Make a Difference Day returned for its third and most ambitious year yet, providing every girl with the opportunity to make a positive impact across the community. With all lessons cancelled for the day, students were able to assist over 35 different local organisations, charities and initiatives, while others hosted a variety of fun-filled activities for visiting primary school pupils.

It was great to see the enthusiasm with which the girls took to their tasks off site, whether they were litter picking at the Nature Discovery Centre in Thatcham, gardening at Shaw House and Newbury Canoe Club or making sandwiches and cakes at for visitors at the Marcham Centre.

It was equally heart warming to hear some of the feedback that the girls received for their work.  A spokesperson for Broadmead Rest Home, where the girls chatted to residents, painted benches and made cards, stated that the residents “loved the engagement with the younger generation” and were left “talking about them all evening”

Back at Downe House, over 300 pupils from eight local primary schools joined us for a day of student led activities across the curriculum. In business studies, pupils were tasked with designing an app, coming up with ideas ranging from a child friendly sports app to a pet translator! On the sports field many were given their first taste of lacrosse. In the Performing Arts Centre, the MFL and Performing Arts Department came together to help the children put on mini-plays, performing the Three Little Pigs in different European languages.

As one staff member from Buckleberry School stated:

“the children absolutely loved the day. It was great for them to come and do all of these activities that they wouldn’t usually get to try

As one of our students highlighted, “the day allows us to grow as leaders and to demonstrate and strengthen many of our school values, such as compassion and collaboration.”

A huge thank you must go to the CCA team and everyone involved for ensuring that MAD day was such a resounding success. We are all extremely proud of the girls and we cannot wait to see how they Make a Difference next year!