Every year, in the last week of the autumn term, the sixth form at Sir John Leman High School hosts a raising and giving (RAG) week in order to raise money for charity, and 2023 was no different. The week consists of events happening every day, in both the morning and lunchtime breaks, with every penny raised being split between three charities, one local, one national, and one international. Students are charged entry for all of the events that take place and can also contribute by purchasing something from one of the bake sales. A VIP badge is also available, granting access to front-row seats for the entire week. 

  

However, after the event, the school makes certain that they know that all of the money raised is going to a deserving home, which this year included the local charity, TopCats. On the 15th February, Mr Riches, the school's Audio-Visual Technician and Associate Co-ordinator of Sixth Form, took five sixth formers to Pakefield, where the charity are based. 

  

The visit consisted of a tour around the charity's site, conducted by Anne-Marie Battrick, who is the company's service manager. I was told by Mr Riches that they were first shown into the café, which opens its doors to the public every Friday, and then into the sensory room. This room contains lots of calming activities for everyone, including audio games, an interactive projector, bean bags, and a bubble tank. The room is dark and relaxing and the perfect place to wind down- and was only achievable through generous funding from HSBC. From there, the group were led into the main room, where a group of children were signing along to the song True Colours, and then into an indoor soft play which contained a ball pit. Then, the students were taken into the music room with a range of instruments including drums and boom whackers. This room is also used for demonstrations for attending members. In the garden, the group were then shown the range of activities that the charity offers, including trampolines, chalk, a reading area, hopscotch, go-karts, and a wooden pergola.  

  

In general, all of the students found it an extremely valuable visit, and Mr Riches said that it was "great to take our students because they could see first-hand the difference they make" and that he is very proud of all of them.  

  

Additionally, the sixth form team have been promoting their endeavours on social media, specifically through the school's TikTok @sjl6th, and footage from the visit, as well as other content such as what students specifically enjoy about the facilities at SJLHS and how the school engages with national events such as National Apprenticeships Week, can be found on their page. 

  

The TopCats charity is an incredible local charity based in Pakefield who provide support for young people and adults with additional needs from the ages of 0-30 and more information about the team and the work they do can be found on their website.