An inspiring new art work has been created and installed at The Langley Academy, as part of an initiative being offered to Slough secondary schools aiming to promote safety and prevent knife crime.
In January 2023, the national Knife Angel monument was temporarily installed in the town to raise awareness and educate on the dangers of knife crime. Back then, local young people contributed to an artwork which has been retained and has been used to engage and inspire new generations at The Langley Academy over recent weeks (October-November).
More than 600 pupils who attend the school in years 7, 8 and 9 participated in the project, each making their own personal pledge on how they would keep themselves and their friends safe and turn away from violence and knife crime.
Workshops were held with the pupils, delivered by local educational community organisation The Storry Group. They delivered a fast-paced and engaging session, using the “Stay True to You” campaign to explore how young people can plan ahead, stay calm, trust their instincts and always ask for help in order to stay safe.
After the workshop, the pupils made their own individual pledges and commitments on how they will behave and support each other.
A local visual arts centre, Art Classes Group, based in Slough then took the pledges, chose a selection of the most powerful, and created the “Tree of Hope” mural, which has been permanently installed in the school to promote the importance of staying safe, not carrying a weapon and asking for help if worried.
The project has been funded by Slough Borough Council and the Thames Valley Violence Prevention Partnership. It is now being offered to other secondary schools in Slough.
Deputy Headteacher Simon Tattersall, said: “We were delighted to host this important project at The Langley Academy. We firmly believe that the role of a school is to not only promote academic success but support students in becoming positive citizens and members of their community.
“Young people locally and nationally are under immeasurable pressure and the core message of the project; to stay true to you will hopefully help students make positive choices in their lives.”
Jules Bottazzi, Director of Strategy & Performance, Office of the Police & Crime Commissioner, said: “Education is the best form of prevention, particularly to stop young people carrying weapons.
“We know that we have to help young people overcome fear, to be confident in their own abilities so they can make the right, positive choices to stay safe. And, if they are at all worried, encourage them to ask for help and so they know there is always someone there for them.
“This project saw huge enthusiasm from the pupils who have made some powerful commitments to look after each other and to keep themselves safe and away from violence. I hope it goes on to deliver further benefit to other schools in Slough.”
Councillor Ishrat Shah, lead member for equalities, public health and public protection, Slough Borough Council, said: “Knife crime and exploitation awareness is crucial in preventing future harm and young people can learn about the real-life risks and consequences of carrying a knife. The Stay True to You message is also about trusting your instincts and trying to make the right decision.
"This education and early engagement work is hugely important and ties in with our serious violence strategy which shows the part we have to play, alongside other partners, in helping to make Slough a safer place to live.
“I am pleased the legacy of the Knife Angel is continuing and the pupils are adding their messages of hope to the tree mural.”
Visit the Stay True to You website to find resources for parents, young people and practitioners.