News Stories
Posted on March 12th 2019
Students Read to Residents at Oaks Care Home
As part of our commitment to build strong links and give back to our local community, students from years 9 and 10 will be visiting nearby Oaks residential care home once every four weeks to read with the residents.
Under the supervision of the school librarian, students will set up a ‘homebound’ books service - asking residents about their preferred choice of book, sourcing the books from our local borough library in Rainham, and then bringing them to the centre to read to residents.
A small selection of books (including audio books) will be left behind at the centre afterwards and collected at the next visit.
"We feel very strongly about giving back to the community and foresee that this interaction will be beneficial for both sides," said Mrs Burt, Learning Resource Centre Manager. "Rainham Library were eager to get on board with the scheme and have provided a template of questions to ask residents so that reading material can be chosen in line with their preferences."
This scheme is one of the ways we are building a sense of community outside the school walls. Students gain from taking responsibility and becoming accountable when sourcing the books for residents, for example. Our students will gain from the pleasure they can bring the older people and the positive feedback. "Students will also gain beneficial practical insight into the lives on an older generation, and their experiences," said Mrs Burt.
The project will also help students with their Health and Social Care studies, enabling them to acquire first-hand knowledge relevant to their GCSE.
The scheme was launched on Thursday 7th March 2019, with the next visit scheduled for Wednesday 10th April 2019.
What students said...
"I found going to The Oaks home a great experience. I was told some interesting stories by the people there, and I’m sure it was something new for them too. Most [of the residents] read when they were younger so I’m glad we are hopefully bringing memories back for them by helping them to start reading again. It was nice meeting them and sharing conversation with some lovely people."
"I enjoyed the residential trip because it was nice to give back to the community. It helps with our studies as it links with core values. The trip was informative as it gave us an insight on how some elderly people live their retirement years. Furthermore, I spoke with a woman called June, who was a scientist and I really enjoyed talking with her."
