Today, we were privileged to meet an inspiring group of students from Oasis Academy John Williams who are taking part in the South Bristol Youth Elevating Excellence Programme.

You can read more about the programme in our annual review, Stories of Collective Impact.

In summary, high-attaining students are encouraged to recognise their potential and achieve the highest possible outcomes by taking part in a series of experiences that familiarise them with high-quality future pathways, while building their social capital and communication skills.

One element of the programme takes place at Merchants’ Hall, where students take part in mindset sessions and consider the range and breadth of future opportunities available to them, followed by small group discussions with some of our members.

Today, the discussion focused on several key themes including attributes for success, how we think and form opinions, and the challenges facing young people.

What really stood out was the quality of dialogue. SMV members Gail Bragg and Sue Blatchford, along with Finance Director Melanie Casey and Hall Steward Lulu Curtis-Smith, reported that the students articulated their opinions brilliantly, were fully engaged, built on each other’s ideas, and responded thoughtfully to challenge.

The students’ energy and confidence shone through from start to finish and it was clear we had a number of future leaders in our midst!

Now in its third year, Elevating Excellence continues to provide a valuable space for students to map out their journeys to success – and this is just one of SBY’s impactful initiatives.

South Bristol Youth empowers young people from some of the most economically challenged areas of Bristol and Somerset to prepare for successful futures. The charity is currently working with over 1,350 young people aged 8-18, and its programmes are a real force for change.