On Tuesday 9 May, students from 5 schools gathered at Frances Bardsley Academy to come up with and pitch new ideas for how they could support their communities. Students tackled challenges ranging from helping new students settling in, waste prevention, and elderly care. The best ideas pitched to our team of Dragons who awarded cash prizes to those ideas that had the most potential.

The winning idea, from students at Langdon Academy, involved creating engaging recycling bins that look like basketball hoops to encourage people to throw their rubbish away responsibly.

Thanks to all staff and students from Frances Bardsley Academy, Langdon Academy, Abbs Cross Academy, The Albany School, and The Royal Liberty School for making it such a wonderful day.

When asked at the end of the event:

88% of students agreed that they had developed key social and emotional skills,
80% of students think they are now more able to make a difference in their community, and
55% of students said they feel more confident talking to new people.

*The skills and habits students felt they had developed at the Festival of Ideas.*