During the Summer Term, as part of the Excellence Programme, 9s not taking part in Bronze DofE got to participate in the First Give Programme, an initiative that works with secondary schools to inspire young people to become socially aware and take action in their communities. 

As part of the programme, classes explored different social issues and spent time researching charities that tackle them. After some great teamwork and discussion, each group chose a local charity to support: the British Heart Foundation, The Children’s Trust, Renewed Hope, ESDAS and the YMCA. 

Some of the standout moments from the social action projects included a mouth-watering bake sale and the much-talked-about head shave, which drew a huge crowd and even louder cheers! Well done to Dylan and Phoenix who bravely stepped up and went bald for a brilliant cause!

The programme wrapped up with a grand finale in the main hall, where small groups presented their charity campaigns to a panel of judges, including Jonathan Essex (local counsellor), Lt Peter Bishops (Redhill Sea Cadets), David Blow (SESSET CEO), Michael Reeves (Parent Governor) and Mrs Colman (Excellence Coordinator).  

The atmosphere was electric, and the judges had a really tough job choosing a winner. In the end, the group supporting Renewed Hope took the top prize - a fantastic £1000 for their chosen charity! 

A special shoutout goes to Zainah Adams, who received a special award for her powerful and moving poem about homelessness, which she performed with incredible passion.

Well done to all the students who took part - your hard work, compassion, and creativity made a real difference and we hope you will keep supporting these very deserving charities.