THE community leadership and charity work of more than 200 students at Archbishop Holgate’s CE School was recognised at the fifth Archbishop of York Young Leaders’ Award Ceremony.

The Bishop of Hull, the Right Reverend Alison White, presented students with their certificates for completing the challenging and inspiring course over two years, studying the work of inspirational people of faith, and then identifying and supporting those in need through acts of volunteering, fundraising and charity.

This scheme, taught alongside Citizenship lessons, was launched in January 2012 by the Religious Education department at Archbishop Holgate’s and is now firmly established in the school’s curriculum.

Head of RE, Miss Harper said: “It’s wonderful that again this year we have another group of impressive young students who have demonstrated the ability to learn, understand and apply the lessons of the world’s great spiritual leaders.”

This year students contributed to a remarkable range of projects and events: organising a community coffee morning (baking cakes, decorating the hall, a raffle, refreshments, flower displays for the tables) and various other fundraising events and cake sales. In addition, they have been volunteering in the community, baby-sitting for relatives, dog walking and other odd jobs for neighbours, helping at Parents’ Evenings, collecting World Book Day books for Cape Town and being a source of support for their own families.

School Chaplain, Richard Nihill, said: “It’s fantastic to see yet another cohort of students complete the award and to know that this great work will be replicated every year. As more and more students learn about the power of charity and supporting our communities, they will be able to contribute more and more to making the world a better place.”

The awards ceremony was attended by the students, their parents and carers, family members and the teaching staff.

The event was a wonderful opportunity to reward and celebrate the selfless and inspirational work our young people have achieved.

We are very proud of the positive change they have brought to their local communities and to themselves.

Archbishop Holgate’s is part of Pathfinder Multi Academy Trust (MAT), a partnership of nine church and community schools serving more than 3,700 pupils across York. The MAT also includes Hempland, Acomb, Tang Hall, New Earswick, Badger Hill, Clifton with Rawcliffe, Heworth CE and St Lawrence's CE primaries.