Pupils from Osbaldwick Primary School, joined the Archbishop at Bishopthorpe Palace for their first introductory session to the Award, led by the Archbishop of York Youth Trust. The Young Leaders Award has been running at Key Stage 3 and 4 since 2011 and currently has 49 schools involved with over 7000 students due to complete the Awards this year. Following the success of the Awards, four York primary schools will run the Key Stage 2 Award in the spring and summer terms in 2013.

Matt Brown, Deputy Head teacher at Osbaldwick Primary School whose 8-11 year olds will complete the Award in 2013 said:

“It’s fantastic that our pupils who will be completing the Young Leaders Award later this year get an idea of what challenging projects lie ahead for them and a sense of how they can make a difference.  It’s great for them to meet the Archbishop and get to know Archie B too!”

Dan Finn, Young Leaders Award Coordinator said:

“With the help of Archie B, the brilliant central character behind the Key Stage 2 Award and with a story similar to many of the young people that the Youth Trust supports, we’re confident that many Primary School pupils will be encouraged to make a difference in their communities. The Young Leaders Award at Key Stage 2 includes a DVD assembly of Archie B’s story and rap, six lesson packs, an interactive theme song, Youth Trust scrap books, pens, badges and certificates”.

The Archbishop of York said

“The Award encourages the service of others, be it within school or within local communities, and it is all about making a difference in people’s lives. It’s always good to meet young people and a great pleasure to welcome Osbaldwick Primary School here today. Keep up the good work – I’ll be back to check on the progress!”

About the Young Leaders Award

The aim of the Archbishop of York Young Leaders Awards is to equip young people to ‘be the change they want to see’ in their local communities.