Volunteering

We believe that volunteering is important. This ties in with the school’s vision for students to leave Beechen Cliff as well rounded, compassionate individuals who are ready to contribute positively to society.

Students completing the Duke of Edinburgh Award at Bronze, Silver and Gold level are required to undertake volunteering as part of the programme.

Each year between 150 and 200 pupils will be volunteering their time  in the local community across a wide variety of groups as part of the Duke of Edinburgh Award programme.  Examples are:

Helping charities – such as Mercy in Action, Dorothy House, Julian House, Mencap, Faith Communites, Widcombe Baptist church, Bathford village shop, Corston community orchard, helping set up a library at Englishcombe Village, Age UK, Hugs charity, National Trust, Black Families Education support group, Off the Record
Helping the Elderly – helping elderly neighbours with gardening, dog walking and other chores, bingo at a local football club
Environment – More Trees, planting trees. Bath City Farm, Bee Keeping, Primrose Woods maintenance, Lyncombe Fields group, Litter picking in the local area, surfers against sewage, conservation area at Newbridge primary school ,maintaining wildlife habitats
Sport and leadership – helping to coach younger years in local junior schools, numerous local sports clubs, at Beechen Cliff School, local youth clubs, Park Run, All cycle Bath&West
Scouts and CCF -helping to run activities for younger year groups

In addition the school also offers additional volunteering opportunities including:

  • Mentoring younger pupils
  • Reading with younger pupils
  • Tours of the school
  • Marshalling or tours at Open Evenings and Mornings
  • Community litter picking

Volunteering can contribute towards our Character Award which all pupils in Years 7-10 work towards each year.

Supporting Charities

We encourage pupils to support charity work and fundraise whenever possible. This fits with our School Vision and Core Values and our  Character Programme.

Some of our outdoor challenges include fund raising for charity including the Coast-to-Coast and Centurion Challenges which have supported such charities as Water Aid and Boys in Mind.

Students supporting our Sixth Form Charity Trip to Romania have also organised supermarket bag packing, supported the Bath Half Marathon and organised Quiz and Curry Evenings to raise money for People Against Poverty and Graft for Growth.

At Christmas younger pupils have the opportunity to take part in the Santa Run and all are encouraged to donate money or items to support local homeless charities and the Christmas Shoebox Appeal.

Student led events also support those in need such as the student organised ‘Football vs Rugby’ charity football game which takes place each year and the annual Beechen Cliff’s Got Talent event in aid of Dorothy House .

Volunteering in the Sixth Form

In the Sixth Form, there is an expectation that every student completes at least one piece of volunteering – either within the school or in the wider community.
Student volunteering is invaluable to the wider school, as so many opportunities for younger pupils are only as effective as they are thanks to this support from our Sixth Form students. Examples of volunteering opportunities in the school include:
  • Year 7 sport coaching
  • Helping with a club e.g. Warhammer, Coding Club or Homework Club
  • Student-led Christian Union
  • Peer Mentoring of vulnerable younger pupils
  • ‘Reading Buddies’ in the Library
  • Acting as a Teaching Assistant at KS3/4 in a subject of interest/expertise
  • Tech Team
Sixth Form volunteers also provide essential support at key events in the school calendar. For example:
  • Prospective Parents Evening
  • Sixth Form Open Morning
  • School tour events
  • PTA quiz nights
  • Bands Night front-of-house
  • Year 11 revision workshops
  • Bronze DofE volunteers
  • Fire marshalling at Bath Abbey Carol Service
Students use these volunteering opportunities (and others in the local community) as evidence towards their Sixth Form Character Award, which rewards those who engage in these opportunities to further themselves and the lives of others.