Type=image;ImageID=13246;ImageClass=left;ImageTitle=Winning year four student Maruta Balodis;TitleClass=strong;
Pupils from local primary schools were tasked with creating a character who reflects the aim of the pioneering programme to improve the emotional well being and resilience of young people.
There were more than 130 entries and pupils from some of the schools which took part - including Bushbury Hill, Bantock, Trinity CE and Bilston CE primaries schools and SS Mary and St John's Catholic Primary Academy - joined a celebration day and judging session at Moreton Community School last week.
The winning design was created by Maruta Balodis, a Year 4 pupil at Trinity CE Primary School. Her mascot, Resifibi, is a hiker who has stumbled many times trying to get to the top of the mountain, but she learns from her mistakes and never gives up, demonstrating her resilience.
Resifibi will be used to promote HeadStart Wolverhampton activities for primary age children.
Emma Tomblin, HeadStart's Senior School Support Coordinator said "It was incredibly hard for the judges to choose a winner, so much so that we have decided to feature all of the short listed entries in future HeadStart resources.
"The children amazed us with their creative designs and their eloquent descriptions of how their mascots represent the aspirations of the HeadStart programme. Resifibi will be made into our mascot and will be the friendly face of the HeadStart schools primary programme. Well done Maruta".
Councillor Claire Darke, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Education, said: "The day was a great success with some wonderful feedback from the young people and teachers who were in attendance. I'd like to thank the pupils and their schools for taking part, and congratulate Maruta on her fantastic creation."
During the celebration event, pupils were also able to take part in a wide range of interactive activities, including drama, role-play and team building games.
The HeadStart Wolverhampton programme, supported by the Big Lottery Fund, is designed to improve the resilience of 10 to 16 year olds by giving them the skills they need to cope with the challenges of modern life.
To find out more, please visit Type=links;Linkid=6584;Title=HeadStart;Target=_blank;, follow @headstartfm on Twitter or log on to Type=links;Linkid=7788;Title=Facebook;Target=_blank;.
- released: Monday 3 July, 2017