Community Service
Pupils, usually in the 5th and 6th Forms, may opt to undertake Community Service as an activity twice a week. Those doing the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme are also involved.
Current placements include working with the National Trust on the Stowe site, working in local charity shops, visiting residents in residential homes for the elderly, helping at nursery and primary schools, and visiting individual elderly or disabled people. Many of our 'clients' have past connections with Stowe School. The pupils may help in the garden or do odd jobs in the house, read to the partially sighted, play cards or board games or simply chat. For some of our ladies and gentlemen, the Stoics are their only regular visitors. We also have contacts with local charities such as the Red Cross and the Ryder-Cheshire Volunteers Scheme and we also get involved with fund- raising for national charities such as the Save the Children Fund.
We host one large event at Stowe: the annual Christmas Party, which we put on for approximately 150 local elderly residents. Stoics prepare the room, help our disabled guests into the building, serve tea, sit and chat and then wash and clear up afterwards, and the whole event is always much appreciated and enjoyed by those who attend. Entertainment is provided by some of our musical Stoics. Father Christmas pays a visit, bearing gifts, and is often supported by younger elves, fairies and other friendly folk.
Community Service is very important for Stowe, both for the experience that it gives to the Stoics and for the reputation of the School in the local community. I am very proud of my volunteers and look forward to meeting the new batch of enthusiastic helpers!
Master in charge: Mrs Chrissy Lawrance-Thorne