A group of Form 6 pupils who drew up plans to renovate Oakham School’s canal have won the support of the Foundation team to turn their vision into reality. The money that Adam, Mouse, Norman and Tabby raise in the Summer Term will be used to revitalise this much-loved part of the School campus and leave a legacy for future generations of Oakhamians.

At the start of the Spring Term, The Oakham School Foundation set Form 6 students the ‘We are the Torch Bearers’ challenge; a chance for them to think about how they could give back to the School. Pupils were asked ‘If you could raise £1,500 for a Foundation Project, what would you spend it on and what legacy would you like to leave?’ Over the period of four tutorials, pupils worked in small groups to come up with a project that would leave a legacy at Oakham School within the £1500 budget. They had to think about the realistic possibilities of a project, the costs, the long-term legacy, and fundraising plans.

From the 46 initial entries, four finalists were picked. The final four then presented their ideas to the rest of Form 6 in the WA, and a judging panel that included Headmaster Henry Price, Head of Upper School Megan Fairley, and the Development team. The shortlisted projects included: a greenhouse, a school vegetable patch, a beehive, and the winning canal restoration project.

Alumni and Development Officer Charlotte Woodward said: “It was wonderful to see so many well-thought-through ideas from the pupils. All four of the projects had great merit, with every single one being a possibility. It was a tough decision to choose a winner, but the canal restoration came out on top.

“The project will get underway during the Summer Term, with the Foundation and Grounds and Gardens team supporting the pupils to make their Foundation Project come to life. Keep an eye out for updates throughout the term!”

For the past 20 years, The Oakham School Foundation has supported Oakham School in its strategic objectives through charitable fundraising. Many generous donations have allowed multiple capital projects to be built, including the Mehra Faculty of Science, BAF Smith Pavilion, Floodlights on the Crista Cullen Astro, and the Jerwood School Design. The Foundation also raises money for capital projects and bursaries, as well as small projects, such as Foundation Projects. These are projects that cost around £1500 and can be achieved within the school year.