Our SFC1’s have now completed their Community Links Programme, volunteering 154 hours per week across our partners in Cheltenham. Lessons have been learnt, friends made, and some new skills developed. Here are some reflections from the girls about what it’s like to serve in Cheltenham:
On volunteering in a local primary school:
“I really enjoyed the session this week, I found it very rewarding. I was reading with the child that I've been paired with for the last couple of weeks and she told me that she really enjoyed reading with me. Both her grammar and the flow of her reading has really improved.
This week was my last session at the school which was very sad. Although it was lovely to see and work with the children, I couldn't help being a little bit upset as it was the last time. The girl I usually read with was quite sad to say goodbye but she said next time I see her, her reading will be even better. I've really enjoyed doing community links this year, I've loved working with children and helping them with their reading or any other tasks they were doing. I will definitely miss it.”
Sofia, SFC1
On volunteering at Battledown SEND School school:
Volunteering at Battledown was one of the most fulfilling experiences I’ve had. Every Monday lunchtime, no matter how busy things got, we made sure to go, and I always looked forward to seeing the students again. Over time, I got to know them better, especially one boy, who was always so kind - he would hold the door open for me every time, which was such a small gesture but really showed his warmth. Moments like that made me realise how much we often underestimate the thoughtfulness of others, especially those with disabilities.
One of the biggest things I learned was patience and adaptability. At first, it was hard knowing how to interact with the students, but as I kept going, I started to understand them more - not just their challenges, but their unique strengths and personalities. Art and music were particularly powerful. Even the students who struggled to engage would light up when given a paintbrush or when their favourite song came on. It reminded me how important creative expression is, especially for those who have difficulty communicating in traditional ways.
Beyond the personal connections, this experience also deepened my awareness of global issues. It made me think about how society accommodates (or doesn’t accommodate) people with disabilities, and how much of a difference the right support system can make. The dedication of the staff was inspiring - they were incredibly patient and compassionate, always finding ways to help each student thrive. Seeing that made me more committed to being understanding and inclusive in my own life.
Looking back, this experience helped me grow in ways I didn’t expect. It taught me resilience, empathy, and the importance of treating everyone with respect, no matter their abilities. Even though we were only there once a week, it felt like we were part of something bigger - helping, even in a small way, to make a difference in these students' lives.
Maddy, SFC2
Care Homes Spring Concert
Many thanks to our SFC1 girls who planned a mini Spring Concert for our partner care homes, Faithfull House and Astell house.
“Saturday’s concert was excellent and very stimulating for the residents. They were so impressed by how talented they are and very appreciative that they took the time to come play for them, knowing how busy they must be with all their studies. The girls were so nice and appeared very comfortable which made it even more enjoyable. We hope to see them again."
Annie Marcoux, Faithfull House
Once again this term our girls have organized and planned fundraising events across the school. So far, this academic year we have raised £24,606.57.
Roderic did a wonderful job baking Easter themed cakes, blondies, brownies and smores. They raised £455.90 for Gloucestershire Young Carers. Thank you to everyone who participated.
Our Library Prefects ran a literary quiz for the first time this year. Girls were quizzed on their knowledge of authors, book titles, Shakespeare plays, and famous quotes. They raised £66 for Gloucestershire Young Carers.
This term we held a sale of delicious treats including Dubai chocolate, brownies and boba tea. The girls raised £329.26. and the proceeds went to Make a Wish, who offer those with terminal illness the chance to have some life changing wishes. Many thanks to everyone who helped bake and sell all the treats.
Our UC5 students organised a cookie and matcha sale for Anna Freud which aims to improve youngster's' mental health and wellbeing. They raised £329.32. Well done to everyone involved.
As part of the Sustainability Week events, girls raised money to fund future projects across school. They raised £255 which will be used for environmentally friendly ideas on the school campus.
This year, the Greenpower team were raising funds for a new axel kit for the car they have made. They cooked and sold pizza slices, raising £87.18 towards the equipment, well done!
As part of International Week, we celebrated our different cultures with Puff puff’s and Tteobokki. Girls in Cambray prepared and cooked the delicious food and raised money for Gloucestershire Young Carers (total TBC).
In a bid to reduce and recycle, we held another MUFTI clothing sale this term, raising £160.50 for Gloucestershire Young Carers.
This year for the first time we ran an Easter Egg drive. Eggs will be taken to Cheltenham Food Bank and Cheltenham Open Door over the holiday. Thank you for all the donations.
This year, St Hildas House has been running second hand unform sales every Saturday morning. Staff and girls volunteer to steam, iron and sort the uniform to sell. So far, this academic year they have raised £12,570 for St Hildas East in London. Huge thanks to Lola and her team at St Hilda’s House for all their hard work.
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