Recently Year 7 pupils took part in a project called Community Connections. The aim of Community Connections is to make pupils aware of their local community and the good that local charities and organisations do specifically at this time of year. It is important that pupils are aware of their community and what constitutes its make up. 

Local community organisations are at the heart of most communities and Cirencester is no exception. We wanted to do something special to say thank you to those who do so much for others, especially at Christmas time. 

Each tutor group identified a local cause and set about collecting items that would be of benefit.  Amongst the organisations was Oak and Furrows, a local wildlife charity, for which pupils collected tins of dog and cat food for the hedgehogs, newspapers to line the cages and towels to keep the animals warm. We collected food items for the Salvation Army, who provide families with hampers over Christmas. Cirencester Foodbank benefited from donations of food that pupils brought in and Gloucestershire Royal Hospital’s Children’s Ward received stocking fillers for the children who would be spending their time on the ward over the festive period.

Our Year 7s really enjoyed taking part in this initiative and gained a great sense of satisfaction from doing something positive for other people. By coming together and working as one, they were able to make a huge impact on their local community and give something back. Hopefully this will become an annual event for Year 7 pupils to lead.

"I was happy to bring something in from home.  It was something easy to do and something that will have an impact on others."  Zach, Year 7 pupil