Congratulations for completing the Townley Grammar School GSL Catalyst.
This page contains key information to help you with your independent challenge so please read carefully!
THE INDEPENDENT CHALLENGE
We invite you to take on an Independent Challenge!
Use your passions to explore organisations that inspire you.
Engage with the work that these organisations are doing to improve the lives of people and our planet and take place-based action!
We have provided you with a framework below that supports your Independent Challenge.
All evidence needs to be submitted by Sunday 19th September (Midnight) to parents@townleygrammar.org.uk
Everyone who submits will receive a certificate!
An offline PDF challenge guide is available for you to use and download. Please click on the button below to view!
Planning your challenge
People, Planet, Place
Make sure to keep in mind the key concepts of – People, Planet and Place – to help you identify the end goal of your challenge.
EXAMPLE: If you decide to support a local organisation, ask yourself… Does it work to improve the lives of people? Or does it focus on the helping the planet?
- People: Connect and support; learn to listen and amplify your own and other peoples’ voices. Learn about yourself and how to relate to others.
- Planet: Learn how to care for the earth and really focus on global issues that are impacting negatively on our world. Brainstorm, model and create innovative solutions to global problems.
- Place: Take local place-based action!
Check out the resources section below to find out more about ways to support people and the planet.
United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals
You should also think about the United Nations’ SDGs when planning your challenge. On the catalyst course, which SDGs did you decide were most important to you? Do you know any organisation that focus on this goal?
- Check out this list to give you some ideas: NGOs leading the way on the Sustainable Development Goals
- You can also take your own action which addresses the SDG that you are passionate about. Take a look at this example of 170 daily actions you can take to help transform our world: 170 Actions
SPRING into Action
Use the SPRING ladder framework to help you brainstorm your ideas and select a challenge which will have the best possible outcome for the organisation you will be supporting.
SHARING: How can other people support your challenge? What action can you get others to take?
POWER: What will be the impact of your action? How will you know it has been achieved?
REALISTIC: How long will your challenge take? What resources do you need? Who do you need to help you?
INSPIRATIONAL: What will impress people about what you are doing? Which aspect will make them want to get involved, or appreciate the effort you are putting in?
NOTICE: How can you get other people to notice what you are doing?
GOAL: What do you aim to achieve through your challenge?
Take it to… THE NEXT LEVEL
With the actions that you take, you can encourage others to get involved too! Study the Four Levels of Action below and ask yourself… which level is my challenge at? How could I move it to another level?
Images adapted from World’s Largest Lesson
Starting your challenge
You have now identified your passion, the issue you’d like to address, and the end goal of your challenge. It’s time to get started and decide how your goal will be met! Will you pledge… publish… or power?
EXPLORE
People, Planet, Place
Explore issues through independent study about local, national and global organisations that work to improve lives and/or the planet
ENGAGE
Pledge, Publish or Power
Pledge, Publish or Power an organisation of your choice. See details below!
EVIDENCE
Submission
Submit evidence of what you have done by 31st March
PLEDGE
Raise funds for a charity or organisation of your choice
PUBLISH
Create a blog, a short report (2 pages), a poster or a 3-minute digital submission to raise awareness about the cause
POWER
Support a campaign that the charity/organisation is running already or start a campaign to build more support for their work
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Follow us on social media to be inspired by the GSL projects around the world, receive daily updates and inspirational posts on your timeline!