Experience

Volunteering and Fundraising

It’s difficult to appreciate the world unless you immerse yourself in the task of making it a better place. This is a commitment that College and the pupils take seriously; dedicating over 3,200 hours of volunteering in the community each year.

Charitable activities aren’t an added extra, they are central to what we do. We have a Social Action Mentor and Partnerships Administrator who work with the students to take action through volunteering, fundraising and spreading awareness for vital causes.

Community Links

Volunteering and charity work at College takes many forms, but the most popular is the successful Community Links scheme. Pupils take part in activities ranging from reading to children, performing music for the elderly, building bird boxes, mentoring refugees and sorting at the Food Bank.

Local causes benefit from this voluntary work, but it also gives our pupils a broader perspective on life as they are developing their attitude to the world. They learn to value, serve and enrich their community in a way that will stay with them forever.

Community is at the heart of our school and working with local partners gives our girls the opportunity to meaningfully contribute in our local area. Through our community links, girls learn what it means to be a vital and compassionate member of society.

Mrs Isaac

Social Action Mentor

Charity Fundraising

College chooses two main charities annually. Anyone at College can nominate a charity and an overview of the shortlisted charities is presented in Prayers. Staff and students then anonymously vote for the charities they would like to support during the next academic year.

While we would like to help as many organisations as possible, choosing a smaller number means the chosen charities can each benefit from a larger donation. It also enables us to build a relationship with the charities, giving pupils the opportunity to learn more about their work. Several pupils have gone on to take gap year placements with some of these organisations and with St Hilda’s East, our permanent charity.

College also supports various ‘one off’ appeals where students and staff are passionate about a cause or issue.

Our Charities 2024-25

For the current year we are supporting the following organisations:

Gloucestershire Young Carers

This charity develops innovative services with and for young carers. They focus on two crucial areas:

1. Direct Services for Young Carers

Through collaborative efforts with other organisations, the charity provides a wide range of essential services for young carers. Their aim is to create opportunities for rest, fun, skill development, and support.

2. Support for Professionals

The charity works with professionals and commissioners, equipping them with the knowledge and resources needed to better address the unique needs of young carers.

Visit the Gloucestershire Young Carers website.

St Hilda's East

Our permanent charity: Founded by Guild in 1889, this multi-purpose community centre caters for all sections of the local community in the East End of London.

Visit the St Hilda's East website.

Hear from CLC and St Hilda's East

As part of our partnership, CLC girls work closely with the Brave Girls - a group in east London that encourages them to explore, develop and grow as strong brave individuals, in a safe, fun and welcoming environment. Find out more about our recent joint exhibition on 'Community' in our Parabola Arts Centre.