Accenture Climate Change Debate

Written by Zaina Ali Project Manager – Education Works

In January, volunteers from Accenture visited Sarah Bonnell School to facilitate a bespoke Climate Change Debate Challenge programme for the students.

Now in its second year of running, the programme saw Year 9 students who are part of the school’s Debate Club, take part in the challenge as an opportunity to practise their debating skills in time for a cross-school competition.

Each group was given a topic relating to the theme of climate change. They were then told what position they would be arguing – affirmative or negative. The students worked with the Accenture volunteers to construct their arguments, that they would go on to use to debate against their opponent. The esteemed judges (AKA the volunteers) chose a winning group who were awarded with certificates, notebooks and lots of applauses.

The students were fantastic and we wish them all the best in their upcoming competition!

Did someone say new year, new volunteering opportunities in Education?!
It is not too late to make that New Year’s resolution and start volunteering with ELBA! We are looking for keen volunteers to support our young people in a few of our upcoming opportunities:

• Eden Extended Learning Day
  Opportunity description: This opportunity seeks to provide students with an overview of the organisation, an understanding of career pathways at the organisation and activities which raise awareness of and develop core employability skills. Students will meet with volunteers who work in various departments. The visit will consist of an overview of the organisation, a networking session and an activity which will give students an insight into the type of work within this organisation. After working on their activity in groups, students will have to present back to a panel, volunteers and their peers.
  Date: Thursday 8th February
  Beneficiary: Eden Girls School, Year 9
  Number of volunteers: 10-15
  Duration/time commitment: 9-3 (can be flexible with timing)
  Location: Blackhorse Ln, London E17 5SD
  For more information or to sign up, contact: zaina.ali@elba-1.org.uk

• Confidence and Communication Skills Workshop
  Opportunity description: Help to build a young student’s confidence! The aim of this session is to support Year 7 students with developing their confidence and communication skills by leading several team-building challenges and delivering a talk on essential employability skills. You will also be supporting students with identifying their skills and goal-setting through a range of fun and interactive activities. Staff from ELBA will be there to support on the day.
  Date: February (date is flexible)
  Beneficiary: Valentines High School, year 7
  Number of volunteers: 12-15 (1-2 per classroom)
  Duration/time commitment: 9:10 – 12:30
  Location: Valentine’s School, 348-360 Cranbrook Rd, Gants Hill, Ilford IG2 6HX, UK
  For more information or to sign up, contact: hayley.turner-mcintyre@elba-1.org.uk

• Mock Interviews at Norlington High School
  Opportunity description: Support students in preparing for the world of work through a mock interview. The interviews are usually competency based to prepare the students for multiple avenues and put their skills and achievements into perspective. ELBA will provide volunteers with the questions to ask the students.
  Date: Wednesday 27th March 2023
  Beneficiary: Norlington High School, year 10/year 12
  Number of volunteers: Flexible
  Duration/time commitment: TBC 10:30 – 14:30
  Location: School
  For more information or to sign up, contact: robin.hawthorn@elba-1.org.uk

• BOSS Day at Royal Docks Academy
  Opportunity description: There are two opportunities here. Volunteers can conduct mock interviews for students and provide feedback on how students can improve their answers. There is also an opportunity for volunteers to work with students in a group activity where they will create and pitch their idea on developing Newham and the surrounding area of east London.
  Date: Thursday 28th March 2023
  Beneficiary: Royal Docks Academy, year 10
  Number of volunteers: Mock Interviews (20) Student Challenge (16)
  Duration/time commitment: 08:30 – 15:30
  Location: Custom House, Prince Regent Ln, London E16 3HS
  For more information or to sign up, contact: zaina.ali@elba-1.org.uk

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