School Matters 36

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to their needs to make sure each pupil is making good progress with their learning. Volunteering has been an exceptionally rewarding experience, and the community spirit developed benefits all parties involved.” And of his own volunteering work at the Mosaic Jewish Primary School, Iain Kennedy writes: “Helping primary school pupils of various ages at Mosaic Jewish Primary School to read I find extremely rewarding. The pupils are always enthusiastic, and I am challenged to think of ways to explain words and concepts accessibly. I also enjoy how regular the weekly sessions are as you can see an individual pupil’s reading ability progress over time which is immensely gratifying. It is also interesting to listen to the ideas that the children have about the books they are reading and chatting about the best illustrations in the book is always entertaining! The volunteering is made even more of a pleasure by the welcoming and vibrant environment at the school. For any PVIs reading, who next year will be wondering what type of community outreach they would most enjoy, I encourage them to give reading at Mosaic Jewish Primary School a go!” We have also continued our concerted effort to open the wonderful buildings of IPS to the wider community. Pupils from nearby Alton Primary School have come in regularly to use our cookery room and swimming pool, with IPS pupil assistance. We also have pupils helping with curriculum support and two extra- curricular sports clubs at the Alton. A separate, smaller group attends Linden

Lodge School, Southfields, for the visually and multi-sensory impaired, to support in- class activities. Almina Agkun writes: “Working alongside visually impaired children of differing abilities, including those who are hearing impaired, is a unique experience. We assist children in a variety of learning environments such as sciences lessons and food tech – which I personally favour most! We cook together, play games, have sociable and lively discussions, and many laughs. Although only volunteering weekly, we have all made friends in the time we have spent so far. One key skill that we consistently had to put into play was our teamwork; being able to communicate with one another to complete tasks was crucial. Working closely with one girl in particular also

meant that I had to gain her trust. Guiding her through steps appeared challenging at first but was really pleasing and great fun! Being challenged is definitely useful and problem solving plays a huge role in working with children. I have enjoyed volunteering at Linden Lodge immensely. I adore socialising with others, as well as being able to help in any way to make the children’s lives the slightest bit easier and more enjoyable. I would greatly recommend Linden Lodge to anyone who loves a lively atmosphere with plenty of new people to meet and no two weeks the same!” Another strand of the programme involves pupils contributing to the work of the Over 60s Café, which works to help isolated elderly residents on the Alton Estate. Pupils are not only involved in serving

#IPSPARTNERSHIPS Medical School Application Day

IPS was thrilled to welcome several generous medical professionals who came into School to support pupils interested in pursuing a career as a medic. In addition to the 22 IPS pupils from PVI–UVI, we also hosted nearly 40 external pupils from nearby state schools: Christ’s School, St Cecilia’s School, and Richmond Park Academy, Pupils took part in four different workshops and were given the chance to grill working doctors in a Q&A session, practise their interview skills in a mock mini-medical-interview session, explore issues surrounding medical ethics, and discuss how best to use their time in the run up to sending off that all-important UCAS form. It was a busy afternoon and pupils gained so much from the experience. Our thanks go to, Dr Cousins, Dr Mayahi, Dr Oldfield, Dr Robinson and Dr Wilkerson for giving up their valuable time, as well as the many teaching staff who took part.