The Mighty Marvels Programme helps us win the kids, and our wide-ranging events programme serves to quicken the relationship building process. But as the kids grow and they graduate to the Comps, it would be remiss of us to not have an avenue to build upon the work done with the children in the Mighty Marvels Programme. Thankfully, with a full-time presence in Ysgol Nantgwyn and Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhondda, we have the opportunity to do just this. How do we it?! The All-Star
Programme!

Without doubt, the All-Star Programme has become the ‘Jewel in the Sporting Marvels Crown’ over the years as it has produced some remarkable young leaders. The primary goal is to “influence the influencers”. In other words: our goal is to win the kids to Sporting Marvels, help them grow into quality young leaders and to fulfil their potential!

And if you’re wondering if it works, yes it does: Smithy, Chelsea, Lauren, Connah, Naomi, Taylar, Lucy, Rhiannon, Garland & Liss were once All-Stars who now, as outstanding Marvels, directly influence hundreds of kids every week!

Usually 10 boys and 10 girls are selected at the beginning of Year 7, the first year in the Comp. However, this group usually whittles down each year, with pupils perhaps not reaching the standard in terms of commitment levels, attitude or behaviour. What we are left with becomes the core!

When they reach Year 10, they graduate to the All-Star Leadership Academy which lasts until Year 13 when they leave school. The Academy focuses more on helping the All-Stars become confident and competent young leaders, it provides them with lots of opportunities to gain leadership experience, and role-modelling for the younger All-Stars. This greatly enriches their files and personal statements when applying for university and helps them stand out from the crowd.

The All-Star Programme though, is no easy ride! The All-Stars are expected to comply to a schedule that includes character coaching, sports and leadership sessions, as well as attendance at a weekly registration slot where the Marvels develop a ‘core value’ or ‘leadership principle’ for the week. On top of all that there’s the awesome after-school clubs and special events itinerary!

The All-Stars are involved in all the out-of-school events like Adventure Days, Summer Camps, Sports Days and Water Days. In fact, many of these events couldn’t take place without the All-Star Leadership Academy who help our numerically limited team of Marvels cope with the 150+ youngsters that attend the events. Some instruct, many lead and all support the cause by manning stations and generally helping steward the various day (which the Marvels are very grateful for!!)

The All-Stars are so important, we’ve even given them their very own All-Star Presentation Evening which, this year brought the All-Stars from Ysgol Nantgwyn & Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhondda together. We have the All-Star Fancy Dress Christmas Party and the biggest one of all: the All-Star trip to East Africa which takes place every two years for Leaders in the sixth form.