Beyond the Classroom
Volunteering
At Thomas Telford School, we believe that everyone has something to offer and encourage students to get involved in volunteering, particularly in the Sixth Form, when they are preparing for university or working life.
Why volunteer?
Students volunteer for all kinds of reasons. It may be to:
- Make a difference to the lives of others
- Help the environment
- Help others less fortunate
- Feel valued and part of a team
For many of our students volunteering can be a route to employment, or a chance to try something new which may lead to a new career pathway. From this perspective, volunteering can be a way of:
- Gaining confidence and self-esteem
- Developing new skills, knowledge and experience
- Enhancing a CV or university application
Did you know?
A recent survey* showed that 73% of employers would favour someone who had volunteered over someone who hadn’t.
Can children volunteer?
Many children like the idea of volunteering but as children under 14 are not supposed to work at all, regardless of whether they are being paid or not, finding voluntary work for anyone under this age can be difficult. But just because they cannot carry out organised volunteering does not mean children cannot help society – there are plenty of less structured ways children of all ages can get involved.
The Scouting Movement
Perhaps the biggest organisation for children who want to volunteer is the scouts, guides or any of the younger groups associated with them. As well as giving children the opportunity to volunteer in a safe and well-run environment, scouts and guides also teaches children valuable life skills they will need when working – voluntary or paid.
Sponsored Events
Although not technically volunteering, sponsored events are a great way of children being allowed to help others through ways which use their skills. At Thomas Telford, we encourage students to take part in sponsored events, raising money for others who are less fortunate. We feel this teaches students a lot about responsibility and working for a result, as well as illustrating how charities support disadvantaged people all over the world.
Organised Schemes
There are plenty of organised schemes for teenagers who want to volunteer. Once a child reaches 14, they may want to go directly to a charity or join an organised scheme such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award or the National Citizen Service. Both these schemes are offered and promoted at Thomas Telford and required young people to commit to completing a certain number of hours of voluntary work.
Volunteer at the hospital
Sixth Form Students at Thomas Telford School have the unique opportunity of being able to volunteer at the Princess Royal Hospital Telford or Royal Shrewsbury Hospital as part of the NHS Young Volunteers Scheme.
If you would like to find out more about becoming an NHS volunteer, please speak to the Careers Team.
