In June 300 Year 5 pupils from across the family of schools joined us at Haberdashers Hall. Split across four days, pupils were in mixed groups from the beginning of the day – gaining the opportunity to meet one another as well as take part in sessions to better understand the work of the Company and how it connects to their school. By the time they left at half past three, they had handled historic artefacts, grown herb kits for families in need, pitched charity ideas as a BBC Newsround segment, and discussed what it means to be a Haberdasher.
The Haberdashers’ Advantage – the combination of Futures, Character, and Working Together that defines what our schools offer – has historically taken shape at secondary level. These Year 5 visits change that by laying the groundwork early: introducing pupils to the Company, building the foundations for the Futures programme they will experience in secondary school, and making clear from the age of ten that they are part of something significant. Through sharing the stories of our members, and highlighting the skills pupils develop throughout the day, career stereotypes are challenged and children begin to imagine a future they might not otherwise consider.
The morning started with pupils learning about the history of the Haberdashers’ Company from a medieval trade guild to a modern philanthropic organisation. After hearing about the historical relationship with schools and charities, they were asked to consider how the Haberdashers’ give back today – discussed in three parts: time, skills and charitable giving. These formed the overarching themes of the day as through activities pupils explored each aspect.
Time: Growing a gift
Pupils heard from charity partner South London Mission about the work they do through the Brite Box initiative, which provides families in Southwark with a gift of free meal kits during school term time. They then created their own gift to include in the Brite Box meal kits – everything needed to grow a basil plant. They decorated plant pots, filled small bags with compost and herb seeds, and wrote letters (or drew pictures) for families they would never meet. Through this they learnt about community participation and charity but also the impact that small thoughtful acts can have on those in need.
Giving: Create a charity challenge
After watching a presentation from Hatcham Primary’s Changemakers, groups were challenged to design their own community action challenge. Ideas included litter picking initiatives, creating a community reading zone in a local park and a playground befriending service. Each team was assigned different roles, drawing connections between the skills they are developing in the activity (creative thinking, public speaking, problem-solving) and the world of work. Every team needed a Product Development Manager, a Finance Manager, a Project Manager, a Human Resources Manager and a Sales and Marketing Manager. They were then interviewed about their idea in a mock BBC Newsround segment in front of the rest of the group.
Skill: Objects and trail
In this activity, pupils handled gowns, loving cups, ceremonial hats, and were shown a sewing box to bring to life the history of the Company. An exploratory trail then took groups through the building in search of donated objects, tracing the Company’s charitable story through the things it has chosen to keep and the gifts which have been given over 500 years. Pupils actively engage in artwork and artefacts across the hall from Deborah Knight’s portrait to a screwdriver held in the display room. For each they are invited to consider why they are significant and what they tell us about the Company and what it values – applying their historical enquiry skills whilst learning more about the Haberdasher community.
The day closes with pupils offering their reflections from the day and rewards for those who have applied key skills: teamwork, communication, leadership and creativity. When asked what they liked about the day pupils told us they had fun, enjoyed learning about the history and the chance to meet pupils from other schools.
Teachers particularly appreciated the opportunity for their pupils to practice public speaking and be encouraged to go beyond their comfort zone working in teams with children they have never met.
