Charity and Community Service - Introduction

In September 2006 we launched a new initiative to encourage a greater emphasis on charitable giving and community service amongst the students at Caterham School.

The idea is to formalise and extend the variety of charity events that we organise (e.g. non-uniform days, Talent Show, Macmillan Coffee Morning). A charity committee consisting mainly of pupils in the 6th form will take a lead supported by staff and younger students.

In tandem with that, the school is establishing a society to spearhead a community service programme. Our pupils come from all over the world, many from very privileged backgrounds, and we believe that it is right for them to have an understanding of, and compassion for, those less fortunate than themselves. Importantly we think it will benefit them to have made a contribution, at whatever level, to help improve the lives of others. It is part of our philosophy of trying to ensure that each pupil leaves for university as a well rounded individual who has, to the best of our ability, received an education that will help to prepare them for their future lives.

The intention is that all pupils in the Upper 6th, and as many junior students as possible, have the opportunity to serve their community in a variety of ways. Projects and placements will include helping reading and sports coaching at the Pre-Prep School, supporting the Orpheus Centre and Marie Curie Hospices and providing assistance to local primary schools, nursing homes and Oxfam shops.

We have also established links with the Lerang’wa School in Tanzania and much of the focus of our efforts will be directed to improving academic / sporting / charitable links with that school. The long term vision is to see Caterham students twinned with students in Tanzania. A group of U6th students will visit Lerang’wa as part of an international community programme during the summer that they leave Caterham School.

How can you help?

We are very keen to include and involve all the relevant partners of the Caterham School community with the venture. The intention is to raise awareness amongst pupils, parents, teachers, non-tutorial staff, Old Caterhamians’ and members of the United Reformed Church – in the hope that support and contributions can come from all these groups.

If you are able to help with any fund-raising events OR if you can think of any good, new fund-raising ideas then please contact one of the team listed below. Equally, get in touch if you have any relevant contacts for 6th form community project links – we are currently trying to widen our local contacts.

If you are able to help or support us in any way we would love to hear from you.

Please contact either Mr. David Clark or Mrs. Clare Brown.

Telephone: 01883 343028
Email: david.clark@caterhamschool.co.uk / clare.brown@caterhamschool.co.uk