School Matters 36

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#IPSPARTNERSHIPS LVI Community Outreach We were excited to launch our LVI Leadership scheme, for the first time involving all in-person volunteering. All LVIs studying three A-levels take part, meaning that we now have 53 pupils completing a weekly activity designed to help our local community. The aim of the scheme is for pupils to have an opportunity to build their skills in resilience, communication, and teamwork, while providing valuable service to others. We intend for these links to continue for many years and are looking forward to seeing these partnerships develop. We are equally thrilled this year to have become a host site for the wonderful work of the charity Rackets Cubed. Founded in late 2016, Rackets Cubed currently serves more than 300 primary school children from Sacred Heart Roehampton, Alton, Airedale, Heathmere and Ellingham schools. It strives to provide them with significant extra- curricular support. The vision is driven by the increasing evidence that active children have higher school achievement and that nutritious foods improve classroom behaviour. It focuses on inner city schools with high IDACI ratings (Income Deprivation Affecting Children Index). Don Ng, who has been one of the IPS LVI volunteers with the programme, writes: “The programme has a three-pronged approach which includes Sports, Maths/ STEM and Nutrition. The program I participate in teaches Year 3 Maths and tennis. The aim is to increase the health and fitness of the children, educating them

and vegetables. Our latest mission has been building a polytunnel, in which we plan to grow plants through the spring and summertime. My favourite aspect of gardening is not only that I get to do it with my friends, but we are constantly learning new, niche skills that otherwise, I don’t think I ever would have learnt. For example, being able to build flower beds from simple wood planks, using a drill – and weeding! I also find it enjoyable being outside in the fresh air after long hours in a classroom, as well as the fulfilment it gives being able to help the local community and see a place transform.” In addition, we have several groups of Sixth Formers helping support activities at nearby Alton Primary School. Finnius Towle and Rosa Velasco write: “We have been helping pupils in Year 3. We have found their classroom a friendly, accommodating and uplifting learning environment in which we have been welcomed by pupils and teachers alike. The school’s flexible schedule allows for us to assist in a wide range of subjects such as English, Maths, Science and Computing. We either move around the room answering questions the pupils might have or we are assigned to a particular child for more targeted support. We also had the pleasure of assisting in presenting the year group’s assembly. The programme has helped us develop our skills of communication, creativity and collaboration. We have been able to develop connections with each and every pupil and have witnessed their progress over time, which has proven to be extremely gratifying. Not only are the pupils developing their academic skills, but the initiative has also benefited us both, as it has enabled us to improve our ability to interact with younger people and be able to accommodate

about nutrition, raising their academic achievement and improving their daily lives. As a volunteer, I must use skills such as empathy, leadership, teamwork and communication working alongside teachers.” We thank Don and the other pupil volunteers on the Rackets Cubed project and we look forward to this excellent partnership continuing to allow us further to support the charity’s work in the community. One of the most creative projects continues to be our Community Gardening project at the Alton Activity Centre on nearby Alton Estate. In some weeks, pupils also make over grounds around the sheltered housing areas on the estate, helping elderly residents who are not able to do this for themselves. The pupils are ably led by DT Teacher Mr Jeremiah O’Sullivan. Phoebe Groome writes: “The garden project that I am involved with is located within a playground on the estate and it brings many people joy when seeing it being transformed from an overgrown, unappealing patch of soil to an amazing space to grow flowers, fruit