As summer term begins, we reflect on a spring filled with vibrant colors, community spirit and meaningful contributions. Among the Social Action events and projects, one standout moment was the exhilarating sponsored Colour Run, where students dashed across the school field, splattered in a kaleidoscope of hues, all in the name of charity. But the Colour Run was just one part of a broader spectrum of initiatives undertaken by our school community.
From the OxClean Litter Pick to feeding our community, Oxford High School has been a hub of activity, fostering a culture of empathy among our students.
Colour Run
Ending spring term with a burst of colour, our students participated in a sponsored colour run, which saw them dashing along the school field to various paint stations to be covered in an array of colourful powders. The event aimed to raise funds for the charities championed by each year group, donations are still being accepted via the pages below:
Year 7 – Oxford Animal Sanctuary
Year 8 – Thinking of Oscar
Year 9 – Helen and Douglas House
Year 10 – Oxford Food Hub
Year 11 – Breast Cancer Now
Year 12 & Year 13 – Wings
OxClean Litter Pick
In March, our students took to the neighborhood armed with litter pickers, high vis jackets and bin bags to collect litter and debris for the annual OxClean litter pick.
The litter pick serves as a practical means of cleaning up our part of the city and fosters a sense of community engagement among our students. By actively participating in such initiatives, they contribute to a cleaner environment and learn valuable lessons about the impact of their actions on the world around them. Our students enjoyed the collection so much, they resolved to start a new litter picking club, taking place every Wednesday lunchtime!
Feeding Communities
In February, students, staff and parents came together to support Thomas Franks’ Feeding Communities project.
With the pressing issue of food insecurity, particularly during school holidays, the school partnered with Thomas Franks, its catering service, to create over 5,000 meals for those in need. The volunteers have poured their time and energy into preparing hearty curries that not only nourish the body but also feed the soul.
Thomas Franks intercepted approximately 10 tonnes of surplus produce. This surplus produce, which might have otherwise gone to waste, was repurposed to create delicious, nutritious meals for individuals and families in the community who struggle to put food on the table.
Year 13 also had the opportunity to support Oxford Mutual Aid, an organisation which aims to confront food poverty, during their Perspectives sessions on Thursdays. They got stuck into cooking and packaging meals for the community.
Throughout this process, we have felt incredibly fortunate for the opportunity, reminding us of our privilege. Although we have enjoyed all aspects of this experience, the interactive nature of cooking meals and collaborating with the rest of our year have been the best parts. This has allowed us to actively help those in need while creating a shared purpose within our year.
We hope to continue this experience for years to come within our curriculum, allowing the younger years to gain the same knowledge and enjoy the same experiences as us and creating a long-term relationship with Oxford Mutual Aid. Anoushka, Year 13