Roving report from the Partnership Ambassadors

Here at Channing, partnering with the schools around us is a key way through which we are involved with our community. Giving children the opportunity to learn new skills and meet new people is invaluable, and our involvement of many different departments and students helps us to really integrate the idea of helping the community into the pupils at Channing.

Through more STEM-based activities in Problem Solving and Science Club, pupils can learn how to navigate difficult situations while also learning how to answer questions independently. They also give volunteers the opportunity to learn how to explain hard concepts in Mathematics to the children. Ms Quow, who started Science Club, explained that it is “a good opportunity to work with KS2 pupils and to run fun science experiments that they may not have access to at their own schools,” with a particular highlight being “watching the sixth form helpers build strong relationships with the pupils.”

Language clubs we have include German Fun Club, Latin Club and Minimus. Here, pupils are able to explore the mysteries of the ancient world, learning Latin for the first time for many of them, and in the older group pupils are able to gain a certificate at the end. They love learning about myths, and it allows volunteers to learn how to teach new content to the pupils while maintaining interest and engagement. As for German, exploring a modern language can be the gateway into interests in culture and history.

As for the arts, there is also a DJ Club, where pupils can learn skills which are separate from the more traditional curriculum, allowing children to explore their creativity and make their own songs. Mr Kokkinos previously led a DJ Club at another school, where it proved both popular and highly successful, was delighted to bring it to Channing in partnership with St Aloysius as part of the Education Plus programme. A particular highlight has been seeing Year 10 students from both schools working together, acquiring new skills and enjoying mixing their favourite music. Ceramics classes also allow pupils to grow their artistic skills and work with new materials, sculpting and painting while learning patience through their art. Here, Year 9 volunteers can teach the pupils the subjects that they love, seeing the KS2 children grow in confidence and ability.

Finally, the external clubs that we have sixth form students volunteering at are breakfast clubs at our local primary schools and The Hub, a one-on-one tutoring and mentoring programme for the SATs for Year 5 and 6 pupils, where the sixth formers are able to explore the world of literacy and the challenging aspects of teaching humanities to children. At the breakfast club, the students go each week to chat to the children and play games with them, working on both groups’ social skills and learning how to communicate confidently with different age groups.

The skills learnt at all clubs, for volunteers and attendees alike, are crucial for later life. They allow children to explore their interests and broaden their horizons, while giving Channing students invaluable experience in leadership, communication and service.

Amara and Hermione, Year 12
Partnership Ambassadors