Some of our Year 8 students start the Inspiring Futures Programme this week, as part of our community connections and close relationship with Saints Community Development Foundation.
Over the last few months we have worked closely with the Saints Foundation in a range of PE lessons and workshops as well as extra-curricular activities and in the lead up to Christmas our students will be engaging in more workshops and lessons that will develop their decision making skills, self-esteem, character and resilience.
This comes as the Rugby Football League (RFL) has been awarded £666,000 from the Youth Endowment Fund to launch and evaluate Inspiring Futures across the charitable foundations of Hull FC, Leeds Rhinos, Warrington Wolves, Wigan Warriors, Leigh Centurions, St. Helens and Huddersfield Giants.
The programme will be made up of three strands: Educate, Aspire and Connect.
Educate will also see coaches from the clubs' foundations deliver assemblies in local secondary schools to 8,750 young people, aged 11 to 14, over the next two years. The sessions will use messages and media from professional Rugby League players to promote self-esteem, teamwork and well-being.
Mr Stuart Holland, Assistant Headteacher for Academic/Personal Development and Teacher of RE, said: "Being able to be part of these mentoring programmes is a huge deal for our community and really adds to the life and opportunities we offer to our young people here at St Cuthbert's.
"The last 18 months has posed some serious challenges for all our students, in very different ways, but by adding these engaging workshops and assemblies to our already broad Personal Development Curriculum, will only benefit our students more in becoming caring citizens and resilient learners who achieve excellence."
Ralph Rimmer, Chief Executive of the Rugby Football League, said: “Rugby League is committed as a sport to making lives better, and it is uniquely placed to do so. This great news is further recognition of the difference this sport makes in its communities."