At Birch Hill Primary School, we believe that children should understand the importance of helping others and making a positive contribution to their local, national and global communities.

Throughout the year, children participate in a variety of fundraising and charitable initiatives, including supporting national charities such as Children in Need and Comic Relief's Red Nose Day, fundraising for our link school in Freetown, Sierra Leone, and collecting donations for local causes. During our annual Harvest celebrations, children and families generously donate food and essential items to support the local food bank at Kerith Community Church.

These opportunities help children develop empathy, compassion and an understanding of how they can make a difference in the lives of others.

Year 6 Charity Project

One of the highlights of our leadership programme is the annual Year 6 Charity Project.

Inspired by The Apprentice, Year 6 children work in teams to design, plan and deliver their own fundraising campaigns. Each team researches a chosen cause and develops a proposal, which they pitch to the Year 6 teachers and Senior Leadership Team. Following the presentations, a selection of projects is chosen to be delivered across the school.

Children are responsible for:

• Researching and selecting a charitable cause.
• Planning fundraising activities.
• Managing budgets and resources.
• Promoting their campaign.
• Presenting their ideas to others.
• Evaluating the success of their project.

Through this project, children develop leadership, teamwork, communication, problem-solving, project management and entrepreneurial skills while making a meaningful contribution to causes that are important to them.

Recent Charity Projects

Molly's Charity

Molly, a Birch Hill pupil, underwent treatment for bone cancer during her time at the school. In support of Molly and the work of the healthcare professionals who cared for her, Year 6 organised a month-long fundraising campaign.

Activities included:

• Crazy Hair Day
• A charity single recorded by the children
• A whole-school Talent Show

Together, the school community raised over £1,500 for the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford.

James' Giant Journey

James, the parent of two Birch Hill children, was diagnosed with sepsis. Year 6 organised a range of fundraising activities to support his charity challenge and raise awareness.

Activities included:

• Dress Your Legs Day
• Cake Sales
• The Birch Hill Talent Show

The project brought the school community together in support of an important cause while providing valuable leadership opportunities for the children involved.

Sian's Charity

Sian, a former Birch Hill pupil, was diagnosed with chronic kidney failure. Inspired by her journey, Year 6 children organised a series of fundraising events to support children's healthcare services.

Activities included:

• Face Painting Day
• Hydration Stations
• A Talent Show

The project raised over £1,200 for Southampton Children's Hospital.

The Impact

Our charity projects provide children with authentic opportunities to lead, collaborate and make a positive difference. They learn that even small actions can have a significant impact on the lives of others.

Through these experiences, children develop:

• Compassion and empathy
• Leadership and teamwork
• Communication and presentation skills
• Enterprise and financial awareness
• Resilience and problem solving
• Social responsibility and active citizenship

We are proud of the commitment our children show to supporting others and of the positive impact they have on both the school community and the wider world.