THE WYKEHAM JOURNAL 2021
‘ It was enlightening: one of the key areas that we fully developed during COVID was our Environmental Outreach. We found that our senior pupils relished spending time in the outdoors, be it on Magdalen Hill learning the craft of hedge laying or further afield, rewilding in Berkshire. Moreover, they were socially distanced! For them it was hugely rewarding to be out in the fresh air, doing something physical and something worthwhile. That was a part of our programme that really took off during COVID: we had over 50 senior pupils involved at the height of the pandemic. The boys were able to relax without feeling too constrained by COVID rules. That freedom to go out, and do something worthwhile and productive, was important to them.’
Winchester’ s Community Service programme involves over 300 senior pupils and is a formal part of the curriculum:‘ We’ re involved with 50 organisations across Hampshire. Winchester has an eclectic mix of inspirational organisations: the Hampshire Hospitals trust, the Blue Apple Theatre, the Winchester Night Shelter, Trinity Winchester, numerous schools, special schools and nursing homes, the Scouting movement, various environmental bodies and local charities. So we cover the whole spectrum, and that ' s ideal for our senior pupils, because if they are inspired to spend two hours a week in an activity that plays to their strengths, everybody benefits.’
She sees the principles behind the CS programme as fulfilling the Founder’ s vision for senior pupils at the school.
‘ Everybody’ s giving wholeheartedly to service, and thereby maintaining a Wykehamical tradition; it was part of William of Wykeham’ s mission and one of the key areas our pupils should develop; hopefully instilling a lifelong desire to serve others in their future lives.’
The broad-ranging activities that senior pupils undertake help to develop them in specific ways.
‘ Many are completely out of their comfort zone, particularly when they’ re working alongside vulnerable people. Our pupils are shocked initially by what they come across.
‘ One of the great attributes that Wykehamists have is empathy and I think that’ s an enviable quality, particularly for adolescent males. I am amazed by their ability to get alongside an elderly person with dementia or by their affinity for adults with learning difficulties.’
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