Every Voice Counts: First Give Ignites Purpose and Pride at Pencoed

Inclusive Learning and Meaningful Participation

In June 2025, Year 9 learners at Pencoed Comprehensive School in Bridgend began their First Give journey—and by the end, they had not only inspired their community but earned a special Judges’ Commendation for their powerful presentation. Delivered through Humanities lessons, the First Give programme provides a platform and opportunity for the voices of learners who are often underrepresented to be heard. It ignites a passion for social change, and celebrates what young people can achieve when they have the opportunity to speak out.

So how does First Give ensure that we support all learners through our programme?

We provide a highly structured and inclusive programme that enables all learners to engage meaningfully in social action, including those with additional learning needs. The programme is fully resourced with differentiated materials such as hard-copy Coursebooks, lesson plans, and PowerPoints, which support varied learning styles and abilities. Its design – shaped by teachers for teachers – ensures accessibility and flexibility, allowing schools to deliver the programme in a way that suits their learners best. With facilitated sessions learners receive scaffolded support to build confidence and develop key skills such as communication, teamwork, and leadership.

Through this inclusive approach, First Give ensures that every student, regardless of ability, can participate, contribute, and thrive.

Student Leadership in Action

In her introduction to the Final event, lead teacher Cath Rees said “This has all been driven by the learners. Last year a small group of students gathered to select areas they wanted us to focus on in school, and supporting charities was one of those areas.” This ethos clearly runs deep, and the school was praised in a recent inspection for how pupils across the school are offered opportunities to implement change. The First Give programme complements this through a student-led approach to learning about social issues and supporting students to plan and deliver their own meaningful social action projects.

Learners presented to a distinguished panel of judges, including:

• Luke Fletcher MS
• Jade Evans, former student and Marketing & PR graduate
• Maureen Harris, School Improvement Partner, Central South Consortium
• Jeremy Langley, First Give Trustee
• Isaac Jones, Director of First Give

The classes in the year selected and showcased a wide range of local charities including Mind Cymru, Bridgend Foodbank, Street Football Wales, Breakthrough T1 Diabetes, Skills Volunteering Cymru, Men’s Shed Cymru and Community Furniture Aid Bridgend.

While the £1,000 grant was awarded to the class supporting Breakthrough T1D, it was the learners from Class 9.1, who championed Community Furniture Aid, who stole the Judges’ hearts. Their presentation earned a special commendation for its courage and clarity, and the Judges were particularly moved by the response of their peers, who provided such vocal and overwhelming support for their classmates. For these students, who are supported by Ty Ewenni, the school’s centre for moderate learning difficulties, standing up and speaking publicly was a bold new challenge – and they rose to it with grace and determination. As an inclusive school, Pencoed firmly believe that every pupil has the right to reach their full potential, regardless of ability. After watching their presentation, Isaac Jones, First Give Director said “The learners had clearly rehearsed and practiced so hard. They were so focused, and spoke slowly and clearly, making eye contact with the audience. The teachers told us how proud they were of these students standing up and speaking in front of an audience like this. It was really special.”

A Lasting Impact

First Give aims to provide all young people with the opportunity to become change makers, to feel empowered and instil self-confidence. Ms Perkins, 9.1’s class teacher, summed up her learners’ experience for us. “They loved every minute of it and couldn’t wait to come and tell me how they had done…I felt that the First Give project was very beneficial for my pupils. It let them have ownership of their learning and they enjoyed the experience.”

Jeremy Langley, First Give Trustee, reflected: “The students who represented Community Furniture Aid spoke with such confidence and care. The magic of the First Give programme was on full display – a platform where every young person can make a meaningful impact.” For the learners of 9.1, the message was clear: when given the chance, they can lead change with heart, purpose, and pride.

First Give provides the platform and structure for all learners to engage and to unlock their potential. Young people will do amazing things if you give them the opportunity to do so and the First Give programme provides young people with the knowledge and skills as well as the platform to make a difference. It’s clear the students from Pencoed have really demonstrated this and made it their own and we know this positive impact will be felt for years to come.