SIXTH formers in Gillingham have been building relationships with the community and learning about social responsibility by performing a number of good works.

The young people, from Gillingham School Sixth Form, have been working to build links with the local community in a project led by assistant head of sixth form, El Little.

Over the course of the school year, all students undertake a half term of volunteering to help develop skills of confidence, communication and community awareness, while also having a positive impact in the community.

A school spokesperson said: “It is part of the wider personal development programme within Gillingham Sixth Form, which also includes a focus on building leadership skills and providing enrichment opportunities.”

Activities this year have seen students visit residents at Fern Brook Lodge and The Malthouse care homes, including two of the students who are members of TLW Dance Company in Shaftesbury putting their skills to good use staging musical and dance performances.

Gillingham School sixth formers during a care home visit

Sixth former Poppy Marshall said the experiences had been rewarding.

“It was so interesting finding out about the lives of the residents before they came to the care home,” she said.

“I found it really uplifting and it always really brightened my day.”

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Then, on the last day of the school term, members of the school orchestra, led by head of music Liam Carey, visited Fern Brook Lodge to put on a Christmas music performance.

Meanwhile, another group oversaw the organisation of the Rotary Club Shoebox Appeal at the school, with individuals and tutor groups putting together shoe boxes to be sent to children in eastern European countries for Christmas.

Sixth formers in the hi-vis jackets provided by Dextra Group

There have also been students regularly litter picking on a Wednesday afternoon in Gillingham town centre, giving them the opportunity to interact with the community, supported by Dextra Group.

Natasha Ward, group CCO, organised to supply the school with hi-vis jackets and lanyards with the school logo and slogan, ‘Gillingham School Serving the Community’.