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Zoe Taylor-West, Head of PSHCE at Hurst Prep School, explains why being involved in community fundraising is so important for pupils at a very young age.

Helping others in local and wider communities is at the heart of our fundraising. The Prep/Pre-Prep schools regularly host events to play a part in thinking about and helping others. Whilst we aim to raise funds or buy goods, one of our key messages is that giving time is of equal importance to help others in need.

Community fundraising helps young people to take responsibility and make decisions to help and support those around them. Finding out more about different organisations and individuals teaches them to appreciate what they have. Also, that they have an ability, from a very young age, to empower change and help others. For those people receiving our donations, knowing there is someone outside their circle offers them reassurance that others are thinking about them. This can help foster a greater sense of self-worth and self-esteem.

Community fundraising events

Our annual summer Heroes Run offers an opportunity for all pupils, staff and parents to come together to raise vital funds. The chosen charity is Hope House Haiti, a charity supporting Hope Christian Academy. We have sponsored a teacher for several years and have also been able to support various building projects.

At the end of the Michaelmas and Lent terms, each house takes a turn to host a charity day and immense fun is had by all. The highlights on offer at breaktimes include cakes, sweets, nail painting, apple bobbing and a face full of flour! Some houses choose local charities in need. In December, two houses came together to collect toys and games which were distributed to local families by Golden Lion Children’s Trust. In the past, we have supported Young Minds, CLIC Sargent, Air Ambulance, local animal rescue centres and Wear a Hat Day, to name a few. As part of our community fundraising ethos, pupils are welcome to suggest a charity which is close to their hearts.

Our annual cake sale in aid of Macmillan is always a resounding success. The entire school looks forward to baking cakes in house colours and we are proud to be part of such a great cause. The Pre-Prep regularly contribute to NSPCC Number Day and Children in Need. Both schools have also supported Chestnut Tree House Hospice by taking part in their reindeer run.

Thinking of others

Being part of a community, giving time and thought to other communities, is both rewarding and thought-provoking. Our aim is to encourage our pupils to think of others and engage proactively with helping to make positive change.

Please follow the links below for further information about Hurst College, an independent, co-educational, day and flexi/weekly boarding school for pupils aged 4–18, located just to the north of the village of Hurstpierpoint, West Sussex.

Prep & Pre-Prep
Senior School
Sixth Form
Admissions
College Campus
Facilities

Hurst College’s inspection reports and reviews:
ISC Inspection reports
Good Schools Guide
Muddystilettos.co.uk