Soul in the Community

The School’s greatest and most visible community outreach project is its Soul in the Community. Every Summer Term, we engage in building, painting, clearing, planting, as well as inspiring children at local primary schools, and visiting care homes. With over 20 projects, involving 50 staff members and encompassing the efforts of over 400 pupils, contributing an approximate 4,000 man-hours, our commitment to helping worthy projects in the community is stronger than ever. We will extend our helping hands to the local community to paint community centres, to build sensory gardens, to clear public parks, to sand and shine at churches. There’s nothing we can’t do. It just takes handfuls of hard work and hearts full of soul.

Aims

To provide a helping hand to worthy projects within the local community.

Background

A strong desire for students’ increased awareness and personal development by giving back with practical hands-on help in the community: a project to inspire, invigorate and harness collective power for good.

Head of Outreach, Stuart Bird – then Head of Year 9 – wanted an ambitious project for Activity Week to galvanise and unite Year 9 by doing good for others less fortunate. He contacted local community centres, charities, care homes, and council green space contractors to find how students could make a positive impact.

Resources

Mini bus, School Staff, Pupils, Equipment, Planning.

Donations welcomed towards cost of supplies/equipment for use during the projects. 

Impact

Feedback has always been tremendously positive from pupils, staff, and recipients impacted by the projects. Enjoyed by all.

Pupil Involvement

Vertical groups of Y9, Y10, Y12 pupils

Staff support

 

Frequency

Annual project. This has expanded from 1 day to 2, and keen to expand further throughout the academic year where possible.