Year 12 Service Activity

A team of Year 12 students volunteered to rebuild a perimeter fence at a local primary school to improve security and safety of the pupils.

Aims

The aim of the partnership was to help refurbish the perimeter fence of a local primary school that had fallen into disrepair. This required fundraising to purchase materials, liaison with suppliers and the maintenance department at the school and recruitment of specialist help with the work.

The immediate beneficiaries were the school and their neighbours. Student volunteers also gained a clear sense of achievement.

Background

The need was initially identified by the students undertaking playground activities at the school and followed up by the Director of the Aldworth Partnership. The work was planned for completion in June.

Resources

Fundraising to purchase materials was undertaken by the Aldworth Partnership through a fayre attended by students and staff. Materials were purchased through RBCS. The estates department provided a member of staff who specialises in this type of work to provide expertise and guidance to the students. The student team were supervised by two staff members throughout the day. The project was fully funded by RBCS with no financial contribution requested from Highwood Primary.

Impact

The team replaced over 30 metres of fencing. The work resulted in an improved aesthetic appearance of the playground which was made safer for pupils attending Highwood Primary. Students undertaking the work reported feeling their time on the project had made them feel useful and positive about volunteering.

Pupil Involvement

Year 12 students organised themselves on the day and worked well with the skilled member of staff from the estates team providing advice.

Frequency

Projects of this type will take place every year with Year 12 students. It is envisaged that different primary partners will be involved in the future.