New Pupil Champion Course imparts values and virtues
‘Bravery, humility and vulnerability’, ’empathy’, ‘tolerance and reflection’. The first edition of the UCS Pupil Champion Course for Lower School pupils presented all of these important qualities, and more, to participants when it took place during the first week in March.
This inaugural edition was able to build on some of the ideas discussed during the Lower School’s Life Values Week in late January. It reiterated key principles and pupils closely examined the importance of humility and vulnerability in leadership today.
A dozen Year 8 (also known as Shell) pupils volunteered to take part in the course and enjoyed sharing their experiences and exploring the role that authenticity and gratitude play in life today. The pupils also discussed how to be empathetic and how young people can effect change in their communities and beyond.
Back in January, Years 7 and 8 had looked at aspects of aspiration, bravery, compassion and decision making with their Form Tutors. Their Life Values Week then concluded with pupils considering traits of heroism and producing a video which would be displayed in the school’s Lund Gallery.
As well as putting an emphasis on bravery, humility and unsung heroes, this time the participants also looked at scenarios that laid a stress on the importance of being mindful of other people’s life experiences and of communicating openly and respectfully when faced with diverse opinions.
The Pupil Champion Course will culminate in a second session later this month. Here, the boys will examine the concept of allyship, and the course will end with a look at how kindness can influence the wellbeing of both the pupils themselves and other people.
