Community Projects and Work Experience

Community Projects and Work Experience

Community-based projects provide students with opportunities to develop practical skills, work alongside professionals and volunteers, and make a positive contribution to their local area. These experiences help students build confidence, independence and workplace awareness through meaningful real-world activities.

Allens Cross Projects

Community Partnership | Application

🌱 Gardening Project

Students worked alongside staff and volunteers to maintain and improve outdoor community spaces.

Activities included:

  • Planting
  • Weeding
  • Watering
  • General garden maintenance

This project helped students develop teamwork, responsibility and practical horticulture skills.
🪚 Woodwork Project

Students attended regular woodwork sessions, learning how to safely use tools and create finished products.

Students developed:

  • Tool safety
  • Following instructions
  • Problem solving
  • Practical construction skills

The sessions provided an insight into careers in carpentry, construction and skilled trades.
👨‍🍳 Cookery Sessions

Students learned how to prepare and cook a variety of dishes while developing kitchen confidence and independence.

Students learned:

  • Food preparation
  • Food hygiene
  • Kitchen organisation
  • Safe working practices

The sessions provided an insight into careers within hospitality, catering and food preparation.

"I enjoyed learning how to use tools and seeing the things we made."

– Kites Student

Martineau Gardens

Community Partnership | Application

Students visited Martineau Gardens, a thriving community garden and environmental education centre in Birmingham. Through practical outdoor activities, students developed confidence, teamwork and independence while learning about horticulture, sustainability and caring for the natural environment.

Activities Included
  • Planting and maintaining garden areas
  • Seasonal gardening tasks
  • Learning about wildlife and habitats
  • Supporting community garden projects
Skills Developed
  • Teamwork
  • Responsibility
  • Communication
  • Environmental awareness
  • Practical horticulture skills
  • Independence

The visits gave students an opportunity to work outdoors, contribute to a community project and learn about careers connected to horticulture, conservation and environmental management.

"I enjoyed working outside, especially making the Scarecrow!"

– Rabbits Student

Northfield & Longbridge Train Station Project

Community Partnership | Application

Students worked alongside community partners and railway representatives to help improve local station environments. Through this project, students contributed to making stations more welcoming for passengers and the wider community.

Project Highlights
  • Working with community partners
  • Improving public spaces
  • Taking responsibility for tasks
  • Contributing to community projects
Skills Developed
  • Communication
  • Teamwork
  • Responsibility
  • Community awareness
  • Workplace behaviours

The project helped students develop confidence and pride in their local community while learning about careers connected to the rail industry, environmental maintenance and community engagement.

"It felt good knowing that people would see the improvements we helped make."

– Kestrels Student

LEAF Work Experience – Supporting LEAF Creative

Work Experience | Application

Students completed work experience with LEAF Creative, supporting community groups for people living with dementia. As part of their placement, they helped deliver a range of activities and gained valuable experience working with members of the public.

Activities Supported
  • Tea Dances
  • Arts and Crafts Sessions
  • African Drumming Workshops
  • Community Events
Skills Developed
  • Communication
  • Confidence
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Teamwork
  • Professional Behaviour

Students welcomed visitors, spoke with participants and supported them to take part in activities. This placement provided valuable insight into community-based roles and helped students understand the importance of patience, empathy and communication when working with others.

"I enjoyed meeting new people and helping with the activities. It helped me become more confident."

– KS4 Student

"These projects provide students with opportunities to develop workplace skills, independence and confidence while making a positive contribution to their community."

– Paul Carbery