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5.7 Charleston School, Cove, Aberdeenshire

Charleston Charity Chums
Charleston School

22 September - 17 November 2001
(12.40 - 13.15)
Identified pupils from classes Primary 5-7, attending with parental permission, who have low self-esteem and/or poor interpersonal skills and meet weekly with Primary 7 role models, usually numbering 5- 6, who are chosen from a rota of willing volunteers. Volunteer staff of 5 arrive at 12.40, having earlier organised materials required for craft activity. Founding members, the School Administrator and Support for Learning Teacher have now been joined by a male Teacher, Behaviour Support Teacher and Post-graduate Psychology Student. The inclusion of a male staff member in a predominantly female setting brings advantages in Child-adult relationships/attitudes.

Over the course of the weeks mentioned the children make craft items to sell at the forthcoming School Christmas Fayre. Staff ensure that any preparation is organised and ready before each meeting. Each child is encouraged to help work as part of a team, providing the essential 'third hand' for intricate handiwork. Role model Primary 7 pupils demonstrate good interpersonal skills and any grievances aired are discussed as a group or are subsequently dealt with through discussion with appropriate class teachers.

November 17th
Children who have volunteered to serve on the Craft Stall arrive early to set up a Christmas display. Children help at the next meeting to calculate the profit made after expenses are deducted. All members suggest a charity to benefit, on this occasion, Guide Dogs for the Blind. On December 5th a representative from the charity came along to school with her guide dog to receive the donation of £52.75.