Did you know that Launchpad is supporting local students with their Citizenship GCSE?
Earlier this year, our fundraising team reached out to schools across the area to offer talks about Launchpad’s work, alongside workshops exploring homelessness and fundraising ideas like Big Sleep Outs.
One of the schools we connected with, Langtree School – a secondary in Woodcote – was keen to collaborate. They saw an opportunity to link our work with the AQA Citizenship GCSE, particularly the paper 1 investigation component, which asks students to explore a local issue, plan and carry out a course of action, and evaluate the process.
Max and Fiona from Launchpad met with teacher Alicia Godfrey to co-create a visual and interactive workshop tailored to this requirement. The session encourages students to take a deep dive into the realities of homelessness, starting with a short research task exploring housing insecurity and hidden homelessness, such as sofa surfing, living in hostels or B&Bs, or squatting.
We ask students to reflect on what homelessness means to them and explore the causes behind it. One activity invites them to imagine setting up their own homelessness charity: What would they do first? What services would they offer? How would they help?
Another task looks at how people cope on benefits, especially after sudden life changes like job loss or eviction. Students examine the support available and consider the weekly Local Housing Allowance.
To wrap up, we discuss fundraising ideas and practical ways to support Launchpad, such as hosting a Big Sleep Out. Langtree did just that and raised over £400!
Other schools have also taken part in similar workshops and Sleep Outs, even if not directly linked to the GCSE.
So far this year, six local schools have held Sleep Outs following Launchpad talks: Leighton Park, High Down, Langtree, St Joseph’s, The Oratory, and St Andrew’s. Bulmershe is holding theirs this week!
Ms Godfrey from Langtree shared:
“On behalf of all Year 10 Citizenship students, thank you for devoting your time to educate us on homelessness in our local area.
“We’re incredibly grateful; it’s sparked many ideas on how we can raise awareness and support this important cause.
“We’re now starting our active citizenship project, and you’ve inspired us to educate the rest of the school on the significance of this issue.”
If you’d like to learn more about our school’s programme, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.