College News

Project 450 – Volunteering Awards

As part of the College’s 450 anniversary celebrations, students at QE have been congratulated for their eagerness to undertake an outstanding range of voluntary work. During a Volunteering Awards Ceremony, the students’ commitment, energy and desire to improve the lives of others were deservedly celebrated. 

In a packed College Hall, the large number of students nominated for awards were joined by family, friends, staff and representatives from community groups. The audience listened to inspirational accounts of the amount and nature of voluntary work the students participate in including working with children, vulnerable adults and people with disabilities; raising money for charities and helping with College and community projects. 

Outstanding Contribution Awards were awarded to Danny Stevens; Project Romania students and Rosie Burns.

Danny regularly volunteers at St.Teresa’s Hospice and the Education Centre for Children with Down’s Syndrome, and raised over £3000 for St.Teresa’s by having all of his hair shaved off in the Student Common Room. He is passionate about voluntary work saying, “I gain so much personally from helping at St.Teresa’s and ECCDS, receiving more than I give.”  Danny’s selfless and enthusiastic approach is appreciated greatly by all those who know him.

Project Romania saw 18 students and two members of staff working on a project based around the Roma community. The students worked closely with the Community, digging foundations for new homes, plastering others using traditional techniques and organising English and sporting activities for the children. Prior to going to Romania, the students embarked on a wide range of fundraising events to provide toys and educational materials for the local children. The exiled Princess Helen of Romania visited QE to give her support to the project. The experience had a profound impact on the volunteers and their work has significantly improved the lives of the people in Romania they worked with.

Rosie, the President of the College’s Student Association, came up with the idea of Project 450 to mark QE’s 450^th anniversary. Wishing to promote the benefits of voluntary work, a target was set for students to carry out 450 acts of volunteering and to record these on an online portal. The target was very quickly exceeded, clearly showing how community spirited the students of QE are.

Assistant Principal Laurence Job comments, ‘’The awards night, hosted by students Daisy Catterall and Andrew Backhouse, was a great success with students and guests enjoying cheese and wine and performances by Costa Del Soul, winners of the College’s Battle of the Bands competition. The prizes were presented by leaders of community groups and charities within the local area who spoke about the benefits of volunteering. All of the students received certificates in recognition of the fabulous work they are doing to improve the lives of others. It was a very special evening. ‘’

Full list of winners

Working with people with disabilities – Danny Harsley

Contribution to Sport – Rachel Layfield-Carroll

Contribution to the Community – Anna Morgan

Working with Adults – Nick Williams

Working with Children – Callum Gibb-Lenahan

Charity and Fundraising – Teenage Cancer Trust Fundraisers (Chris Brack; Daniel Cheyne; Natalie Garner; Emily Warman)

QE Volunteer – Andrew Backhouse

Outstanding Contribution Awards – Danny Stevens; Project Romania Students; Rosie Burns