Inspiring Social Action: Ark Victoria Academy Transforms Year 8 Through First Give Programme

Ark Victoria Academy has become the latest school to embrace the First Give Programme, launching it through an ambitious and deeply impactful approach that placed social action at the heart of the Year 8 experience. From the very first lesson, it was clear that this programme unlocked something powerful in the students. The programme launch began with discussions focused on social issues woven into everyday life in Small Heath. What emerged was a depth of understanding that was both moving and eye-opening. Students openly shared their thoughts on the visible challenges around them – persistent littering, gender-based violence against women, and the stigma surrounding mental health within their local community. Their conversations were heartfelt, unfiltered, and filled with the kind of local knowledge that only comes from lived experience. Many spoke with maturity far beyond their years, demonstrating how closely they are connected to the reality of their neighbourhood.

Teachers also saw students flourish in different ways. As one teacher put it, “It’s amazing because through the programme, this is when you see certain students shine when they’re given that platform to stand up outside of day-to-day lessons.” Another member of staff reflected emotionally on seeing First Give return to a school setting, saying, “We ran First Give at my prior school, Ark Pioneer, and it just brought all that emotion back to me – the emotion and the tears in the final. I’m just so excited for it to be here in the Midlands.” These reflections echoed the spirit of the programme: a unique opportunity for young people to step forward, express themselves, and connect meaningfully with the world around them.

An Assembly That Sparked Purpose and Possibility

The morning assembly provided the spark that kicked off the First Give Programme launch at Ark Victoria Academy. As the Midlands Programme Manager, I introduced students to their First Give journey, the purpose behind social action, and the potential they hold to make a meaningful difference in their communities. The hall was filled with curiosity as students listened to real stories from the charity sector and asked thoughtful questions about how they could contribute to positive change. But it was when the £1,000 First Give charity grant was revealed that everything changed. The hall erupted with excitement and anticipation, as students realised that their hard work would not be hypothetical – one class would genuinely have the opportunity to secure vital funding for a local charity. The significance of this moment grounded the programme in reality. This wasn’t just a learning activity; it was a chance to make a real, lasting impact for organisations that act as lifelines within Small Heath

A morning assembly launched the programme

The question-and-answer session that followed was energetic and deeply insightful. Students wanted to understand the purpose of charities, how they could get involved, and what kind of problems could be tackled through social action. Their eagerness to learn and their instinctive sense of responsibility shone through, underscoring just how naturally young people gravitate toward making a difference when given the tools and space to do so.

Passion, Empathy, and Social Action in Every Classroom

As the First Give Programme unfolded throughout the day, classrooms across the school became mini hubs of passion, creativity, and community awareness. Lessons 2, 3, and 4 involved students investigating local charities, exploring social issues in greater depth, and beginning to plan their social action projects. Observing these sessions was a joy. Each classroom had its own dynamic flavour, with students debating charity choices, researching causes close to their hearts, and even delivering short “pitch style” presentations to persuade their peers. These one-minute pitches were often packed with emotion and conviction as students championed charities tackling mental health stigma, supporting victims of domestic violence, combatting litter, running food banks, and providing safe spaces for young people.

One student commented, “I walk past these problems every day, but today has made me think about how we can fix them instead of waiting for someone else.” Another spoke passionately about environmental concerns, saying, “This is so cool. When you think about it, I’ve always wondered why there’s so much litter in Small Heath. It’s not nice, and I want to change that.” Their reflections showed a shift in perspective – from seeing problems to recognising their own potential to become part of the solution. Teachers continued to emphasise how meaningful the programme felt, with one noting that programmes like First Give “are essential in giving a voice to our young people. They (the students) know the social issues in their area of Small Heath, and this gives them a platform to connect.” Executive Principal Ela McSorley commented that “our students are using their voice, their energy and commitment to affect positive change in our local community. We are so very proud of their determination and their sense of community – this is what community should look like.” Across the school, social action plans began forming rapidly. Students explored ideas ranging from community litter picks, and mental health awareness campaigns to fundraising events and school-wide charity initiatives. Their energy was unstoppable, and their ideas were filled with sincerity and purpose.

A Day That Demonstrates the Power and Flexibility of the First Give Programme

What made the experience especially impactful was not just the work produced but the way Ark Victoria Academy embraced the full spirit of First Give. The school chose to deliver the first half of the First Give Programme in a full-day format, giving students uninterrupted time to immerse themselves in discussions, research, oracy activities, and planning. This decision demonstrated just how flexible the First Give Programme is, enabling schools to tailor delivery to their context while still maintaining the programme’s core purpose and impact. The uninterrupted structure allowed students to dig deeper into the issues they care about and build strong foundations for the remainder of the programme, which will continue through Personal Development lessons in the coming weeks. This ensures that the momentum generated during the first phase will carry forward as students prepare their final presentations and begin carrying out their social actions.

Students explored social issues in depth

For me, as Midlands Programme Manager, and as someone with a background in teaching in inner-city academies, this day was incredibly special. Ark Victoria Academy is a beautiful school with a vibrant sense of community. Despite being an external visitor, I felt welcomed into classrooms buzzing with ideas, empathy, and determination. What struck me most was how deeply every young person understood the social issues affecting their families and their wider community. Their compassion, clarity of thought, and ability to articulate meaningful change was remarkable. Watching these young people come alive with purpose was a powerful reminder of the magic that happens when you give students a platform to be heard and the tools to turn their ideas into real impact. The strength of community understanding within those classrooms was something truly extraordinary.

Written by Aaron Dhanoa- First Give Programme Manager for the Midlands.