Friday Feature: How schools are coming together to support their wider communities
Schools across the country have been joining with their local communities to help the UK’s fightback against coronavirus.
Our Friday round-up aims to provide a little light relief, as we highlight some of the great work schools are engaged in...
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"It's so inspiring to see everyone working so closely together for the benefit of young people across the country." - @JulieR_isc thanks schools from both sectors for working together to provide young people with the best possible education during the COVID-19 pandemic: pic.twitter.com/BMt1exU71g
— Independent Schools (@ISC_schools) April 3, 2020
It’s a difficult time for many of us, especially those who are apart from their families.
— ITV News WestCountry (@itvwestcountry) March 20, 2020
Earlier this week, elderly residents at a locked-down care home in #Somerset were played video messages from kind-hearted members of the public to remind them they’re not alone.
❤ pic.twitter.com/yY2ydq6Pac
Aware of the sad reality that many elderly people will be away from their families this Easter, Simi, an upper sixth student at Sevenoaks School, has been busy creating Easter cards for the elderly in her local community. She has also designed a poster to encourage others to create their own cards and brighten up someone's day.
Students at Millfield School have sent personalised video messages of support to elderly residents at a locked-down local care home, including a former member of Millfield's Grounds and Gardens and Catering staff, Pete.
“It has been heartening to see so many members of the local community work together to provide much needed support for their neighbours and friends. It is vital that we, as a community, come together during this time, and I’m honoured that Millfield can play a small part to help."
--- Millfield headmaster Gavin Horgan
Pupils at The Granville School have also been doing their bit to lift the spirits of members of their local community. While younger students are currently unable to attend their weekly visit to Alpine Care Home, older pupils have decided to write letters to the elderly residents instead.
--- One of the 200 visors Tonbridge School is making every day
Tonbridge School is trying their best to keep up with demand from NHS staff for the PPE they’re manufacturing… Led by DT teacher Will Biddle, 200 visors are being made each day. The free masks have been delivered to hospitals, NHS assessment centres, GP surgeries, pharmacies and care homes.
The school has also set up
make-more-masks.com, which has step by step manufacturing information so other schools can learn how to do it and join the effort.
Felsted School is supporting the East of England Ambulance Service by opening up two of its boarding houses to student paramedics undergoing urgent training. Volunteer staff members have been working hard to prepare Deacons House and Gepp's House ready for their arrival.
"I am writing to thank you for such a generous response to us at this challenging time. I am sure you will appreciate this is critical to enable us to provide work force and services to our patients in the coming weeks and you are a major part of helping that happen - we are enormously grateful - please pass on our thanks to all at Felsted who have helped make this possible."
--- Dorothy Hosein, chief executive of the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust
