Wednesday afternoons find students in Year 12 enjoying taking part in a variety of community service activities. These are tailored to students’ interests so that they offer a positive experience for both the student and the community organisation. The choice of opportunities is very wide, and can range from working in a local charity shop, to visiting residents in a home for the elderly to playing with young children at a mothers’ and toddlers group. Several students work in nearby primary schools, where they listen to children read or help with maths and science. Another group work closely with young people with learning disabilities where they are able to build supportive and positive relationships.
One very popular Wednesday afternoon activity is helping to run the “Silver Surfers” group. We are delighted to welcome local residents who are keen to learn or brush up on their ICT skills. Students work either one-to-one or in small groups with retired members of the local community, and help them with email, using the internet, designing greetings cards and much more besides! There’s also time for a cup of tea and a chat mid-afternoon.
Students who are more inclined towards sporting activities have the opportunity to gain the Community Sports Leadership Award. This allows students to gain the confidence and skills necessary to enable them to provide sporting opportunities and recreational activities within the community. A popular choice is to lead PE lessons at local primary schools or to run after-school sports clubs, with the aim being to help others to have fun through sport.