Your Turn
New perspectives for very young leaders
"Young people have so much to offer to society. Common Purpose has recognised this through their leadership development programmes and award schemes that develop and celebrate the potential of young people. The more active, informed young people there are making a positive contribution to their local schools and communities - the better. I'm pleased to wish Common Purpose every continued success with their contribution to this through the Your Turn programme and CHANGEit awards." -
Zenna Atkins, Chair of OFSTED
What is Your Turn?
Your Turn challenges young people to think in new ways about their area and their world.
It is delivered across regions through three-day programmes that bring together students from a number of different schools. They explore the levers of power, examine how decisions are made and consider how they can make change happen.
It takes young people at a time when their horizons are expanding exponentially and exposes them to the people who make the decisions that govern their world: people like chief constables, business executives and community leaders.
The resulting encounters open minds on both sides - often in remarkable ways.
What happens on the programme?
The Your Turn Programme takes place over three days and is aimed at 13-15 year-olds. Participants from a number of schools across a region are recruited on the basis of their potential as leaders. The schools involved are chosen to ensure that the participants reflect the full diversity of the area.
What are the benefits?
The Your Turn Programme benefits young people, schools and society in a variety of ways. The benefits to young people who participate in the programme include:
- an enhanced knowledge of how their area operates and how decisions are made
- an appreciation of the diversity within their region and among young people their age
- a development of a skill-set that prepares them for life beyond school
- a realisation of their potential role as active citizens and a knowledge of the opportunities that can nurture this role.
The benefits to schools that participate in the programme are:
- an innovative approach to delivering the citizenship curriculum in schools
- a group of informed young people who can share their knowledge with a wider group
- a group of young people with an enhanced capacity to lead
- access to a network of other schools and senior decision-makers operating in their area.
Where and when is Your Turn held?
The Your Turn Programme consists of three programme days time-tabled across a two-week period. Common Purpose sets and agrees the dates of the programme days in advance with the participating schools.
How much does it cost?
Fees start from £50 per participant, where we can secure sponsorship.
How do I apply?
Schools that are interested in participating in a programme should contact the Your Turn Programme Manager based at their local Common Purpose office. There are thirty school places per programme for which Common Purpose continuously recruit.
Information for schools
Information for parents and guardians
Email your.turn@commonpurpose.org.uk if you have any further queries. If you are interested in Your Turn in Northern Ireland, please email stephen.rice@commonpurpose.org.uk.
