KGS pupils probe community challenges

KGS students will be going head-to-head to win cash for local charities at a special event highlighting community issues in Orkney and the good work being done to address them.

Over the past four months, over 40 sixth year students have been working in teams to research social and community issues of concern locally, ranging from cancer support to domestic abuse and depression.

At a special event this Wednesday,  teams will present their findings on these issues to a panel of judges – highlighting a local charity they believe is doing the best work to tackle the problems – in a bid to win the £500 prize for their chosen organisation.

Judges on the panel include Gordon McDonald, Head Teacher at KGS, Rev Fraser McNaughton, Dave Gray from Radio Orkney and Principal Teachers from the school.

The Kirkwall Community Project (KCP) is aimed at helping students develop presentation, communication and organisational skills while building lasting relationships with local charities.  It’s been carried out as part of their Moral and Religious Education curriculum at the school.

Speaking ahead of the event, KGS headteacher Gordon McDonald said the KCP has been an inspiring project for the students involved.

“It’s something they have really been able to get their teeth into and get passionate about, at the same time as developing important life skills and contributing to bettering the local community. We very much hope this will be the first of many future events to come.”

The winning team and charity will be announced via the Kirkwall Grammar School Facebook page shortly after the event.