Mentoring and Leadership
Community outreach is a key part of what we do. We are proud to engage with a wide range outreach activities, aimed at all audiences. Historically we have provided Employability and ESOL training as well as a weekly reading club for 7-11 year olds. However, following the COVID-19 pandemic, demand has changed and so we are currently running two of our most popular programmes thanks to Royal National Children’s SpringBoard Foundation and Halifax.
Royal National Children's SpringBoard Foundation
Arlette's Story
If it wasn’t for SMK I wouldn’t know about Royal Springboard and I wouldn’t have gone to boarding school. SMK gave me so much support and helped me to a fresh start which I had been looking forward to for a long time. I had my own room for the first time, and the school offered so much help. I was even more motivated on learning. In my classes there weren’t as many students compared to my previous school and it was very different from GCSE classes because everyone wanted to learn.
I have no regrets of going to boarding school. It has made me more independent and I feel like I have become a better version of myself. It’s an experience that I’m always going to remember and that prepared me for university.
In 2023 our RNCSF candidates were able to enjoy a week on the Isle of Wight courtesy of UKSA where they were able to take part in a whole range of activities to prepare them on their boarding school journey. Hear from the students and our Project Director in the following video.
So far we have placed 9 students from SMK in boarding schools up and down the UK. Here is what some of the students have to say about their experiences.
Sophia's story
SMK has helped me and I will forever be grateful to them. They helped me obtain my place at King Edward's School though RNCSF and supported me, and my mum, every step of the way. During my time at school, SMK staff have always been there when I needed them: if I have any problems, they are always there for me. The placement has helped me academically and given me many great opportunities. For example, this year I went on a history trip to Berlin paid for by all those who support me. This trip has enriched my knowledge in history and deepened my love for the subject. I would highly recommend the boarding school experience.
Destiny's Story
I joined SMK when I was in year 7 where they encouraged me consistently in my academics and assisted me if I ever struggled at school. Through SMK I was introduced to Royal National Children’s Springboard Foundation, and was successful in obtaining a full scholarship to go to Gordonstoun School for Sixth Form. Without SMK I would not have been able to experience such once-in-a-lifetime opportunities during my time at Gordonstoun. This includes stirring the helm of our School boat for almost a week and having the chance to go on numerous expeditions in the north of Scotland
We continue to support the work of Royal Springboard by helping to identify young people who would most benefit from the positive impact of a boarding school environment. If you, or a young person you know, believe that they may meet the eligibility criteria, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.
Financial Literacy
We recently partnered with Halifax bank (Centre:MK) to deliver Financial Literacy workshops to over 70 children from local primary and secondary schools.
In these interactive sessions students learned about money matters, ranging from: how to budget, reading financial documents and how to work out exchange rates.
Delivered with thanks to the support of HALIFAX
