Throughout the recent term, Sixth Formers dedicated their time to volunteer at Elmwood residential care home in Bickley on a weekly basis, as part of the Darwin Elective Programme.
Elmwood residential care home specialises in providing full nursing care for older individuals with frail nursing needs and those living with dementia.
The sessions primarily aimed to involve the elderly through movement and dance, employing gentle touch to encourage their mobility and bring smiles to their faces; hoping that the music integrated into the sessions triggers recollections of joyful moments.
Each week pupils performed to the residents, in dance, song and playing the piano. For the most recent session, pupils and staff sang Christmas carols, danced and created handmade cards for each resident.
Pupils will be continuing with the volunteering in the new year.
“Our Sixth Formers have embraced these sessions with enthusiasm, compassion and love and they have brought smiles and joy to the participants. They have certainly made an impact on the workers, participants and I am very proud of how they have thrown themselves into these sessions.”Miss Gibbs, Dance teacher
