A group of sixth-form students in Bedford have received £1,000 from Bedford Giving to support their project aimed at helping young people across the borough prepare for exams and manage stress.
The students, who call themselves The Learning Lounge, launched the initiative after winning last year’s Ready2Lead? competition, an event coordinated by The Harpur Trust.
The competition challenged Year 12 students from schools across Bedford to pitch projects aimed at improving young people’s lives to a panel of senior leaders from local government and health organisations.
Now, thanks to Bedford Giving’s funding, the students will expand their efforts, producing flyers, booklets, posters, and video resources packed with revision tips and stress-busting advice.
Students supporting students
The Learning Lounge was created by eight sixth formers who wanted to reduce pressure on GCSE students and help them achieve better results without the need for resits. The group runs school assemblies, speaks at A-Level open evenings, and shares revision tips on social media.
Phoebe Brooks, from The Learning Lounge, explained why they set up the initiative, “We wanted to try and alleviate the pressure on those taking exams, as well as help the next generation of GCSE students achieve the best possible grades without having to re-sit their exams.
“We saw quite a few students in our year having to do this. We also wanted to make a difference using our first-hand knowledge, as we’d all experienced how difficult GCSEs are, especially on top of juggling other commitments outside of education.”
“I think the students we support respond well to us, as we are close in age and can really relate to what they are going through.”
Helping Bedford’s next generation succeed
Bedford Giving, a community movement supporting young people in Bedford Borough, saw the potential in The Learning Lounge and awarded them £1,000 to expand their work.
Paul (PK) Kellett, Director of Bedford Giving, said: “We were really impressed with the team when we spoke to them at the Ready2Lead event.
“We have awarded the funding to help them take the project to the next level by producing flyers, booklets, and posters, and investing in equipment to make videos featuring revision hints, tips, and stress busters.”
“Bedford Giving is all about creating a brighter future for the next generation in Bedford, and The Learning Lounge really encapsulates this by helping those doing their GCSEs to not only succeed but to look after their mental health as well.
“We also help young people to speak up and shout out, and with the funding, we’ll help The Learning Lounge spread their wisdom even further.”
Inspiring young leaders
The initiative has been praised by Robin Webber Jones, executive director of curriculum at Bedford Sixth Form, who added, “We have been inspired by the way our students have approached this project.
“They have been innovative in the way they have wanted to give something back to the learning community in Bedford. Their teamwork, dedication, and work ethic have been fantastic to see.”
“I am excited to see what they do next with the project. They will take their experiences of being part of the project into all their future learning and future lives.”
Get involved
For more information about Bedford Giving and how it supports young people in Bedford Borough, visit bedfordgiving.org.uk.
Bedford Giving is the charity partner of the Bedford Independent
