Involving pupils in various aspects of boarding logistics in schools.

Where Every Pupil Contributes: Building Our Village Together

"Imagine a school that feels more like a vibrant village, where every student plays a vital role in shaping their community. At our boarding school, we foster a unique environment that promotes collaboration, responsibility, and personal growth. Just as villagers work together to build their community, our pupils engage actively in all aspects of school life".

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Overview

Information on this page is provided by the innovator and has not been evaluated by HundrED.

Web presence

2018

Established

800

Children

1

Countries

Target group

Leaders

Updated

October 2024

Through the implementation of the village approach to co-curricular activities in boarding schools, I envision a transformative change in education that eliminates the traditional boundaries between academic and co-curricular experiences.

About the innovation

Why did you create this innovation?

By promoting collaboration and teamwork, our school aimed to strengthen the bonds among pupils, staff, and families. This village-like approach encourages inclusivity, respect, and understanding, creating a supportive network that extends beyond academic success.

What does your innovation look like in practice?

Service Learning Programs: Pupils are encouraged to identify community needs and develop service projects. For instance, they might organise food drives, environmental clean-ups, or tutoring sessions for local children. This not only teaches them about civic responsibility but also allows them to take pride in their contributions to the community.

How has it been spreading?

The school can document and share the success stories of pupils and community projects through newsletters, social media, and local newsletters. Showcasing the tangible benefits and positive outcomes encourages other institutions to adopt similar approaches.

If I want to try it, what should I do?

Outline the types of co-curricular activities you want to implement, focusing on those that serve the community and promote collaboration. Consider service projects, cultural events, sports, and artistic endeavours. Implementing the village approach to co-curricular activities is a powerful way to enrich the educational experience for pupils while strengthening community ties.

Implementation steps

Understand the Village Approach

Familiarize Yourself: Research the principles of the village approach, focusing on its emphasis on community, collaboration, and student engagement in co-curricular activities.
Identify Key Characteristics: Understand the importance of shared responsibility, inclusivity, and empowerment within this framework, as these are essential to fostering a supportive school environment.

Engage Stakeholders

Involve Students: Host discussions or focus groups with students to gather their ideas on co-curricular activities they would like to pursue. This ensures that their voices are heard and valued from the outset.
Collaborate with Staff: Engage teachers and staff in the planning process. Their insights will help shape activities that align with educational goals and community needs.
Connect with Community Members: Reach out to parents, local organizations, and community leaders to gain support and

Develop a Co-Curricular Framework

Create a Plan: Outline the types of co-curricular activities you want to implement, focusing on those that serve the community and promote collaboration. Consider service projects, cultural events, sports, and artistic endeavors.
Set Goals: Establish clear objectives for each activity, emphasising community impact, student development, and skill-building.

Encourage Student Leadership

Student Committees: Form committees or clubs led by students to plan and execute co-curricular activities. This cultivates leadership skills and ensures that the initiatives reflect student interests.
Mentorship Opportunities: Encourage older students to mentor younger peers in organizing activities, fostering a culture of collaboration and support.

Implement Activities with a Community Focus

Service Learning: Integrate service projects into the co-curricular program. Encourage students to identify local needs and develop initiatives that address them, such as food drives or environmental clean-ups.
Cultural Exchange Events: Organize events that celebrate the diversity of the school community and invite local residents to participate, fostering connections and mutual understanding.

Create Opportunities for Reflection and Feedback

Regular Check-Ins: Schedule regular meetings with students and staff to discuss the progress of activities and gather feedback. This helps to ensure that everyone feels involved and valued in the process.
Celebrate Achievements: Recognize and celebrate the contributions of students and community members. Hosting an end-of-year event can highlight successes and foster a sense of pride.

Evaluate and Adapt

Assess Impact: Evaluate the effectiveness of the co-curricular activities in achieving your goals. Gather feedback from participants to understand what worked well and what could be improved.
Make Adjustments: Use the insights gained to adapt and refine future activities, ensuring they remain relevant and impactful.