Supporting and developing leadership in RE and collective worship
Young Ambassadors: South-West
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The South-West wing of the Young Ambassadors Project, led by Ed Pawson, involves working with Year Nine and Ten (ages 14-15) students from Okehampton College and Year Five (aged 9) children from Okehampton Primary School. These schools are both members of the Dartmoor multi-academy Trust. These schools were chosen as the Trust has a commitment to inclusions and equality.
Some of the activities of the secondary contingent so far have included:
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Making films for the Ready for Work Campaign, inspired by Lord Bilimoria, which advocates for the importance of RE in the workplace,
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Campaigning about the need for a suitable prayer room in the school,
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Discussing and submitting questions to be answered by Children’s Commissioner Rachel De Souza,
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Visiting places of Religion and Worldviews significance in Exeter, including the Exeter Synagogue and The Quaker Meeting House,
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Working with and inspiring their primary school peers,
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Speaking to a large group of teachers at the recent launch of the new RE agreed syllabus.
Pupils from the primary school have enjoying exploring the NATRE Spirited Arts competition and engaging with Muslim Ambassadors of Faith and Belief from schools in Redbridge, London in an online interaction.
In the clips below Aiyra and Sienna, from Okehampton College, talk about why they think Religious Education is important for their education and futures.
The video below shows Okehampton College Young Ambassador students addressing a teacher conference, explaining why they think RE is such an important subject.
Okehampton College Young Ambassador students.
Okehampton College Young Ambassadors visiting Exeter Synagogue
Updates on activities March 2025
The secondary YAs at Okehampton College continue to be a powerhouse, with new achievements this term.
Key events:
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Speaking at an HMD event at Exeter Cathedral, addressing an audience of over 400 pupils, staff, local dignitaries and members of the public,
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Leading assemblies on HMD across the school throughout a whole week,
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Taking a lead part in the enthronement ceremony for the new Bishop of Exeter, at the Cathedral,
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Taking a lead role in organising and hosting a Community Iftar meal in Okehampton. This is the first time an event like this has ever been offered and was attended by over 70 people, including more than 10 local Muslim families, from diverse heritages.
Their next target is to prepare for a visit to Parliament in June, to meet MPs and explain the value of RE in schools and the importance of Freedom of Religion or Belief.
