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Introduction
Wellington believes in the best possible education and always has been, absolutely committed to the notion of Service – it is part of our foundation, at the core of our values and our approach to education. The Junior Social Apprentice program seeks to involve every 4th Form pupil in the privilege of giving something back - whether it is our local, national or international communities. Going beyond the classroom to deliver skills in leadership whilst building global awareness and developing empathy, stretching pupils, socially, emotionally and physically, in an experience of a lifetime.
The week long project will be undertaken by the fourth form in October 2012, in either international, national or local communities. Pupils will start planning from the Lent term in their 3rd Form year, working through a formal framework to ensure effective planning and developing skills including: project management; procrastination busting; communication in action; research skills; assessing risk and fundraising.
Please find the options form to download below which is due for return by the 27th February, this is important as international trips need to start booking flights. The FAQ section will hopefully answer most questions such as 'is the program compulsory' or 'can we run an independent program'; however, if you have further comments, questions or concerns please email the service team on serviceprojects@wellingtoncollege.org.uk.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is it Compulsory?
Whilst we do not want to make the program compulsory as this would draw us away from the goals we are striving for, we are keen that every Wellington pupil is involved in both hands-on and strategic service of some kind. The JSA scheme has been developed to give all lower school pupils opportunity to be involved these service elements through a number of different pathways.Doing an independent project
If you are interested in doing a project beyond what the College can offer this is fantastic and very much at the heart of the whole program. What we would ask for is that the form is returned with parental acknowledgement and with some information about the project in mind.
With the form in you can start planning (there will inevitably be more planning to do if 'going it alone') like all the other groups will be doing; however, as this isn’t a Wellington trip you won’t have a specific member of staff allocated to making sure key milestones are reached. (E.g. booking flights).
We will of course help where we can. We would be keen for these groups to follow the same framework and to be kept in the loop with as much information as possible so that we can properly acknowledge the service leadership contributions at the end of the day.
Holiday Work
With regards requirements for academic work during this period, this would be negotiated and expectations of pupils with regards their time during this holiday period would be tailored to reflect the other commitments they had, so that all pupils also had the opportunity to have the rest and refreshment they will all need.
Type of Activities
All activities will be supported by experienced staff or instructors, basic training will be delivered and any required equipment will be provided. Once projects and activities are being confirmed we will make full risk assessments available. All activities should stretch pupils but will take into account their age and experience in the environment.The type of work done will generally be split into the categories of:
Local – Working with people in primary schools and care homes. Staying in College accommodation.
National – Working on environmental projects such as dry stone walling or forest clearance. Accommodation will be hostel based or camping in some situations.
International – Working to support developing communities could range from helping in a soup kitchen to painting and building projects. Accommodation will be hostel based or staying in partner schools.
Transport will vary depending on activities and this is once again something that can be firmed up once we have more information on numbers, projects and activities.
Wellington Diploma
The Wellington Diploma is going to be a way of celebrating all that is achieved by young Wellingtonians. The framework is still being developed; however, it is likely that it will have different levels recognising commitment in particular areas. Service will be a key area in this as every Wellingtonian should be involved in both strategic and hands on service.
Costs
We would of course like to offer such an opportunity at no cost to parents. We also appreciate some parents will be making choices based purely on economics which is far from our ideal. There are solutions that we are considering so any feedback will be hugely appreciated; however, for now we have kept our costing estimates based on no frills projects.
We are expecting pupils who undertake a project, especially international, to fundraise as a group.
Groups will get support from their staff mentor so that they come up with ideas that are valuable but to minimise any negative impacts on our small community. The most valuable slots for fundraising activities will be the Christmas and Summer holidays.
October half term timing
The proposal is for the project to be undertaken in October half term. Which week will depend on the group and particular project. This slot has been chosen as having the most potential to get all 4th Form involved. If this timing really does not work then please let us know. There will be other opportunities for similar projects during your time at Wellington. However, it must be said that we are putting together the junior social apprentice proposal to be above and beyond what they would get on a standard school service project.
Groups and MYP or GCSE
Grouping will be driven by project options and so there is nothing stopping a friendship group all opting for one project. However, we will be encouraging mixed groups and it will not always be possible to do the first choice option.
Our aim is for all 4th Form to be involved. For the MYP pupils it will be no surprise that many of the College values align with those of the International Baccalaureate.
Wednesday Afternoon Activities in 3rd Form
This year pupils will continue to do their activity rotations each term which includes one block of leadership training focused around developing skills to plan and undertake this / or a similar project. From next term they will also be required to use this Wednesday afternoon slot to meet in their groups and start project planning. Whilst this will be lead by pupils their development will be directed by staff.
Wednesday Afternoon Activities in 4th Form
In 4th Form all pupils will still join the CCF in the Army, Navy, RAF, Drum Corps or Cavalry sections. In the first half of the Michaelmas term we would expect project groups to arrange their own meetings at a time that suited all group members to finalise the project preparation.
Does this count towards the Duke of Edinburgh’s award?
The values of this project directly align to the values of the DofE Award and there are a number of ways in which this project could contribute to gaining the Bronze award. The leadership training combined with some outside class work could count towards a skill and there may be scope with some trips to add on a two day walk for the expedition phase. In terms of Volunteering we would suggest using 4th Form CCF activities as ‘coaching and leadership’ service. More information on the DofE award will go out in the Summer/ Michaelmas term.
Pupil's Options Presentation
Resources
Aims and Objectives of Local projects
Aims and Objectives for Independent projects
Aims and Objectives for National and International Projects. - coming soon...
Introductory letter to parents - November 2011
Feedback from parents - December 2011
Opportunities Presentation to Pupils - February 2011
Opportunities Form - February 2012
Jr. Social Apprentice training program - coming soon...
Risk Assessments - coming soon...