Pledges

What are pledges?

Pledges are a key part of the Outwood philosophy. The aim of pledges is to enhance your experiences within and beyond the Academy. The pledges programme ensures that students understand the value of extra-curricular involvement within and outside of the academy.

What opportunities do pledges offer to me as a student?

Through working towards achieving the ten pledges, you will gain confidence, develop your knowledge, learn new skills and take part in valuable life experiences that will help to prepare you for when you leave school. Pledges encourage you to get involved, try new things, make new friends and take pride in yourself and everything you do. These experiences help you to develop a number of skills and qualities that will really make you stand out from others when you move on to sixth form, colleges, universities or employment.

What are the pledges and how could I achieve them?

Pledge 1 – Regular attendance at an after Academy activity or club. e.g. attend games club every week for 1 half term.

Pledge 2 – Represent the Academy in either a sporting, cultural or academic event. e.g. join a sports team or take part in an inter-Academy challenge.

Pledge 3 – Take part in an Outward Bound residential programme. e.g. Year 8 residential trip to celebrate your graduation. It's a great opportunity!

Pledge 4 – Attend a national sporting, academic or cultural event or performance at a major venue. e.g. a national sporting event (such as England football, cricket or rubgy), a festival, carnival or a large concert. We just need to see proof of you attending.

Pledge 5 – Take part in an Academy production or event either on stage, behind the scenes, or in an administrative capacity. e.g. take to the stage in the talent show, help with lighting/music, meet and greet visitors, be a tour guide during parent/open evenings.

Pledge 6 – Take part in a formal presentation to an audience using ICT/multi-media. e.g. present your work to the class, present ideas for new initiatives to the Student Parliament.

Pledge 7 – Be actively involved in an international experience either within the Academy, UK or abroad. e.g. international trip with the Academy.

Pledge 8 – Be actively involved in some form of community experience, within or beyond the Academy. e.g. help organise community events, support fundraising or join in with community litter picks.

Pledge 9 – Help plan, organise or participate in a major fundraising event within the Academy or the community. e.g. join in with fundraising in the Academy. If you have any ideas for new fundraising events, speak to our Student Parliament or tutor.

Pledge 10 – Contribute to the development of the concept of sustainability whilst at the Academy. e.g. minimise our impact on the environment, contribute to recycling or donate old uniform for others to use.

How do I record that I've completed a pledge?

When you have completed a pledge, you need to speak to a member of staff to have this logged.

• You could speak to your tutor and tell them which pledge you have completed and what it involved. You could show them a photograph of you completing it or describe to them what you had to do.

• The member of staff running the event or enrichment you took part in to achieve the pledge can log this straightaway. Make sure you share with them how proud you are!

You will also have a page in your student planner where you can keep track of your own progress.