If I asked you to describe London life, I’d be willing to wager that a go-to adjective would be ‘busy’. This is certainly echoed within our wonderful, diverse microcosm of London here at Alleyn’s. Our incredible student body masterfully manage busy schedules of academic rigour alongside a myriad of interests – and a typical day here will see them racing from lessons to clubs, to lectures, debates, fixtures, committees, concerts, and somehow managing all of the aforementioned with phenomenal levels of energy and enthusiasm.
Within this busy-ness, our students are faced with an endless stream of questions. Which club would you like to attend? Which instrument do you fancy playing? Which subjects are you going to choose? Which university appeals?
There is, however, one key question that is inexctricably interwoven with our schools history, values and ethos. It also happens to be the question that Martin Luther King declared on stage in Alabama in 1957 to be: “Life’s most persistent and urgent question”. It is, of course, “what are you doing for others?”
Luckily, the Alleyn’s community thrive when answering challenging questions, and this particular one remains at the heart of what we do.
The answer: Action. Whether it is the proactive charity committee, the passionate eco committee or simply the small, friendly gestures that pass between members our community, the spirit of philanthropy is alive and ever-present. For those that wish to take even more action to respond to the persistent and urgent question, we have a simple response – volunteer!
The year to date has seen record numbers of volunteers getting involved in our outreach, volunteering and partnerships programmes. Whether dashing off in their lunch breaks or giving up their time after school and at weekends, students from year 7-13 have seized opportunities such as (to name but a few):
“I loved listening to old stories of the residents in the care home.” Anahi
"Volunteering was amazing this year; the sleep pods were really fun to make and the man running the project was very inspiring." Nicholas
"It was a great way to improve my communication skills when calling the refugees. It was also very fulfilling when we donated the bikes." Collete
"I really liked going to the Albrighton food bank..." Anahi
“I really enjoyed doing capoeira with the kids at Dulwich Hamlet. They taught me lots of new skills and we had lots of fun performing with live music for the capoeira! I also made snowflakes with the children for the Christmas Fair.” Sarra
“I enjoyed spending time with the children in Alleyn’s sports clubs.” Ranee
“I have enjoyed learning how to speak to and hold conversation with different kinds of people.” Zephy
"I really enjoyed getting to know the children." Letty
As well as providing one on one English tuition to young Ukranian children and assisting with administration in the offices of local charities
The huge growth of our volunteering programme has meant that there are projects running almost every day of the week, and we would like to take this opportunity to thank all students, teachers and partner organisations for making this happen. For those that are yet to get involved, there will be even more opportunities next year – watch this space!
Junior School Open Day
The next Alleyn's Junior School Open Event is from 1.30pm to 3pm on Wednesday 22 May 2024. There will be a Head's Talk at 1.40pm after which you will be offered a tour of the school with a pupil. There is no need to book a place at this Open Event - everyone is welcome.
Last updated on 20 05 24 at 09:12
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