Tonbridge School welcomes hundreds to Community Day

More than 600 primary school children tackled an exciting range of sporting, artistic and academic pursuits at Tonbridge School on Wednesday 4 July

These activities formed part of Tonbridge School’s annual Community Day.

This popular event, a key part of the school’s commitment to social responsibility, sees boys and staff working with the local community, inspiring all participants to enjoy themselves and to have a go at something new. 

Activities included archery, arts and crafts, various sports, photography, creative writing, dance, drama, digital creativity, language classes and music. 

A total of 17 primary schools and community groups were looked after by the school’s first year boys (Year 9), while the activities were run by sixth formers and school staff. 

The day ended in a Big Sing, with everyone joining together to learn and perform a song, under the guidance of internationally-acclaimed conductor Dominic Ellis-Peckham.

Second year Tonbridge boys spent the day at The Marsh Academy, working with Year 7 pupils on a range of activities covering science, sport, art, design and technology, and also carrying out a local beach clean. Tonbridge has worked in partnership with The Marsh Academy as one of its sponsors since 2006.

Tonbridge School’s third years spent Community Day in various other locations. Some went to Nexus School, a local school for children with profound and complex needs, where they helped create 20 raised beds in a new allotment area. The boys also developed play areas and wildlife habitats at the school. Others carried out environmental work at Haysden Country Park and Tinker’s island, while the school’s CCF Navy section carried out a litter pick along the River Medway.

Juliet Burnett, Tonbridge School’s Community Action Manager, said: “Whole School Community Day is our flagship event in a busy year of community, volunteering and charitable activities. It’s one of the most important days in the school calendar and, we hope, delivers lasting benefits for all involved – for our boys and staff, and for our local and wider community.”

She added: “Running through many of the projects was an environmental theme, ensuring we are playing our part in the battle against plastic pollution.”