A thriving programme of community service runs for students in Blocks 1 and 2 (Years 7 and 8) on Wednesday afternoons. All students are expected to take part, to give something back to the School and wider community.
Collaborations with local organisations are developed to create mutually beneficial partnerships. Bedales Prep students' involvement is seen as part of their education in citizenship and personal and social development.
Community service opportunities are available both in and out of school. Off-site opportunities include:
- Hollywater School – a community special school based in Bordon, Hampshire, for children with moderate learning difficulties, where Bedales Prep students help with arts and crafts, cooking sessions and play activities.
- Steep CE Primary School – the local state primary school, where Bedales Prep students read to younger pupils, listen to pupils reading and help in the library.
Within the Whole School community, Prep students can volunteer at Bedales Pre-prep, interacting, helping and supporting children - and acting as excellent role models - in the playground at morning break, in the Orchard at lunchtime and in the Nursery.
There are also Outdoor Work gardening projects in the community. For those students who are heavily committed to sports fixtures on Wednesday afternoons, there are opportunities for them to take part in on-site service or Outdoor Work projects at other times during the week.
Head of Community Service: Jonathan Peers