Charitable initiatives have always been a core part of Burgess Hill Girls and we are committed to building strong partnerships with local schools and contributing to the wider community. To strengthen these efforts, we established the role of Head of Partnerships last year to foster meaningful connections and expand our collaborative outreach.
Reflecting our ethos of a holistic education, Burgess Hill Girls not only provides academic excellence but also nurtures character, leadership, and a sense of civic duty in our students. Partnership work enriches our students’ learning and collaborating with local schools encourages mutual growth. New Labour introduced the concept of partnership in education in the 1997 schools’ white paper. Subsequent governments have been committed to partnership work: “A flourishing school system can only be achieved by schools working in partnership with each other so that the achievements of the very best schools can reach every corner of the country” (DfE, 2022). As an active member of the community, our partnership programme demonstrates the school’s commitment to making a positive impact.
Our partnership journey took off last year with the launch of a vibrant programme. Our teachers delivered democracy assemblies and Latin lessons to local schools. We welcomed schools to our site to use our sports facilities and participate in sports tournaments, to watch a performance of the school show, to attend a talk from a visiting author and to study an Ancient Greek qualification. Beyond this, we offered various free after-school workshops to individuals, nurturing creativity, developing knowledge and enhancing skills.
This academic year began with renewed enthusiasm for partnership work:
- On 4th October, we hosted a lively U10 football festival, bringing together several primary schools for a fun and engaging event. The festival emphasised teamwork and the joy of participating in sports.
- On 9th October, we held a unique STEM-themed workshop for Year 2 girls, offering them hands-on learning opportunities in crafting and building.
- On 10th October, Year 5 and 6 girls came together with choirs from St Giles Primary and Oak Tree Primary for an uplifting choral workshop.
We have planned more events to continue fostering these connections. Year 6 girls are invited to join a free Geography workshop of interactive activities to deepen their understanding of Fair Trade. If your daughter is interested in joining, please follow the link for more information on registering: Fair Trade Workshop for Girls in Year 6
As we look forward, our commitment to strengthening relationships with local schools and the community remains a priority. We are keen to hear from schools and businesses so we can target our provision and ensure a lasting impact on students and the community alike.