Impact Programme Handbook

Autonomous Service Opportunities The scaffolded service opportunities provided to students at Somerset College are an essential part of the Impact programme and are vital to ensuring that all of our students develop the confidence and necessary skills to engage meaningfully in autonomous acts of service. While there is an expectation that students in the Middle Years Programme will participate in a minimum of one service related endeavour per semester (scaffolded or autonomous), students in all Year Levels are encouraged to look for opportunities to engage in meaningful service of their own accord. It is anticipated that Somerset College students will actively seek out and participate in autonomous service opportunities that are both appropriate for their age and individual interests and abilities. As the opportunities to participate in the service of others are limitless, some students can often find it challenging to find an appropriate service opportunity on their own. For those students who are experiencing such difficulties their classroom teacher or House Tutor is available to assist them in this process, as are their parents. A simple list of service activities is provided below, and serves as a stimulus as to the possibilities for service. For a more extensive list of what is considered to be service, as well as those activities which are not • Voluntary assistance at College events, for example: Celebration of Literature or Entrepreneurship, Open Day, Performing Arts events. • Voluntary participation in outside-school events with College groups which benefit the broader community, for example: School Chorale performances at aged care facilities. • Presenting awareness sessions on a topic of interest to student population. Autonomous Service – Community-based Examples • Any voluntary service activity completed under the supervision of service-focussed organisations or welfare groups, for example: Rotary Club, Lions Club, Surf Life Saving Club. • Any unpaid work which contributes to the lives of other people, for example: sports coaching, tutoring, mentoring, leading community groups. • Contributions to large scale community events, for example: Clean Up Australia Day, Plant a Tree Day, 40 Hour Backpack Challenge, ANZAC Services. considered to be service, please see Appendix B . Autonomous Service – School-based Examples

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Somerset College Impact Handbook 2019