Since BlueSpark was set up in 2016, we have supported hundreds of projects which have helped over 50,000 children and young people throughout England.
We ask all our grant recipients to provide us with a report on their project once it has been completed. From these reports we are able to gauge the impact of our grants. The following extracts from some of these reports show the value of our activities.
“Our school choir comprising 44 children went to the Royal Festival Hall to participate in workshops with professional composers before performing in front of an audience.
The children gained so many life skills and are now more confident young people. They want to be at the front of the group and to perform on their own. The whole choir has grown in size and strength since the trip.”
Skelton Primary School, Saltburn, North Yorkshire
“We took part in the STEM problem-solving challenge organised by SATRO for teams from schools in Surrey, Hampshire, Berkshire and South London.
You could see how engaged the students were and that they really enjoyed the challenges. We saw some very inventive solutions and excellent collaborative working. The competition taught them the importance of performing under pressure, working as a team, planning, applying simple solutions to complex problems and being innovative.”
STEM problem-solving challenge for schools
“Some of the children had never been to Derby never mind to London where they took part in a theatre workshop and saw a West End show.
This really was the trip of a lifetime for them and helped to raise their self-esteem and aspirations and to gain confidence.”
Derbyshire Embark Federation
“We took part in the National Special Olympics riding competition as part of the Yorkshire and Humberside team.
The event not only nurtured independence but helped build social and communication skills, increased self-esteem and self-confidence and demonstrated what can be achieved both individually and as a team. Our riders made new friends and had the experience of a different equine environment.”
Haworth Riding for the Disabled Group
“We took 10 young people on a sea voyage which gave the participants a unique, physically and mentally challenging experience.
Working together at sea as a small community is an intense social experience during which participants have to learn to manage their emotions, behaviours and feelings and to pull together to overcome challenges such as adverse weather or seasickness. This improves their understanding of the need for patience, respect and tolerance of others.”
Tall Ships Youth Trust youth development sailing voyage
“Our students created and performed their own play at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
They learnt about planning and performing in a professional context; project dependencies, contingencies and risks; marketing and communication; delivering a play in an unfamiliar environment; and about personal responsibility and resilience. The whole experience has inspired our students to continue writing their own plays”
King Edward VI School Stratford-upon-Avon
“Intense, fun, amazing. Phenomenal.”
Interactive dance workshop – Howard Primary School, Croydon and Aguda Dance Company and Theatre Rites
“Their confidence grew and their enjoyment shone through. The children were buzzing.”
Public singing performance – Teignmouth Youth Choir, Devon
“The Rotary Youth Leadership Award course at Whitehall Outdoor Education Centre gave eight teenagers exposure to leadership scenarios and the chance to explore problem-solving strategies as part of a team.
They were able to build their self-confidence, overcome fears and meet new people. Each of the students took on leadership roles in turn and in doing so had to take into account the feelings, ideas and thoughts of the rest of the team.”
Rotary Youth Leadership Award course Buxton, Derbyshire
“Our performance of “Grease” was an unforgettable extracurricular life experience for the students from our three schools.
It helped them to build their confidence as well as improving their transferable skills such as teamwork, commitment and professional practice. Students had the time of their lives, made lasting friendships and had an experience they will never forget.”
Jane Austen College, the Hewlett Academy and Isaac Newton 6th form, Norwich
“We took our partially sighted children on a sea trip on a modified powerboat.
The children had the opportunity to enjoy a new and exhilarating experience in a fun, safe and stimulating way which gave them a sense of fulfilment. They had the chance to have a go at steering, to learn about the sea and wildlife, to be out in the fresh air and to connect with nature in a way that is not often accessible to them. Brilliant. Perfect. Fantastic.”
Wilberforce Trust, Club Wilber, Yorkshire
“Seeing live musical theatre outside the school setting is incredibly important in trying to instill a love for the arts in our children.
Our school is a small rural primary school and part of the benefit of the trip was for the children to experience a large city and busy atmosphere. The live performance was incredible and something our pupils will remember.”
Thornford Primary School, Dorset visit to live theatre performance at The Bristol Hippodrome