Earlier this term, students from St George's College spent a week making a meaningful impact across the local community as part of Georgian Outreach (GO!), supporting schools, churches, care homes and conservation projects through a wide range of service activities.

Throughout the week, students gave their time, energy and enthusiasm to projects across Surrey, demonstrating not only a strong commitment to service but also the kindness, teamwork and leadership that lie at the heart of a St George's education. Partner organisations repeatedly praised the students' "exemplary behaviour", positive attitude and willingness to engage, highlighting the lasting impression they made on everyone they met.

A particularly special aspect of this year's programme was the collaboration between St George's College, St George's Junior School and The Marist School. Early Years children from the Junior School donated resources which were then delivered by College students to The Marist, creating a meaningful connection between the three schools. The donations were warmly received by The Marist's staff and pupils and helped enrich the school's Early Years provision.

Among the many memorable moments during the week was a visit to Whiteley Village as part of Wellbeing Week. Students spent time playing board games, sharing conversations and providing companionship to residents. One especially touching encounter saw a resident, who rarely joins communal activities, come downstairs to play chess with a St George's student. The simple interaction brought joy to everyone present and perfectly captured the spirit of the programme.

Students also worked alongside members of the College's own Grounds and Gardens team during projects at The Marist School. Dale, from the Grounds and Gardens team, played an important role in mentoring and guiding students throughout the day, helping them develop practical skills while encouraging teamwork and a strong work ethic.

Across the week, students contributed to a wide variety of projects, including:

Transforming outdoor spaces through planting, gardening and maintenance work at St Michael's Church and Our Lady Church.
Refreshing The Marist School's Prayer Garden and Early Years outdoor area, reorganising the library and supporting younger children through storytelling and activities.
Bringing music, quizzes, games and companionship to visitors at the Salvation Army's CAMEO and Toddler Groups.
Supporting residents at St Augustine's Care Home through activities including bingo, piano performances, singing and conversation, alongside practical improvement projects.
Carrying out conservation work on Weybridge Heath with Countryside Elmbridge, learning about biodiversity, habitats and environmental stewardship.
Spending time with residents at Whiteley Village through games, performances and conversation.
Supporting Bartholomew Pre-School through play, activities and engagement with younger children.

Reflecting on the week, Georgian Outreach Coordinator and St George's parent Ginn said:

"What has been particularly lovely to see is how much the partner organisations valued not only the practical support the students provided, but also their enthusiasm, kindness and willingness to engage. There were so many moments this week where the impact of the programme went far beyond the tasks themselves."

The week served as a powerful reminder of the positive difference young people can make when they work together in service of others. St George's is incredibly proud of all the students involved, whose efforts embodied the values of compassion, community and generosity that underpin Georgian Outreach.