At Deer Park our pupils and staff take an active approach to raising funds for charity and pupils quickly build an understanding that some people need more help than others across the world. Whether supporting a local foodbank, taking part in a national campaign or reacting to a global crisis, as an outward-facing international school firmly rooted in the local community, we encourage pupils to take every opportunity to involve themselves in fundraising events that benefit others and that help increase their own understanding of life in Britain, as well as life in a global community.

During 2018-2019 we are supporting a number of local, national and international charities through specific events.

In October 2018, Fiona in Year 11 and the Coaching Centre baked and held a cake sale to raise money for Allsorts, a local charity that helps families who have children with additional needs. They raised £65.

In September/October 2018, Year 7 raised over £510 for Lepra, a UK-based international charity working to beat leprosy.

During October and November 2018 we raised money for The Royal British Legion, through the sale of hand crocheted poppies (made by Allison Boucher, Head's PA and Admissions Secretary), which raised £210, and the sale of Royal British Legion poppies and other items by the Pastoral Team, with the help of our Presidents and Vice Presidents. We are waiting for confirmation of the final overall figure raised.

We will be launching our Year 7 Community Connections project in November. Each tutor group will collect items for a local charity or organisation and these will be donated before the Christmas period, thus enabling our pupils to give something back, at a time of year when individuals and families may struggle. It also raises pupils' awareness of some of the organisations that exist locally, especially if they themselves may need some extra help. More information will follow.

Being able to improve the lives of others through charitable donations is, to many, an extension of simple kindness and thoughtfulness towards others. Helping our young people recognise a feeling of social conscience, giving and sharing with those less fortunate than ourselves, and having a sense of responsibility about the world we live in are messages that pupils learn at Deer Park, whether through Assemblies or within our curriculum, for example in Citizenship or PSHEe lessons.

Citizenship is all about you and the role you play in the world. It is about your rights and responsibilities, your actions and decisions and the impact you can have on the right here and right now. Our pupils are encouraged to be active citizens and to take advantage of volunteering opportunities, which as well as helping others can help you gain skills and qualities which might be useful for the future. So, whether helping a neighbour, getting involved in a local project, acting as a mentor for younger children, doing DofE or volunteering in Ghana,  you can help others, develop new skills and feel good.