Religous Studies Enterprise
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Enterprise: Religious Studies Department 2007/8
Introduction:
As part of the Kings’ School enterprise initiative the Religious Studies Department launched through lessons to Yr7and Yr11 the idea of “doing a Bob", (Geldof), an enterprising man raising money for those in poverty in Africa. The theme was that of responsibility. Each tutor group in Yr11 was given the goal to raise enough money to buy a goat, and in Yr7 they researched projects of interest that they wished to raise money for. The responsibility was placed firmly on each group.
The Mission statement
To raise money for those in need.
To formulate suitable ways in order to raise money.
Critical Success Factors
Originality
Groups investigated creative ways of raising money in a short space of time, which were realistic, safe and within the ethos of the school. They consisted of organising lunchtime competitions, sponsored hair straightening, carol singing, performing assemblies to raise awareness, cleaning boards and removing chewing gum from classrooms for a small fee, making cakes, Christmas parties and hot chocolate on demand.
Decisions
To maintain momentum pupils in one tutor group took the decision to go into assemblies to raise awareness.
Pupils decided to hold votes as to which organisations they would donate to by using a consensus through vote. Pupils researched and presented a case. A vote was then held.
Self Belief
Self-belief grew as interest spread throughout the school and projects started working and money was raised. The group that performed the assemblies over came nerves and grew in confidence and self esteem as they performed each assembly, this then had a knock on effect for the whole experience.
Practical Management
Pupils made use of the resources of the school particularly for the lunchtime competitions seeking agreement through the appropriate channels within school. Technical resources were used for the assemblies to give a high impact effect.
Motivation
Pupils were self-motivated and supported each other in the projects. Yr11 pupils helped out particularly with a Yr7 play station competition, giving the organiser much needed help to organise so many younger pupils. The younger pupils clearly enjoyed the input of older pupils.
Working with others
In many cases pupils worked as a team within their tutor groups or teaching groups. Many supported each other’s initiatives.
Working Alone
An example of this is one pupils’ idea to run the Play Station competition. He organised the required approval from the Head teacher, organised a room and a member of staff to supervise for health and safety reasons, publicised the event and then ran the event organising a prize, somewhere safe to store the play stations and collecting the money.
Risk Management
There was no risk involved in raising money, as any money raised was the objective, however risks were reduced during projects as outlined in the above example.
Effective Communication
Communication took place during lessons between groups, and appropriate communication took place with the Head teacher and staff. Chosen charities were contacted. Assemblies are planned to feedback the amount of money raised, and a Kings’ Herald article has been written.
Flexibility
Pupils realised that they had to be flexible in making decisions about the chosen charity and how to spend money. Flexibility was shown when there was a wet break and the chosen activity had to be re-arranged.
Perseverance
This was shown when things didn’t go according to plan, when there were knock backs like the decision not to hold a non-uniform day. In this instance, the group planned another activity.
Social Responsibility
It was recognised that there was a responsibility to show to donators where the money had gone. An articles were put in the Kings Herald and assemblies planned for all of the school.
Overcoming Barriers
The biggest barrier was the short time scale in order to raise money, and the business of the Christmas period. It was decided to donate the money after Christmas.
Achieving
Many skills were learnt, team work, overcoming barriers and persevering when things went wrong, particularly as there was no personal monetary gain involved.
Costs
£78 for Live Aid videos to promote the initial idea.
Money raised £800
Evaluation
A success all round!!
However more time was needed and in future the initial lessons should take part ealier
Extension
Perhaps a whole school day initiative!!
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