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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