Six schools in the Abingdon area come together for a morning of inspirational speakers and shared experiences.
Have you ever wondered what it feels like to be part of something bigger than yourself?
Part of a community of people who inspire and are inspired.
A partnership that is not just about learning, but about creating futures.
Futures with meaning.
Futures that matter.
InspirED – 1000 Futures.
On Tuesday 7th November, over 300 students from six schools came together for the InspirED event as part of the OX14 Learning Partnership. The event, hosted by Radley College, was the first of three core events to be held this year.
InspirED was planned in collaboration with colleagues from across the partnership and aimed to inspire and encourage Year 10 students with a diverse range of voices. The OX14 Learning Partnership, now in its third year, is a group of six independent and state schools working in partnership to raise educational aspirations across the OX14 postcode. Abingdon School, Fitzharrys, John Mason, Larkmead, Radley College and St Helen & St Katharine work in partnership, through collaboration they hope to provide opportunities for students and staff to be challenged, inspired and learn from each other as well as offering mental health and wellbeing support.
Key speakers included, amongst others, Emmy O’Shaugnessy, Deputy CEO and Director of Innovations and Growth at Oxfordshire Youth. She combines a personal experience of the care system with two decades of work in the voluntary sector. Franny Benali MBE, former player for Southampton Football Club has completed 3 ultra endurance challenges in aid of Cancer Research, raising over £1 million. Students were inspired by listening to his experiences of following his passion, having a vision and pushing through challenges. Professor Ilan Kelman, UCL, talked to students about the impact of their choices and actions with a focus on disaster and health research. Nancy Mudenyou Hunt, Director and Founder of the Nasio Trust charity spoke about how she began the charity and her continued focus on empowering girls through education. Ely Lassman of educational charity Prometheus on Campus talked about the importance of communication, gaining mental clarity and the power of reading good literature. Themes of ambition, challenge and gratitude ran through the morning. The talks were also live streamed to students who weren’t in attendance and will be accessible to students and teachers via the OX14 LP Website.
Sixth form student representatives from across the schools introduced the event and shared their experiences and words of wisdom for their younger peers in a final Q & A session. They described events that had changed and challenged them and spoke with insight and maturity. This event was the first in a series of events and is part of a wider programme of activities for students.
Students also enjoyed talking informally to speakers about their future plans and dreams. One student said they felt inspired to volunteer after the event and another felt motivated to achieve their university aspirations.
‘What a truly inspiring event, fantastic!’ Teacher
Partnership Coordinator, Jess Burns said ‘I thought it went really well and am sure the students will take some inspiration away from the day.’
Fitzharrys Headteacher Will Speke said ‘It was a privilege to sit and listen to such inspiring talks this morning. The variety of speakers, the theme, and the student leadership, all set a high standard for these core events.’
Networking over refreshments allowed students to meet peers from across the town.
Cookies were provided by Proof Social Bakehouse, an artisan wholesale bakery and cafe in Oxford, part of Tap Social Movement, a social enterprise offering paid training and employment to people currently serving and recently released from prison sentences.
The series continues with SupportED and ChallengED later in the year which aim to provide different year groups with a mental health and wellbeing event and a challenge event in the summer.
