leaders’ Award Ceremony which took place on 16th July 2014 at 6pm.

The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu presented certificates to the 195 Year 8 pupils who have completed the Young Leaders Award, developed by his Youth Trust.

The Awards Ceremony was attended by pupils, their parents and carers, the teaching staff, as well as representatives of some of the charities supported by the pupils.

Archbishop Holgate’s School Head-teacher Andrew Daly said:

“This event is a wonderful opportunity to reward and celebrate the selfless and inspirational work our young people have achieved.  I am very proud of the positive change they have brought to their local communities and to themselves.”

The Young Leaders Award, which is taught alongside Citizenship lessons, was introduced Archbishop Holgate’s in January 2012 by School teacher Caroline Capper and is now firmly established in the school’s curriculum.

Caroline Capper said:

“It’s fantastic to be able to build upon the phenomenal success of our first cohort of pupils.  Now we have another group of impressive young students who have demonstrated the ability to learn, understand and apply the lessons of the world’s great spiritual leaders.”

The Award teaches the pupils about inspirational people of faith, including Martin Luther King, Gandhi, Bono and Nelson Mandela.  Once they have researched the lives and backgrounds of their chosen leaders, the pupils apply what they have learned about campaigning and compassionate action to their own local communities.  Each one must complete three acts of volunteering designed to bring about positive change.

Mrs Capper said:

“It’s a powerful, hands-on approach to learning about inspirational faith and the power of hope.  It’s based on Gandhi’s famous quote, ‘be the change you want to see in the world’. It’s great to see the second cohort of pupils go through the Award. As more and more Archbishop Holgate’s pupils learn about the power of charity and supporting our communities, they too will be able to contribute more and more to making the world a better place.”

In 2014, Archbishop Holgate pupils have contributed to a remarkable range of projects and events.  The extensive charity work has included: fundraising for the Fikelela charity in Cape Town; providing cakes to staff in the school’s Learning Support Centre; organising football and hockey tournaments for local children; raising funds for the school Spiritual Garden; setting up a Glee club at a local primary school; looking after pets for neighbours; volunteering at primary schools; and collecting sponsorship for the Race for Life event.