Weekly Volunteering Programme

72 pupils undertake volunteering in 11 locations on a weekly basis in the Autumn and Spring Terms.

There are a broad range of activities which the pupil volunteers undertake, including:

- Supporting primary teachers in 4 local schools, assisting in early years activities, helping with administration and individual reading support.

- Supporting the local village shop in serving customers, working in the cafe and stock taking.

- Running a biweekly 'Memory Cafe' onsite for over 35 members of local social hub.  This involves providing professional performers, supporting those with dementia and memory issues, having received training from the Alzheimer's Society.

- Volunteering at Sissinghurst Castle Gardens assisting in a variety of activities, from retail support to volunteering in the cafe and garden.

- Supporting a local pre-school 

- Supporting St Mary's Goudhurst with Sunday services.

- Providing activities and support to Bowles Lodge (Supported housing) residents.

- Supporting Tenterden Social Hub with activities. 

 

 

Background

The volunteering programme has been running since 2017 and opportunities are reviewed on an annual basis.

Resources

The key resources are the 72 pupils who conduct the volunteering and the 5 staff who facilitate the activities.  Out of the 11 placements, 8 of them required minibus transport.

The placements take place every Tuesday afternoon in the Autumn and Spring terms between 1300 - 1600.

Impact

The assessment is carried out on an annual basis through a calculation of pupil and staff hours.  Testimonials are also gathered from our partners.

Pupil Involvement

The pupils are from the 6th Form - Y12 and Y13.

Frequency

This is a weekly activity and is a key part of the Sixth Form Programme and has been running every year.