400 Pupils Keep it Local for Service Weekend
The decision to keep the second Service Weekend of the year local is a new initiative to help pupils in Forms 4-7 enjoy the benefits of an intensive weekend developing their leadership, teamwork and independence skills without the need to travel long distances.
James Robinson, Deputy Head Co-Curriculum, said: “With so many fantastic facilities and beautiful countryside on our doorstep, we felt it was a great opportunity to organise a local Service Weekend.
“It’s great to see our students develop and mature through participating in these initiatives. These weekends teach our pupils how by contributing positively to the community we can impact everyone.”
Community Work
Oakham’s Voluntary Action (VA) pupils engaged in four different community projects over the weekend. As well as entertaining 63 members of the local elderly community for lunch and a movie in the Barraclough Dining Hall and Wilson Auditorium, pupils welcomed families from the local Phab Club to an Easter Party held at BAFS Cricket Pavilion. Form 6 students ran a carousel of Easter-themed activities for their young guests that included an Easter Egg hunt, egg and spoon races, outdoor games, and crafts.
Off campus, one group of VA pupils continued the work they’ve been doing with Oakham Canal Project to renovate the footpaths on the outskirts of Oakham. Students laid chippings down to secure a lovely route for the local community to walk along. Meanwhile another group of students travelled to Rocks by Rail in Cottesmore with whom the School has a long-standing connection, to paint fences and generally tidy up the area.
Form 5 pupil Charlotte, who helped at the Spring Luncheon, said: “It’s lovely to have this experience. It’s a bit different and you get to know people a bit more.”
DofE Practice Expeditions
DofE pupils spent the March Service Weekend developing some essential skills in readiness for their Assessed Expeditions in June. These included emergency first aid training, practising cooking on a Trangia, making bread, assembling tents, and navigation skills. Not to mention endurance skills – walking, kayaking and cycling a combined distance of more than 300km in the local area.
The only exception was Oakham’s Gold sailors who travelled to the south coast of England to put into practice all they have been learning at Rutland Water.
CCF at North Luffenham
After completing emergency first aid training, CCF cadets took part in a variety of field activities at St George’s Barracks in North Luffenham. Led by Form 7 students, the junior cadets practised section attacks, weapons training and casualty evacuation.
James Robinson said: “My particular thanks go to Head of Activities and Adventurous Learning Matthew Powell, Contingent Commander of the CCF Duncan Wright, and Head of Voluntary Action Chris West-Sadler, who organised such a rich and varied programme of activities.”
Held twice a year in October and March, Oakham School’s Service Weekend sees pupils who do the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, Voluntary Action (VA) and Combined Cadet Force (CCF) spend time off-timetable to develop skills such as teamwork, resilience and leadership. This is in addition to the weekly contribution students make to their chosen service option, such as doing voluntary work in local primary schools.
View photos from the weekend here: 
