Channing is at the heart of Highgate and the local community. We believe that education is about more than just academic results. It’s also about building strong relationships with our local community and making a positive impact on the world. That’s why we’re proud to partner with Highgate Newtown Community Partners, Brookfield Primary School and St Aloysius’ College, amongst others. Together, we’re working to create a more supportive and inclusive community for everyone.

Some ways we’re doing this include:

• Hosting monthly community teas where local residents can join our students for sandwiches, tea and cake, and get help with their digital devices.
• Running Problem Solving and Science clubs for local primary school pupils.
• Organising Art, Multisports, Design and Technology, and Cookery clubs for local students.

Last summer, we hosted our second Summer School for disadvantaged state primary pupils which was invaluable in boosting the children’s self-esteem, confidence and academic progress. Our relationship with St Aloysius’ College has resulted in their Year 12 students joining us for Higher Education days, as well as their Year 7 and 8 students joining our students for Debating and Latin.

Moving into a hostel or temporary housing is a choice no one ever wants to make; the first few days can be especially overwhelming. Earlier this year our students built and packed 100 Comfort Boxes, full of essentials to make those early days easier to bear. Inside recipients found a selection of dried goods, tins, tea, coffee, toiletries, etc. to keep them going while they found their feet. Our hope is that these boxes will play a part in supporting those who deserve some comfort at a time when they are most in need.

Our students really value and benefit from these partnerships, here’s what it means to them in their own words:

Our students say,

I enjoyed developing skills and feeling like I was helping the kids. And with the comfort boxes, I really enjoyed the sense of community it gave to everyone helping and felt really proud of the work we were doing.

I really enjoy getting to know the students from Brookfield and I look forward to each week. Their progress and interest in science is fascinating to see. This has helped me learn new leadership skills and communication skills. I am grateful I have had this experience.

Our partners say,

On the days of the Channing clubs, our children come in with real enthusiasm and it is clear to see that the clubs are the highlight of their week! The feedback from both parents and children has been overwhelmingly positive, and teachers have noticed a difference in children’s self-esteem and confidence in class.

Partnership parents say,

Rowan thoroughly enjoyed the science class at Channing school and when it ended we were quite sad but appreciative of the opportunity. On my last visit I thanked the teacher, Mrs. Hillier and mentioned that we were disappointed it was ending for Rowan.

Perhaps our recent ISI report put this best,

The way in which pupils contribute willingly to the school and wider community is outstanding. They are socially aware and keen to support those less fortunate than themselves, reflecting the school’s successful fulfilment of its aim to inspire altruism as well as individual and social responsibility.

You can read case studies about our partnerships on the Schools Together website.

You can find out more about our Partnership work by listening to this episode of ‘Chatting with Channing’ where we talk to Jennifer Kung, Director of Higher Education and Partnerships at Channing, and Andrew Sanalitro, CEO of Highgate Newtown Community Partners.