Impington Village College begin their Grand Challenge

Published by Sarj for Papworth Trust in Communities and also in Education, Health, Housing

It was a case of “You’re hired” rather than “You’re fired” for six Impington Village College pupils this week. They were taking part in an Apprentice-style event as part of the Schools Grand Challenge in aid of Papworth Trust.

Over two days the students, aged 14 and 15, organised a sweet and cake sale, raffle and “throw a sponge at the teacher” events, which proved extremely popular. In total they raised £95. Disability charity, Papworth Trust, helps over 17,000 people each year through a range of services including housing, employment and personal support. The Grand Challenge invited schools from Cambridgeshire to submit ideas to raise money by teams of up to six people. The winner will be the school which raises the most money.

The Impington team comprised three students from the businesses studies course teamed with three students taking a course in personal effectiveness, in an example of whole school integration.

Said organiser Dr Mona Alexander: “Because of my background in project management, I thought students would find it interesting to find out more about the real world. I also wanted the business studies students to have experience of managing a team, handling finance and taking initiative. It was a wonderful example of groups of students of different abilities working together.”

The project manager, David Dean: “It went really well; it taught me to how to manage a project and work as part of a team.” Added finance manger Sean Cullum: “it was a really good experience and good fun as well. If I got the opportunity I would certainly do it again.”

For further information, please contact Marcus Barber, Grand Challenge co-ordinator at Papworth Trust at marcus.barber@papworth.org.uk or call 01480 357200.