By Mrs Cruse (Head of Years 7 and 8)

As part of the Years 7 and 8 pastoral programme, we focus on serving our local and national community and helping those who are less fortunate than ourselves. Year 8 recently had a meeting with Michaela, the CEO of the local charity FACES, who has inspired them to think of different ways to raise money and awareness for the charity. Before the half-term break, the students hosted their first bake sale with a Halloween theme. The creations looked spooky but tasted delicious. They managed to raise £126 and are currently planning a Christmas cake sale.

The year group has also planned to collect hats, scarves, and gloves for babies, children, and adults. Collection boxes will be available in Greens starting the week of Monday 20th November Moreover, the students will be assisting at the Year 7 Service afternoon where Michaela will join them to help wrap Christmas hampers for the families who use the facilities at FACES. I am aware that they also have many other exciting ideas in the pipeline.

Christmas arrived early in Years 7 and 8 Tutor time before the half-term break, where they coloured Christmas bunting for the charity Starlight. The coloured bunting will be sent to hospitals to hang up in the children's wards, bringing some happiness to those who have to spend Christmas in the hospital.

At BGS, we believe it is essential for all our students to participate in outreach work, understanding the contribution they can make to society for the benefit of those who are less fortunate. Years 7 and 8 work together as a community and have already demonstrated many attributes of kind and caring citizens who seek to help those in both the local and national community. I look forward to sharing more about their outreach work as the year progresses.