Year 12s learn to lead with Humanutopia

Over the last few weeks, newly appointed Year 12 Student Wellbeing Ambassadors undertook two workshops run by Humanutopia, an organisation working to ‘empower young people to make positive change.’

The morning of the first workshop focused on developing essential soft skills such as communication and leadership, teaching the Year 12s ice-breaker games and questions to make people feel comfortable in new environments. In the afternoon, it was time to put these skills into practice as Year 5s and 6s from Berkhamsted Prep and Heatherton joined the session – to the surprise of the Year 12s who had no idea they were coming!

Pupils were put in mixed groups, interacting with new people from different year groups and schools. Year 12s stepped up to the challenge to become ‘Team Heroes’ and lead their group through a series of games. These activities were a chance for Year 12s to take the lead and encourage younger pupils to be confident, while Prep pupils were able to meet with older students and hear from them as role models. ‘These workshops plant seeds in young minds to give them the confidence to step outside of their comfort zones in an unfamiliar environment,’ says Mr G Anker, Deputy Head Pupil Wellbeing and Development. ‘This provides them with a safe space in which to do so.’

While there were certainly a few nervous faces at first, by the end of the session there was laughter and enthusiasm from everyone across the different year groups. The Year 12 Heroes displayed kind and inclusive behaviour that made everyone feel a valued member of their team. Pupils even managed to find five things they all had in common with each other, despite their perceived differences!

After the success of the first Humanutopia workshop, the Year 12 Heroes were ready for their second challenge. This took the form of a ‘Who Am I?’ session with Year 9s across both the Boys and Girls schools. Humanutopia representatives started the day with a reflection on some of the hardships they had faced throughout their lives, sharing their unique experiences and inviting a few brave pupils to do the same. Pupils were shown that you can never know someone’s life experience just by looking at them, which reinforced the message of treating everyone with kindness and respect.

The second part of the ‘Who Am I?’ session was much more uplifting, although not without its own challenges. Once again placed in mixed groups, pupils faced the intimidating task of working and communicating with people they did not know. Light-hearted games and ice-breakers gave pupils to opportunity to ask ‘Who am I in a team?’ and work on developing their conversation skills.

Year 12s imparted some words of wisdom to their fellow pupils, looking back at their Year 9 selves to consider what they would have done differently. ‘Remember that change isn’t a bad thing,’ one student said. ‘Put yourself out there, and don’t always follow your friends,’ another advised.

At the end of the session, Humanutopia asked pupils why these activities are important. ‘It builds good foundations and skills for later life,’ one pupil suggested. ‘You will always have to work and interact with different people throughout your life,’ another pupil wisely reminded the group. The day ended with a series of ‘shout-outs’ to members of each group who had contributed positively – as a good leader, a keen listener or a team player. Despite only having met each other a few hours ago, every group was eager to nominate each other, showing the impact that a bit of effort can have in a team dynamic.

One Year 12 Hero described the workshop as ‘a day like no other.’ ‘We persuaded a few of the shyer participants to put their hand up and offer an opinion, and this development was the highlight of my day,’ he said. ‘I’m so glad I signed up for Humanutopia’.