A Cardiff secondary school has gained success in a national awards scheme that recognises innovative and exciting school council projects.
Radyr Comprehensive School’s Domino Project has been nationally recognised in the Speaker’s School Council Awards for their work aimed at changing people’s perceptions and raising awareness of Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) issues in schools and beyond.
With a motto of ‘I Am What I Am’, the project seeks to break down barriers and support young people whatever their sexuality. The school council members have been involved in presenting their ideas to youth conferences and via short videos on You Tube, including an interview with Leader of Cardiff Council, Rodney Berman, who adds his support to the campaign.
Over 800 school councils registered to enter the awards scheme with an inspiring and worthwhile array of activities. The judging panel, which included the Speaker of the House of Commons, Rt Hon John Bercow MP; Sir Keith Ajegbo, citizenship specialist and author of Diversity and Citizenship Curriculum Review; Jo Swinson MP (East Dunbartonshire), Tom O’Leary, Head of Education and Public Engagement at Houses of Parliament and Dr Emma- Jane (Edge) Watchorn, Parliament’s Education Service Manager as well as a selection of school pupils, were incredibly impressed by the project and all that the school council has achieved.
Six members of the Radyr school council have now been invited to represent the school at an awards day at the Houses of Parliament on Thursday, June 30 when the Cardiff students will have a chance to meet other successful school councils and share their ideas.
There will also be the opportunity to quiz a panel of special guests about the issues and themes of the winning projects and a tour of the Houses of Parliament.
Leader of Cardiff Council, Rodney Berman, said: “I’m delighted that Radyr Comprehensive’s school council has been recognised in such a prestigious award scheme. I was more than happy to lend my support to their campaign and hope that the project continues to grow and succeed.”
Executive Member for Education and Lifelong Learning, Cllr Freda Salway, said: “There is a great deal of excellent work going on in Cardiff schools to promote equality and tackle bullying.
I’m really pleased to see young people prepared to stand up and make a stand for their peers. The Domino Project is a very worthwhile campaign and this award is well-deserved.”
Nia Morgan, School Council link teacher at Radyr Comprehensive, said: “I am extremely proud of the students and what they have achieved within our school and the wider community. I hope that the Domino Project will go from strength to strength and that other schools will be inspired by the work and participate.”
