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This autumn saw the launch of the 2017/18 Global Social Leaders Society. For Rendcomb College, their kick-off started with a Launchpad event on 19th October at their beautiful grounds near Cirencester. The day saw 38 students from Year 12 and some selected students from Year 11 come together to explore what impact they can have locally, as well as developing an understanding of some of the global challenges we face now and will in the future. The students at times worked in two teams, led by the dynamic and inspirational coaches Andy Dunn and Owen Bailey. A big thank you goes to Alice Wyndow, Assistant Head of Sixth Form, for the day would not have been possible without her vision.

The main objective of the day was to develop leadership skills, nurture the confidence and empower the participants to go on and lead successful social action projects as part of their Global Social Leaders Society. In order to achieve this, Future Foundations provided a comprehensive programme for the day that explored concepts of leadership and encouraged students to not only identify, but to create solutions to the challenges we face in society.

The day began with a motivational plenary by Andy, which was themed around self-leadership and that we are all leaders in our right. He framed the day around the idea that the concept of leadership is not a big thing that exists outside of us, but something that we all already have inside. He and Owen challenged students to think about their comfort zones. Owen asked the students, ‘Who wants change to happen?’, and ‘Who is willing to change?’, which saw some of the students identifying themselves as leaders right from the start. Something we whole-heartedly encourage!

The student’s then explored their ideas around the concept of leadership, and what it means to them. Following this, the students were provided with case studies about global issues so that they could assess the ‘Current Scenario’ i.e. Climate Change; Poverty and Gender Equality, with the students presenting their ideas back to the rest of the group.

Furthermore, they partook in some experiential activities including ‘Raising the Bar’ to help them identify what approach they take as leaders when working through a team challenge. After a delicious lunch, the students underwent the Microfinance Challenge, where they had to come to a consensus over which entrepreneur they would support if they had the funds.

The afternoon then consisted of the students ‘Making it Happen’ where they brainstormed their ideas for projects. They split into 5 project groups and presented their ideas to the Year 13s in the beautiful Griffin Theatre. The project ideas included: supporting the homeless with bag donations of essential items; promoting different religions at school during Chapel time; sports coaching to local school children using the facilities at Rendcomb; running theatre productions with local schools using the theatre at Rendcomb; and promoting healthy eating. All of the students demonstrated that they had the skills, capabilities and passion to bring about social change in Cirencester. We eagerly await news of their projects in the New Year when they launch their Global Social Leaders Society.

“Allows us to explore what we want to become.”

Student

“It was good to learn skills about what I can contribute with people I don't normally work with.”

Student

“It made me much more aware of how much I wanted to help the community.”

Student

What can you and your school do to help bring about social change in your local community?

If you are interested in joining this global movement of student lead Global Social Leaders Societies then please email amy.mander@future-foundations.co.uk or if you are interested in any of Future Foundations award-winning programmes contact alice.baines-hamblin@future-foundations.co.uk