Building on the success of last year, Ely College students celebrated their second ‘Charities Day’ which raised over £3000 for their chosen charities.
This action packed event, dedicated to fundraising, is one of the Cambridge Meridian Academies Trust’s well-established PLEDGES and Futures Days, where students are given the opportunity to work towards their PLEDGES or broaden their experiences as they work towards their futures.
In the lead up to the big day, the students came together in their form groups and Houses to vote for their House charities for the year. It was a difficult process as so many worthy causes were on the table, but overall each House leaned towards a charity that helped children. Students shared their thoughts and empathised with young people their age who face difficult challenges or life threating conditions. Some houses adopted new organisations whilst Scott and Franklin kept supporting groups they have built a relationship with over the last year. This year, Ely College will be supporting the following four charities:
- Arthur Rank Hospice – Scott House
- Spectrum Cambridge- Etheldreda House
- C9 Cancer Ward at Addenbrooke’s Hospital- Franklin House
- EACH, East Anglia Children’s Hospices- Turing House
- with Bishop Laney Sixth Form also choosing to support EACH
Students brainstormed fundraising ideas, planned and prepared their stalls and the culmination of their hard work came together on the last day of term as ‘Charities Day 2018’ took place. The school site was divided into event areas with tuck shops, a sports zone, neon dodgeball disco and even a return of the ‘stage door haunted house’! Gladiator Battles were very popular as were glitter makeovers and various delicious cake sales. As well as the traditional lucky dips and tombola’s we had some fresh ideas. From gaming challenges to selfie stations, zorbing footie to nerf wars; there was something for everyone!
The event was well supported by teachers, who encouraged students to plan for a bigger and better event than our inaugural year. Principal of Ely College, Richard Spencer, thanked his staff and all who supported the event and said: “PLEDGES and Futures Days are so important because they play a vital part in helping our students to develop empathy as well as more tangible skills such as the teamwork and responsibility that comes with event planning.
“Handling cash with its insights into customer service and building communications skills that will benefit them throughout their lives, preparing them for life beyond the classroom. We are delighted with how the students have embraced their House Charities this year and we look forward to running fundraisers for them throughout the year.”
Head students, Oscar and Hannah commented: “What an awesome way to end the term! We enjoyed working with our form groups and the student council to come up with new ideas and raise even more than last year. All the houses totally smashed expectations and we are all very pleased the money will go to help children and their families who deserve it. We want to thank our form tutors for helping us raise so much and wish everyone a Merry Christmas.”
PLEDGES were introduced at Ely College last year and are vital in ensuring students leave college as well rounded individuals, to support their academic and career paths. A system of rewards and behaviour, PLEDGES help students develop character and responsibility that can be taken into their adult life. They encourage students to get involved with the wider experiences the college and community has to offer them.
Press release from Ely College
