The Archbishop of York Youth Trust hosted a Key Stage 1 and 2 Young Leaders Award Conference in Sheffield on Thursday 14 November, with a presentation from children who have completed in the Young Leaders Award from Aston All Saints CE Primary School.

The Young Leaders Award is a fully resourced leadership and character education programme, designed by the Archbishop of York Youth Trust, to be delivered by teaching staff within the classroom. The Award has empowered over 90,000 pupils from 700 schools to learn and practice key leadership skills and character virtues and to transform their communities through social action. Available at KS1 to Post 16, the YLA has clear links to SMSC, British Values, PSHE, Character Education, Citizenship, RE and SIAMS.

Pupils from Aston All Saints in Sheffield joined Head teachers and teaching staff from across Sheffield, to present their work and shared their experiences of taking part in the Key Stage 2 Young Leaders Award.

Giving an accumulated total of 96 hours of volunteering, the Young Leaders from Aston All Saints chose challenges including collecting food for food banks, collecting clothes that no longer fit them and donating to charity, helping family members and other members of the community that they live in by cooking and preparing dinner. As part of the Young Leaders Award, the pupils researched various leaders from the past and present, to see how they helped those in their community and further afield, creating art work to celebrate their achievements.

"It has allowed me to acknowledge that we are so lucky to live in an amazing community, whereas others don't."

Young Leader, Aston All Saints

One of the Young Leaders in their class had experienced heart problems previously, so collectively, the Young Leaders chose to support British Heart Foundation for their charity fundraising. Fundraising for British Heart Foundation included holding a Fancy Dress Run, an Easter Egg raffle and more. In total, the Young Leaders raised over £570 for the British Heart Foundation, a huge achievement!

"I'm glad we had the opportunity to help others around us."

Young Leader, Aston All Saints

Rozy Brian, Strategic Lead for Primary Awards at the Archbishop of York Youth Trust, said:

"The Young Leaders that came to share their experience of the Young Leaders Award with us at the conference were truly inspirational! It is brilliant to hear how they are learning from famous leaders and putting this learning into practice by supporting people in their community who are in need. Raising £500 for charity is also a huge success. Well done everyone, you have been great examples of being the change you want to see."

To find out more about the Young Leaders Award, or to join us at our next conference, get in touch with us on info@abyyt.com