The Accumulator Challenge is a great way for students to develop and learn new skills, whilst 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, has a long-standing tradition for fundraising and often chooses local charities so that the students and families can relate to them. Often, families will 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, who 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."

"I would encourage any school, business or community group to take part too. We love a bit of competition here at KHS!"

The students have taken part in a number of activities over the years, but their main fundraising event is the Christmas Craft Fair. This is where students do a Young Enterprise Scheme and in lessons create a product to sell at the Christmas Fair. This event is 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 holds a Charity Week at Christmas, meaning the whole school gets 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 learn many things from teamwork and product design to finances, marketing and organisational skills!” 

Since the challenge began in 2014, Kineton High School has raised over £16,000 for the hospice by taking part in the Accumulator Challenge and have won the ‘Most Funds raised by a School’ award multiple years, plus the ‘Ultimate Accumulator’ award in 2017–18. 

In 2023–24 the school won the ‘Sustainability Award’, which was introduced by Katharine House Hospice that year. The students were given this award when they impressed the judges with their sustainable creativity by creating items for the Christmas Fair. They made snowmen from old white sport socks, Christmas trees from old library books and tinsel from unused rags. They even made beautiful festive decorations from old Christmas trees.

 

Ms Purnell said that the secret behind their success is “keeping it simple, getting as many people involved as possible and having fun! 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.” 

Kineton High School really are the team to beat and we can’t wait to have them 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!