Karen Smale, Head of Religious Studies at Upton-By-Chester High School, explains how SuperKind has empowered students to take meaningful social action through volunteering, environmental projects, and charitable fundraising, helping them truly live the school’s ethos of Learning to Shape the Future.
What drew you to use SuperKind?
Kindness and contributing to both our local and wider community form a really important part of our school’s vision of Learning to Shape the Future. We want our learners not only to succeed academically but also to understand the positive impact they can have on others. With this in mind, we felt it would be valuable to have a way to formally recognise and celebrate the incredible work our learners do to support their communities. SuperKind provided exactly that — a platform to highlight and reward the kindness, leadership, and commitment our pupils show every day.
How was SuperKind implemented at Upton-By-Chester High School?
To bring SuperKind to life in our school, we established a dedicated learner leadership group to champion the initiative and ensure it reached as many pupils as possible. This group took the lead in promoting all of the fundraising events and volunteering opportunities across the school, helping to build excitement and engagement. I led and supported this group, guiding them as they encouraged their peers to get involved and celebrate the positive impact of their efforts. Through this approach, SuperKind became embedded in our wider school culture of service and social responsibility.
What are some examples of social actions that the Award has led you to take?
Since introducing the SuperKind Award, our students have taken part in a wide variety of social action projects. These have included volunteering in the local community at sports fundraising events, becoming Hospice Ambassadors, and supporting our Eco School initiatives and global education campaigns. Pupils have also organised and participated in numerous fundraising activities such as PJs for Hospitals, Children in Need, the Toy Appeal, and Gingerbread Socks for Down Syndrome Awareness.
What benefits have you seen to the students since starting your journey with SuperKind?
We’ve seen a clear sense of increased motivation among pupils since introducing SuperKind. The opportunity to have their efforts recognised formally has inspired learners to get more involved and to take pride in their achievements.
Did you have any feedback from students, staff or parents?
Yes, we have received very positive feedback from across the school community. Many learners have shared that they feel their efforts are valued and appreciated, and that they felt proud of their work. Parents were also positive of the values being developed at school.