Volunteering
Pupils volunteer their time, effort and ideas to contribute to the community.
Partnership work is deeply embedded in the Highgate DNA and we encourage our pupils to look outwards, to play an active part in their community.
Through hands-on engagement with a variety of projects, we hope pupils will develop a sense of responsibility and self-esteem, learning the inherent value of helping others.
Pupils take on responsibilities that contribute to both the school and the wider community. ISI Inspection 2024
Community Service
Highgate’s Y9 Community Day provides pupils with a valuable introduction to community service. Each month, groups of pupils will spend a day contributing to the purpose of a local organisation – ranging from classroom assistant duties at local primary schools to outdoor conservation projects.
Every June, Y10 pupils take part in the school’s ‘Environment Morning’ at various local landmarks, to educate, inspire and promote environmental action and community connection.
During the annual Highgate Fair in the Square, pupils volunteer for the Litter Cleaning Crew, picking up rubbish, emptying bins and ensuring the fountains remain stocked.
Skills Sharing
Highgate has contributed to the Gladesmore Numeracy and Literacy programme for many years, running every Saturday for two terms of the year. Pupils work with Y7 children from Gladesmore Community School on a one-to-one basis, leading activities to improve their reading, comprehension and numeracy skills.
Our ‘Coffee and Computers’ programme takes place twice a term in the Martin Gilbert Library. Pupil volunteers with a knack for technology offer tech support for members of the local community, applying their problem-solving abilities, whilst learning valuable customer service skills.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
The Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) Award remains a popular pursuit for Years 10-12 of the Senior School, with over 270 pupils taking part last year. The volunteering aspect of the programme requires pupils to invest their time in making a difference to other people’s lives and the community.
Some of the opportunities available for Highgate pupils include weekly sessions at the Holly Lodge Community Centre – providing companionship for local residents and supporting the smooth running of the centre; and volunteering at the Harrington Scheme charity shop one a week, sorting donations and contributing to the charity’s operations.
Accelerator
Highgate’s Accelerator Programme is our flagship scheme for Looked After Children and Children with a Social Worker from our partner Virtual Schools. It consists of 8 monthly sessions throughout the year, supported by Highgate pupils who come along each month to assist the teachers and help put the participants at ease. Many of these pupils have supported the programme for years and play a vital role in the success of the programme.
It is wonderful to see that Highgate reaches out to schools in the wider community. —Highgate Senior School parent