Coopersale Hall in Epping has been making up for lost time this past year, and we have really made a name for themselves in the local community. The focus has been on making a difference, whether that is in a small or a big way. Working together, staff and pupils came up with many ways to make a difference, which included raising money for charity, litter picking, and spending time with residents in the local area via volunteer work and community events. Throughout the academic year, the school has managed to raise an incredible £7000, and plans to continue its efforts into next year.
For such a small school of under 300 pupils, it is a great achievement, with all pupils, staff and teachers putting in a lot of effort to make a difference to those in need.
Here are just a few examples of what the school has been involved with over the academic year:
Epping Forest Foodbank
In March, the school community put in a tremendous effort to donate 548kg of food to Epping Food Bank, which supported the Food Bank’s ‘Easter’ and ‘Food in the School Holidays’ programmes. Earlier in the year, Coopersale Hall already had a big push and gave a generous donation during the charity’s Harvest campaign. The school has worked with the Epping Forest Food Bank a lot this year, and the director of the charity was a special guest at the annual Speech Day and Prize Giving event. He explained to the children and the large audience why the work they do is so important, inspiring us to donate more in the future if possible.
Charity Work
Charity has been a huge focus this year at Coopersale Hall, and they have been involved with charity events wherever possible. Just a few of the many charities the school has supported this year include War Child, the British Red Cross, St Clare Hospice, Haven House, Water Aid, Ocean Clean Up, Voluntary Action Epping Forest, Barnardos and support for Ukraine.
Money was raised in a number of ways but included collections at the end of school events, non-uniform or fancy dress days, mad hair days, and discos. A favourite event was the ‘Big Toddle’ which involved our youngest pupils hiking through the forest, on the hunt for wild animals (Year 5). This event alone raised over £1000 for Barnardos.
In the Community
Pupils understand that donating money and food are not the only ways to contribute to those in need in the local community and further afield. This year they took it upon themselves hit the streets with their bin bags and litter pickers and clean up Epping. Many pupils really enjoyed the experience, and are already planning litter picking days for the future.
The school has always had strong ties with the local care home, and this year they invited residents to come and watch their sports day, providing them with water and lots of shade so that they could enjoy the afternoon out and about.
Other community events the pupils were involved with this year included attending the Remembrance Day Parade in Epping and laying a wreath. An act the school Prefects felt was a real honour.
The Outcome
Although each of these acts of kindness were not huge events, they help pupils understand that even little contributions can transform the world around them into a better place.
