Academy students win national award for fundraising in aid of children

Year 6 students at Robert Bloomfield Academy have won the NSPCC’s Childhood Champion Regional Award for School of the Year for England.

For the last 10 years, year 6 students at the academy have chosen the NSPCC as their year group charity. All pupils undertake research into the charity and produce artwork, posters and other items which are all aimed at raising awareness. Throughout the year the pupils arrange cake sales, raffles, penalty shoot outs, jewellery sales and other activities to raise money, and to date more than £28,000 has been raised.

Fiona Westwood, the school’s fundraising organiser from the NSPCC, visited Robert Bloomfield to talk to Year 6 about the work of the NSPCC and launch a sponsored mathematics event (the NSPCC multiple marathon). Pupils were sponsored and more than £3,000 was raised.

In recognition of the work to raise awareness and money, Fiona nominated us the academy as Childhood Champions.

News of the award win came in a letter from the NSPCC chief executive, Peter Wanless, who said: “This award is in recognition of your outstanding efforts and contribution to the NSPCC and the impact you have made on children and young people’s lives.

“Well done on your achievement. I hope you feel proud that your dedication and excellence in volunteering is recognised by your peers and colleagues. Keep up the hard work as people like you are vital to the success of the NSPCC and everything we do for children.”

Three year 6 pupils and the assistant head of year 6, Kathryn Lee, attended the awards ceremony on Wednesday, July 6, where it was presented to them by Mr Wanless.

Other high profile figures were at the event including TV presenter and journalist Dame Esther Rantzen, the founder and president of Childline and pupils were able to talk to her about their fundraising activities.

Before attending the award ceremony, Kathryn Lee, said: “Over the years we have supported the NSPCC, all pupils and parents have done a fantastic job at raising money for this great cause. I feel extremely proud to be going with three representatives from Year 6 to the NSPCC Childhood Champions Awards Ceremony.”

Year 6 pupil, Aaron Smith, describes one of the fundraising activities that he was involved with: “I sold raffle tickets at school for a teddy bear I purchased. I was able to raise some money for the NSPCC. I feel this is a good cause because it helps children who are unhappy at home.”