Community Service
Community Service operates on Wednesday afternoons and provides an opportunity for pupils to fulfil service hours for the Duke of Edinburgh scheme or the CAS programme operated within the International Baccalaureate. It is also open for any Sixth Form pupil who would like to do community service as part of their Wednesday activities.
In addition to putting something back into the community, the programme provides an extremely enriching experience for pupils, broadening their horizons and providing an enhanced sense of self-worth. The programme is run by Alison Baker.
The placements are divided into two main areas: placements which are internal to the Haileybury campus and external placements which are outside the campus in the local community.
Approximately 45 pupils are placed in the local community and nearly 50 are placed on the Haileybury campus supporting teachers and staff.
External community service
External placements are in the local community of Hoddesdon, Hertford, Ware, Broxbourne and Hertford Heath and range from visiting two residential homes for the elderly, working in 11 local primary schools, six charity shops and visiting seniors living in the local community. There is also a long-standing commitment with a school for the disabled. There are still not enough external placements to cover the amount of pupil interest, so if anyone is aware of any other areas in the local community which would like our support, please contact Alison Baker.
Internal placements
The second year of placements within Haileybury campus has worked well and has continued to be a growth area: over 40 pupils are helping in areas across the breadth of the school, including dog, walking helping in the registry, childcare and administrative support for a plethora of departments. Internal placements help the pupils to gain valuable work experience and give the support and teaching staff at Haileybury both increased interaction with the pupils and much-needed help.
The Charity Committee holds a popular Christmas tea party and concert to which all of the seniors involved on the Community Service Programme are invited.
Staff involvment
Alison Baker is responsible for the Community Service Programme, assisted by Rev Chris Briggs, who helps coordinate and evaluate external placements. Times are within the period of 1.30pm to 3.30pm on a Wednesday afternoon.
