The Boswells School students win prestigious award

Year 9 students at The Boswells School have won the Thornton Education Trust’s ‘Inspire Future Generations’ award in recognition of their efforts to make a local park in Chelmsford safer. The project won the ‘Youth Long-Term Programme’ category.

During the past 12 months, the group of 13 students – known as the 'Be Their Lead' group – have worked alongside Chelmsford City Council, Make Space for Girls and Social Place on a green spaces project to make Central Park more safe and inclusive for women and gender diverse people. Funded by Safer Streets, the project saw students visit the park and develop their ideas before presenting them at the Chelmsford Council Chamber and the ‘Essex Police Towards Excellence’ conference. Some of the ideas have now been implemented, including redesigning the underpass using original artwork created by the students, which was brought to life by a local street artist.

Elli Scott, English Teacher at The Boswells School, said: “It is incredible that the Be Their Lead students have had the opportunity to voice their opinions, be heard and change the landscape around them. Since starting the project, they have visibly grown in confidence and gained a real sense of self; we are all tremendously proud of their efforts and collaboration with Chelmsford City council. To be recognised for their impact on creating a better built environment for girls, young women and gender diverse people at such a young age is truly impressive.”

The Thornton Education Trust awards celebrate children and young people’s participation in built environment projects or programmes. Nine other projects from across the UK, including those led by several large companies and non-profit organisations, were nominated for the same award at the Boswell students.

Isaac Metcalf, (Year 9 student), said: "The project was a great way to get involved in my local community and feel like I made a difference; it made me feel as though I could use my voice and people would listen. I feel that it has helped boost my confidence and I've made a lot of new friends whilst being a part of Be Their Lead and working with Chelmsford City Council."

Paul Banks, CEO, of the Chelmsford Learning Partnership, said: “As a trust, we believe in creating safe, happy and inclusive learning environments, where everybody has a voice and feels a sense of responsibility for each other. Seeing students at The Boswells School expressing their ideas and opinions to have a positive impact on their local community is inspiring and we are delighted to see them recognised for their hard work and innovation.”

To find out more information about the school, visit: Welcome to The Boswells School