Year 9 DofE Volunteers Launch After-School Manga Club  

An exciting new initiative is taking shape in the school library this term, thanks to a dedicated group of Year 9 students completing the volunteering section of their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award.

With librarian Mrs Edwards’ support, the boys have launched and are now running an after-school Manga Club for enthusiastic Year 7 and 8 students – and it’s already proving to be a success.  

The Year 9 volunteers – Aiden, Uriel, Miles, Na’im, Munir, BoHan and Enrikas - took full ownership of the project from the very beginning. They designed the club sessions themselves, created eye-catching posters to advertise it, and even selected the 20 club members. Now, they’re leading each of the six 45 minute sessions, supporting younger students as they read, draw, and chat about all things Manga.  

A highlight so far has been a visit from a talented Year 9 student Manga artist, Ollie, who shared his impressive artwork and inspired aspiring artists across the group.  

Each Year 9 volunteer looks after a small group, ensuring every member feels welcome, included, and confident enough to share their interests. Mrs Edwards says: “The boys have impressed me with their leadership, enthusiasm and ability to keep engagement high throughout the sessions. I’m very proud of them!”  

“After each meeting, we come together for a debrief, discussing what went well and what they could adjust next time. It’s a reflective process that has strengthened the experience for both leaders and participants.”  

With such positive feedback and lively weekly turnouts, Mrs Edwards is hopeful that Manga Club will return next year. For now, it stands as a brilliant example of student leadership, creativity, and community spirit within our school.