Community Charity week

The Alexander Devine Children's Hospice Service (previously The Alexander Devine Children's Cancer Trust).

This charity was set up in memory of Alexander Devine who sadly died at the age of 8 having been diagnosed at just four years of age with a brain tumour. This charity already provides a service and is looking to extend this by ultimately building a children's hospice in Berkshire to help all families with children with life–limiting conditions, not only those suffering from cancer.

Thames Valley Adventure Playground

Most children love being able to get out and about, explore, climb trees and play with friends, but for many children and adults with a special need, it isn't possible. The Thames Valley Adventure Playground provides a chance for children and adults with all types of special needs to enjoy fun, freedom and friendship in a safe and stimulating environment. Our own Sports Leadership students support this worthwhile cause by giving practical help and assistance.

Kids in Sport

This charity is close to our School as it was set up in memory of Julian Budd, a past pupil of Claires Court, who sadly died in 2007 at the age of 33. Julian was a keen sportsman and raised money for charity to support children. His parents have set up the charity to continue this work. Kids in Sport aims to help children participate in sport who otherwise wouldn't have the opportunity.

Aims

Aims of the project are to assist the School Councils that lead our Pupil Voice to determine which local charities they wish to work with and support during charity week. 

Pupils identify local charities, who in turn visit the school to inspire and motivate the children. Our school coucnils empower the pupils to think about need and make choices and the local charities concerned benefit from circa £5000 each in terms of funds raised. 

Background

Long standing commitment between the school and charities to ensure young children locally benefit from appropriate support when they need it. 

Resources

Critical to the success of each year's charity week is the pupils' buy-in to meeting with the charities and selecting those that best reflect the wishes and aspirations of our pupils locally.

Teaching staff help steer, but the children take the lead during the five days of charity week and the various other events during March that give our charity work a special appeal.

Impact

The target for fundraising is £12,000 and we have exceeded this target in every year since its inception back in 2006.

Pupil Involvement

All pupils, boys and girls from age 3 to 18 are involved in 3for3 week (March) and the largest fund raisers (form) usually come from one of Years 6, 7 or 8. In 2014, the winning group came from boys Year 7, in 2015 from girls Year 6.

Frequency

Claires Court charity week is an ongoing activity, duration each year being one week.