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Posted on February 27th 2020
Student Leaders Focus on Men’s Health and Southwark Foodbank
We're really proud to have got this letter of thanks from Southwark Foodbank for donating £400 to them over Christmas last year. And also this certificate of thanks (below) from mens' health charity Movember for raising £517 to help stop men dying too young. See full story below.
Our student leadership team is leading a school-wide campaign to raise awareness of men’s health issues, and also supported Southwark Foodbank in the run-up to Christmas.
The student leaders ran assemblies (pictured) last term looking at topics such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer and men’s mental health – discussing how we can manage anxiety and stress. They also explained why Southwark Foodbank was so important and what we could do to make sure they have the food they need.
"Curiosity and tolerance"
“To carry out charitable events such as Foodbank and Movember in our school demonstrates our curiosity about the outside world," said Desaan, Year 9. "By making these contributions and by increasing the awareness around these important matters we are building tolerance, ambition and generosity into our school lives. I feel that it is an achievement that exceeds academic as it demonstrates the type of citizens we wish to be in the future.”
Our new student leadership team was elected during a day of voting in which every student could take part. In a close-fought race, Diego, Year 10, was elected Head Boy, with Dant’e and Abdul, both Year 9, becoming assistant principals.
“Since joining the student council I feel as though I have become more respectful and confident," says Ruben, Year 8. "Not only do we spread the important messages surrounding mental health and community spirit we are given the opportunity to present these to our peers in assembly, therefore building our skills as individuals.”
A foundation
“I think the student leadership team is important because it’s like a foundation for the school to stand upon,” says Diego. “The school probably wouldn’t develop as much without it.” Assistant principal Dant’e agrees: “We are a diverse academy in our cultures as well as our likes and dislikes, and we want this to be mirrored in what is offered to us as a student body.”
Two representatives from each Hub were also elected to the student leadership team, which meets once or twice a week. Previous successes of the team have included new meal deals in the canteen, new football tables and goals in the playground and raising money for charity.
Our student leaders are supported by Ms Taylor. “This is a real responsibility for the boys so the school is committed to supporting them through team-building and training too,” she said. “I’m very proud of how powerfully they spoke at the assemblies and their determination to make a difference to our school and the wider community.”
Abdul, Year 9, is pleased to have helped Southwark Foodbank. “By taking part in Foodbank we have expanded our horizons and many have been taught about the value of helping others,” he says.
Dant’e, Year 9, agrees: “Life can be a brutal journey, there are ups and there are downs, we sometimes do not always control our fate. Resilience, not only in ourselves but by helping others, will help us all achieve great things and survive difficult times”.
Below: Head Boy Diego (right), pictured with Assistant Principal Dant’e (left) and Ms Taylor.
