St Columba's College case studies (28)

Impact of partnership work done in 2023 (ISC annual Census 2024)

• 20 state schools involved
• 51-100 state school pupils involved
• 300 staff hours given

Impact Statement

In fulfilling its charitable objects and furthering its public benefit obligations, the College has built strong relationships and strengthened its links with the wider community. It is proactive in making its facilities available to the wider community at no cost or significantly reduced rates. Students in all sections of the College are actively engaged in charitable activities in order to support those less fortunate members of society. By holding regular fund-raising events, pupils, parents’ associations and members of staff raised a very substantial amount of money for local, national and international charities.

St Columba's College has a vibrant service programme across all year groups - Service is the first component of the S.H.A.P.E. framework in the student formation programme! The college engages in many charitable projects, approximately 40 partnerships are recorded on the ISC Schools Together website.

Regrettably, during the pandemic many partnerships have been suspended but the school will re-engage with them as soon as it is possible to do so. For example, the foodbank campaign could not take place this year, nor could we host local meetings at the College. The College, however, has been resourceful in taking the opportunity to adopt new projects often in an online format, such as the Virtual Homeless Sleepout, in which students joined live the Teams events at home, and recording our Christmas Carol Services for local care homes. New partnerships are also developing, such as our CCF staff and students supporting the local Hatfield Contingent.

As a Brothers of the Sacred Heart school, we want our students to of service to society. Our local, national and international partners serve in a mutually beneficial relationship that enables our students to engage confidently and responsibly with the world now and in the future.

All partnerships can be found in the ‘Partnerships’ section, although it is worth noting here some examples of charity partnerships adapted in the pandemic:

·        The CAFOD Young Leaders Programme was more successful via remote training than in live meetings because students did not have to miss school to attend networking sessions. As well as promoting the ‘Walk for Water’ campaign and raising awareness about the global criminal justice systems, the Sixth Form leaders continued the tradition of the Simple Meal, coordinated the car-parking for the St Albans Half Marathon and were good role models to other schools by sharing their ideas and work.

·        As part of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, over 60 boys undertaking voluntary work in the local community.

·        The Memory Tree was an example of a school community charity initiative for the MIND charity. The intention was to remember loved ones by purchasing a ceramic star and writing a personal message to them on it. The stars, made by the Art Dept, were hung on the two lilac trees at the front of the school, where everyone can see them, and embellished with fairy lights and decorations.

·        Mental health initiatives have been adapted, although there was no fundraising for the charity this year. Red January walks now happen throughout the year as Red Mile walks

·        Following the success of the lockdown EECA Day project, we were invited by ‘Communities 1st’ to take part in the Postcard Pals scheme again, with our artwork and letters going directly to residents in Fosse House, the local care home.

·        Individual staff continue to serve the community. For example, the number of school governors has increased from 4 to 6 in local schools, and one staff member raised over £1000 for ’Caring for Life’ in memory of a former parent of the school.

Here are some notable Fundraising figures for 2020-21 (in covid) 

·        Prep Junior Enterprise - 175.50 - College / Columban Fayre 

·        Fare Share - Guertin Christmas Appeal - 865.66 - Fare Share 

·        Odd Sock Day - 1,024.55  - Anti Bullying Alliance 

·        Xmas Jumper - 1,316.54 - HomeStart 

·        March & Shoot- 1,900 -British Legion 

·        Memory Tree -743.00 -MIND 

·        St Francis - 5,290.01 - Levy - 19/20 

·        BOSH Developing World Levy - 6,040.00 - Levy - 20/21 

·        Red for VEDs - 92 -Prep - not finished 

·        Face Masks - 459 -CAFOD 

·        Prep Top Trumps -330 -Open Door 

·        Senior Top Trumps -580 - Watling View 

·        Homeless Sleepout -565 - Open Door 

·        Walk for Water -    - 950 – CAFOD

·        Car-parking St Alban Half Marathon - £200 CAFOD , £250 Earthworks (Stanislaus charity)