Update from The Angmering School on community appreciation challenges during lockdown

Based on their own experiences of the difficulties faced during the coronavirus pandemic, students were asked to write a message to an older resident who was shielding, to offer words of support and encouragement.

The letters were then sent to Abbotswood in Rustington, where staff were delighted to read them out to residents.

One 92-year-old, Elizabeth Wilton, was so touched by the students’ compassion, she wrote her own letter in return, thanking them for their lovely words. She said how much she missed her family and ended by wishing them all a great big hug.

Simon Liley, head teacher, said: “We are all so delighted that Elizabeth and the other local residents have had their days brightened up by the letters from our students.

“As a school, we value kindness a great deal and it is heartening to see our kindness being returned in such a lovely way. I know that Elizabeth’s letter has brought joy to everyone in the school.”

The school has taken part in various community appreciation challenges over the past three months, from rainbow trails to decorating dustbins with messages of thanks for refuse collectors.

Staff and students have also taken part in Run for Heroes, a national campaign raising money for NHS Charities Together, where people were asked to run 5k, donate £5 and nominate five friends to do the same.

The PE team set a two-week period for the challenge and saw 129 staff and students cover a total distance of 804k, raising just under £900. The fastest time was achieved by Dave Atkins, who ran 5k in 20 minutes 2 seconds.

There were also walkers, cyclists, swimmers and even a horse rider, plus Lisa Edwards’ three-legged dog completed the 5k challenge by walking 1k per day, coming in with the slowest time at 5 hours in total.

Ian Gooding, head of sport, said: “It was incredible to see such a positive response in just 14 days. The most pleasing thing for us to see was not only the financial contributions but, more importantly, the collective interest and contributions from the local community.

“Current students, parents, staff, community members and ex-students made contact from America, New Zealand and Canada to place their support to the cause.”

Further support for the NHS has been provided by the science department and the design and technology team.

Back in March, when PPE was urgently needed for frontline health workers, the school donated 270 pairs of safety goggles, eight boxes of clinical procedure masks and two boxes of dust masks.

Former head teacher David Brixey then donated a 3D printer and the DT staff joined forces with 3D Crowd UK to begin producing face shields.

Despite each shield taking five hours to print, the team remained committed to the task. Together, they designed their own laser-cut version, which saw production rates boom from one to 58.

Each shield was made using upcycling material and the first batch of prototypes was delivered to Worthing Hospital. Having checked the quality and standard, the hospital then requested further donations and to date, The Angmering School has handed over 110 shields.

Mr Liley said: “This is a fantastic effort by our staff team, who have shown dedication and commitment, working long hours in their own time, and answering the nation’s call for assistance in a time of crisis.”

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