For Archie, Louie and Ryan, taking part in the KEY+ Challenge became an opportunity to recognise something they often felt goes unnoticed in school: kindness.
The group wanted to celebrate the pupils who make a difference to others, even if they are not always recognised through traditional school awards. Archie explained: “We’ve made people that don’t usually get recognised for their kindness be rewarded with a nice little surprise trip to Gutterball in South Shields just so they know that they’re recognised in the school.”
Together, the group developed the idea of creating a kindness award, where both staff and students can nominate someone who has shown kindness to others. A judging panel will then select four winners, who will each receive a glass trophy and enjoy a trip to Gutterball with a guest of their choice.
The idea came together quickly. Ryan explained that the group started by looking at the budget first, before thinking about what they would be interested in doing and what was available locally. After researching different places, Archie said “we saw Gutterball and we thought, who doesn’t love roller skating, bowling, darts, pool, so we just connected all the ideas and thought why not?” Louie added, “It was the first idea and it worked well so we just stuck with that.”
One of the things the group enjoyed most was watching their idea become a reality. While Archie highlighted that the group’s visit to Lumley Castle to plan their project was a favourite memory, Louie said: “there’s not a bit that I don’t enjoy, I like knowing that people are going to get rewarded for the stuff they’ve done.” And Ryan enjoyed the planning.
Like any project, there were a few challenges along the way. Archie said that the biggest hurdle was managing the budget, saying, “the price maybe because it was like an extra £20 for pool.”
Looking back, the group are proud not only of what they created, but also how they worked together. Louie said he was proud of “how we’ve executed it so fast, like we got the idea and we’ve done it and it’s worked well.” Archie was proud of “the teamwork side of it because we all just put our best work into it,” while Ryan added, “there wasn’t much debates, we all had the same ideas.”
Throughout the project, the young people developed valuable skills that will support them in the future. Louie felt their communication improved because “We were all on different parts… some were doing the prices, some were on the website and we had to talk between ourselves, putting them on PowerPoint and stuff. But I think our communication improved a lot.” Archie said his teamwork improved and Ryan said he learnt compromising skills.
But perhaps most importantly, the experience helped the group realise that their ideas matter. Archie said, “I feel with The Key, I’ve got a brand new voice.” Louie reflected that KEY+ had helped them “get our own ideas out and being able to speak about how we feel.” And Ryan said it had given him the opportunity to finally put his ideas into action after previously feeling unheard.
Looking back on their journey, the group’s message to other young people wanting to take part in KEY+ was simple. Louie encouraged others to “definitely do it, it’s a good experience… it brings you closer with other people as well.” Archie added, “Don’t stop yourself, just go for it,” and Ryan’s advice was: “Don’t be scared to bring up any ideas you have.”
Through KEY+, Archie, Louie and Ryan transformed a simple idea into an initiative that celebrates kindness and ensures those making a positive difference are recognised. In doing so, they strengthened their own confidence, communication and teamwork skills while showing that young people have the power to create positive change within their school community.
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The Key