Community Week is an ongoing commitment where students and staff from across the College take part in social action projects.
It is a wonderful opportunity for students to use the skills they have learnt or are currently learning by putting them into practice to help the local community.
Let’s take a look at some of the things that the College has been doing this week:
Singing with residents at the Old Farm House
Level 2 Health and Social Care students headed over the Old Farm House – RCB Healthcare to sing some songs with the residents. Their tutor, Jason, packed up his guitar and joined the five students to bring some joy, laugher and cheerful tunes to everyone at the care home.
It was heart-warming to see as the residents sung along to olden goldies such as, ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love’ by Elvis Presley and ‘We Will Meet Again’ Vera Lynn, one resident even got up out of her seat to dance with her carer. The atmosphere was wonderful as our students finished their songs and were met with a loud round of applause, and a big thank you from their grateful audience.
Some of the students are currently completing work placement at the home, so they also stayed around after the performance to chat with the residents they currently work with. We felt very proud seeing how confidently they conversed with the residents, they were warm and caring – ideal qualities for a Health and Social Care worker.
During the visit we spoke to our student Emogene, she told us: “We hoped that the residents would join in with our singing, which they did. I think it is important to help the residents remember songs from when they were younger, it was clear that they were happy while listening to us as many had smiles on their faces.”
This was an incredible event, our students certainly had a big impact on the residents on this day. A brilliant way our students utilised the skills they are learning on their course in a practical setting, whilst bringing joy to the wider community.
Remembrance Day Service
Uniformed Public Services students led a moving Remembrance Parade on Armistice Day. The service included a precision drill, readings of wartime poetry, including In Flanders Fields, by three students and the traditional two-minute silence.
The moment was made even more poignant by a version of Flowers of the Forest played live on bagpipes. Staff and students from across the College came together to reflect and remember those who have served our country.
When asked about the importance of Community Week, Khawser, a Level 2 Uniformed Public Services student, explained: “I think it’s important to take part in these kinds of events because we’re showing that we care about the community. The parade we just did is important as we can show that we’re grateful and didn’t forget any of the people who gave their lives to the country. They were trying to make this country better.”
Remembrance Day activities
Following the service, the theme of Remembrance continued throughout the day. The Students’ Union welcomed representatives from the Royal British Legion and the Army Reserve, who were on campus collecting donations for poppies and wristbands.
The Street was also lined with artwork and displays showcasing the importance of honouring Armistice Day, complete with thank you cards written by Uniformed Public Services students. Students were encouraged to read these whilst enjoying freshly made candyfloss.
Music students put their talent and showmanship to the test, providing live lunchtime entertainment in The Street, with multiple bands taking to the stage to perform a variety of popular hits.
Positive message stones
Early Years students took part in a heart-warming activity, painting colourful stones with positive, uplifting messages. The students decorated each stone with bright patterns and kind words before placing them around Canterbury City Centre for others to find.
This simple act of creativity and kindness encouraged the students to think about how small gestures can brighten someone’s day, while helping them feel connected to their wider community.
Sports challenge to raise money for charity
This week the Sports Centre launched a fun challenge to see who could row the most miles on the rowing machine. Participants donated £1 per attempt, with all proceeds going to support the Demelza Hospice. The top rower of the week will win a free six-month membership!
And the social action doesn’t stop there!
Many of our subject areas continue their goodwill and community spirit all through the year, with the following projects still yet to take place:
- Graphic Designs students will be collaborating with Keel Toys
- Art, Design, Fashion and Textiles students have been working with Thornden Woods Primary School to create ‘Community Bunting’ to be displayed at the Zine Fair at Beach Creative.
- Staff and students will be getting involved in our Community Christmas event (more info to follow)
If you’d like to become part of our College community, with a curriculum focused on developing core skills and making a difference, explore your options online or at an Open Day.
Or learn more about Community Week here.
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