RSA8 Social Action Project

Holyhead School Case Study 2018 - 2019

Alka Mistry - Community & Events Manager / RSA8 Lead

Overview of RSA8 Project at Holyhead School The RSA8 Leadership Programme was founded in 2014 to help develop leadership and entrepreneurial skills in students through a variety of social action campaigns. The project centers around giving 10 students in Year 8 the opportunity to raise awareness of and support local and global social issues important to them, such as climate change, mental health and poverty. Soho in Bloom - 2018

Sustainability was the theme of the Soho in Bloom project where the main campaign goal was to help improve the surroundings of the Soho Road Handsworth area. This project brought together various people in the community including local retailers, businesses, neighbouring education providers and religious organisations. The RSA8 students planted thousands of flowers along Holyhead and Soho Road, and also created a tranquil garden on the school site for Year 7 students transitioning to secondary school. The project was part of the national Britain in Bloom programme

which was televised on the BBC and hosted by Chris Bavin. After the hard work and commitment to the community and RSA8 students put in, we were awarded a Silver Guild Award for our efforts. This project has broken down barriers in the community and since then locals have approached the school and commended the students on their hard work commenting on the pride they now have in their local area. As the project was such a success, this year’s RSA8 cohort have continued the legacy, leading 60 fellow students to plant again with the aim to receive a Gold award.

RSA8 Social Action Project / Holyhead School P1

Food Poverty - 2019 Food poverty is a prevalent issue in our local community on a daily basis, which affects the students within the school. With this problem being close to the hearts of many students and some experiencing it first hand, RSA8 students were passionate in supporting the local food bank. After researching and making links with the food bank, Trussell Trust, the students had valuable insight about the diverse background of those who use this resource and a range in products available as food is not the only necessity required. Students started their campaign by presenting to Ross Trafford, Principal of Holyhead School, and then the issue was addressed though many coordinated assemblies across the school to raise awareness and encourage donations of essentials for Trussell Trust. The campaign raised funds to purchase necessities. Fundraising included cupcake stalls and samosa sales. Finally, RSA8 organised a school wide competition for tutor groups to bring in as many different products for the food bank. This was hugely successful and both students and teachers brought in over 400 products to donate, ranging from food items, nappies and personal hygiene products. RSA8 teamed with global company GSK who provided 150 toothpastes and toothbrushes to promote oral hygiene. The RSA8 students took great pride in taking all of the items to the food bank themselves and the donations ensured the food bank was stocked during the summer holidays, where many parents/carers struggle to provide. This was an immensely

proud moment for RSA8, as we have raised students to make positive contributions to their own community, thus raising aspirations.

RSA8 Social Action Project / Holyhead School P2

Period Poverty - 2019

Alongside the fight against Food Poverty, RSA8 students were inspired by Julie, an ex-Holyhead School student. Julie suffered financial hardship as a child and was unable to afford proper sanitary products, impacting on her right to an education. She currently supports RSA8 in its goal to provide sanitary products for all females. This, teamed with the recent headlines on ‘Tampon Tax’, promoted the creation of the “Red Box” in school. This box contains various products and is anonymously available for all girls helping to reduce teenage anxiety.

RSA8 students put up posters in the girls’ toilets informing girls of where to locate the Red Boxes. To promote the initiative, RSA8 students led assemblies to educate the entire student body.

Conclusion The work does not end here! Future projects will be centered around more environmentally friendly endeavours as this is an issue which affects all of humanity. RSA8 students want to help fight for climate change, making small changes to create a big impact and raising vital awareness in the local community that will help to meet this vision. Overall, the RSA8 programme has allowed the students to have a focus, be challenged, push boundaries, gain confidence, enhance leadership skills and improve on communications skills. Most importantly, they have become rounded ambassadors for the greater good! They have

RSA8 Social Action Project / Holyhead School P3

exemplified excellent character through the RSA8 mantra of being champions of real causes causes. RSA8 is a fantastic programme which provides an alternative education in the form of entrepreneurship, compassion, finding individual voice through the vehicle of social action. Through this process this year’s cohort have created a Holyhead School RSA8 brand called #TheGoodInUs, logo and a vision statement.

Vision Statement 

Our vision

is to not see any families suffering in our community and inspire the next generation

to have a safer environment to avoid starvation for a

brighter future. Student quotes

“I am Inspired and Motivation and full of Pride” “This has made me happy” “My Communication & Presentation skills have improved”

They are the future of tomorrow and have proven that they can make positive changes through hard work, compassion and passion. This year’s RSA8 cohort have committed to continue building on social action throughout their school and personal lives, with the aim to always challenge perceptions and always bring out the #TheGoodInUs.

RSA8 Social Action Project / Holyhead School P4