The Accumulator Challenge is a great way for students to develop and learn new skills, while promoting teamwork and collaboration. This is why Kineton High School have taken part in the challenge every year since it began back in 2014. 

The secondary school, based in Warwickshire, also has a long-standing tradition for fundraising and often chooses local charities so that the students and families can relate to them. Often, families have a link to a local charity, especially somewhere like Katharine House, and this connection helps the students feel more involved.

Over the years, the students have been guided and supported by Ms Purnell, Head of Art and Design at Kineton School, and she has always encouraged all the students to get involved. Ms Purnell said: "One of the best things about the Accumulator Challenge is the whole school coming together and everyone being involved. As a teacher, it’s very rewarding to see."

The students have taken part in a number of activities over the years, but their main fundraising event has been the Christmas Craft Fair. Students do a Young Enterprise Scheme, creating a product to sell at the fair during their lessons. They then set up a stall and sell the products. This was always massively popular with both the students and the visitors to the Christmas Craft Fair.

Students from years 7 to 11 take part in the craft fair and then the Sixth Form hold a Charity Week at Christmas, meaning the whole school has been involved in the challenge!

Early on, Ms Purnell realised that not only were the students having fun and getting creative, but they were also learning some great life skills too, "The students learnt many things from teamwork, product design, finances, marketing and organisational skills!"

Since the challenge began in 2014, Kineton High School have raised nearly £14,000 for the hospice by taking part in the Accumulator Challenge and have won the Most Funds raised by a School award every year! During the 2017–18 challenge, they went even further and won the Record Breakers Award. Ms Purnell said that the secret behind their success was, "keeping it simple, getting as many people involved as possible and having fun!"

When we asked Ms Purnell if Kineton High School would be back for the 2023–24 challenge she said, "We are so pleased the Accumulator Challenge is back as we love a challenge to get our teeth into! I would encourage any school, business or community group to take part too. We love a bit of competition here at KHS! Katharine House Hospice has supported many people in our school community and we like to give back where we can. It is so important to raise awareness about Katharine House Hospice and the fantastic work they do."

We can’t wait to have Kineton High School involved again this year and see what they get up to. Do you think you have what it takes to beat them?! If so, sign up now!

Join the Accumulator Challenge NOW!