Volunteering ChoicesSome of the best volunteering ideas and opportunities come from our pupils themselves. So if you speak a language and want to teach it to primary children, or have a particular skill or interest in an area which lends itself to volunteering, Mr Pauls is very happy to investigate possibilities. Take a look at pupils' own accounts of their experiences.
Pupils have recently been giving their services in the following fields:
Primary School mentoringAll primary schools in Oakham and also in Cottesmore, Langham, Exton and Whissendine welcome our students to
assist in lessons. Oakhamians help class teachers with
group projects, displays, productions and
trips as well as
sporting activities. On a more personal level, our
pupils assist younger children on a one-to-one basis with their reading and other subjects.
Charity Shops A couple of hours a week in our local charity shops is a real
eye opener. Pupils learn important communication and organisational skills through serving customers, working on the till and sorting and categorising stock.
Oakham Citizen's Advice BureauOur pupils have assisted CAB staff by running the reception area. This involves answering the telephone, speaking with clients and assisting Bureau staff with other duties. Given the delicacy of the environment they are working in, pupils attend training for a number of weeks before taking on reception responsibilities.
Conservation ProjectsThese are popular activities for the twice-yearly Service Weekends.
Launde Abbey offers a chance to gain firsthand experience with gardening and landscaping, whilst volunteering at
Rutland Water Bird Sanctuary includes coppicing amongst other conservation activities.
Fundraising This continues to be enormously popular amongst Oakhamians and goes from strength to strength. Efforts have included
• filling over
2,500 shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child to raise smiles from underprivileged children overseas
•
selling Pashminas for Orphans in Afghanistan
• raising funds for
Cancer Research with our annual tombola at the Harvest Party for the elderly
•
charity car-washes for Turn on the Tap and Help for Heroes
• creating and selling the volunteering Recipe Book to support ACTS (
Assist a Child to School) in Mombasa.
Nursery School Fun and GamesFive local nursery schools in Oakham currently receive assistance from our energetic pupils who help nursery staff with games and activities for pre-school age children.
The Lodge Care HomeA very special opportunity for those with patience and compassion, The Lodge is a
unique residential community for adults with learning difficulties and special needs in nearby Market Overton. It is supported by the Church . Our pupils help residents and staff during the daily afternoon activity sessions which include, textiles, gardening, woodwork and serving in the cafeteria to name but a few.
HMP Stocken Visitor CentreFor 6th form students only due to the nature of this placement, this opportunity involves the
running the refreshment facility at Stocken Prison for families visiting relatives and friends in prison.
Riding for the disabledAn extremely popular volunteering opportunity for our ‘horsey set’. Our pupils visit Owston Equestrian Centre and help younger children with disabilities to enjoy horse riding. (Experience with horse riding required for this placement).
Parks School for Children with Special NeedsWe have a long and close relationship with this local school and here, our pupils help with swimming lessons and classroom activities. This is a very demanding but hugely rewarding placement for Oakhamians who wish to work with under fives with severe learning difficulties.
Red Cross Peer Education ProjectFollowing training by qualified Red Cross staff, pupils help teach First Aid in primary schools. Not only are our pupils taught useful lifesaving skills, but are coached in how to plan sessions and pass on their knowledge to youngsters. A good way to develop communication and organisation skills.
Rutland SailabilityThe Sailing Club at Edith Weston, Rutland Water offers our pupils, with sailing experience, the opportunity to help physically challenged youngsters enjoy the thrill of the water.
Rutland MuseumAn opportunity for pupils interested in local history to assist museum staff in new initiatives, research, setting up displays and talking to visitors.
VISTAAn organisation which records newspapers and magazines for the visually impaired of Oakham and the Rutland area. Oakham pupils are involved in researching local, national and international sports news, and making the recordings.
Befriending and Visiting the Elderly A number of elderly people in Oakham, both in their own and in residential homes, much enjoy their weekly visits from Oakhamians. Bridging the generation gap, our pupils develop important and fulfilling friendships which reaps huge rewards.
Hospital VisitingOakham School has a long standing relationship with the Rutland Memorial Hospital who look forward to inviting a select number of pupils to visit and talk to patients on the day ward. This is especially interesting for those considering pursuing a career in medicine or social work.
GardeningMany of our local elderly residents are unable to or have difficulty maintaining and tending their gardens. For Oakhamians, this provides those with green fingers or those that like to put their backs into hard, useful work the perfect opportunity to lend a hand.
Oakham Veterinary HospitalEach year Oakham Veterinary Hospital are able to give our pupils with an interest in animals or those considering a career in Veterinary Surgery an opportunity to get firsthand experience.
Prams and Toddlers GroupFor those who have an interest in working with pre-school age children and who have the energy to run around, entertain and spend an hour or two having fun.