Make a Difference Day 2024
Last Friday, Radnor House students from both the senior and prep schools took part in the annual Make a Difference Day. This much-anticipated event gives every student an opportunity to contribute to the local community, taking on projects that improve both the environment and people’s lives. The sun shone down on the day’s activities, as students eagerly embraced their tasks and made a positive impact across a variety of local sites.
- Penshurst Falcons
Penshurst Falcons students were divided into two groups for their community work. One group ventured to Trosley Country Park, where they assisted with a crucial environmental project. Working in small teams, students helped clear an area of scrubland to make space for indigenous grass species to thrive. Equipped with tools and determination, they not only helped support the local ecosystem but also developed their resilience and perseverance while enjoying the scenic surroundings and sunny weather.
The second group visited Leonard Cheshire in Chipstead, a centre for people with disabilities. There, students spent time socialising with the residents while participating in pottery, baking, gardening, and other crafts. This visit helped strengthen the school’s long-standing relationship with the centre, with Sixth Form students regularly volunteering at Leonard Cheshire.
- Hever Hawks
The Hever Hawks students spent the day helping to preserve and enhance the grounds around Ightham Mote. Their work began with cutting and clearing shrubbery as part of a habitat management project, where students were excited to discover field mice nests among the hogweed stalks. They then turned their attention to building habitats for stag beetles by digging oak chips into bunkers on Millfield bund & meadow. The day concluded with planting daffodil bulbs in the Orchard, adding a beautiful touch of colour to the site’s future landscape.
- Eynsford Falcons
Eynsford Falcons headed to Lullingstone Country Park, where they worked tirelessly on litter picking, weeding, and hedge trimming. Collaborating efficiently, they left the park looking pristine, making it an enjoyable experience for future visitors. Meanwhile, a smaller group of students traveled to Valence School in Westerham, where they painted sheds and weeded in the school’s polytunnel, brightening up the environment for the students and staff there.
- Lullingstone Kites
Lullingstone Kites enjoyed a hands-on day at Willows Bird of Prey Centre in Knockholt. Students helped make a difference by creating Bug Hotels, Hedgehog Houses, and a new frog pond, as well as painting playhouses and tidying the site. The day ended with a special treat – a bird of prey display, showcasing the important conservation work the centre undertakes.
The Year 5 and 6 pupils also took part in the day by working on projects designed to improve the school site. One group focused on planting trees by the parent car park, boosting the biodiversity on campus. Another group built a reptile hibernaculum to provide a safe winter home for native reptiles like grass snakes. A third group worked hard to create a nature wellbeing area in the lime tree circle, complete with a stage, fire pit, musical instruments, and a den area. All the pupils demonstrated excellent teamwork and a commitment to making a difference.
In addition to the external community projects, Radnor House also welcomed residents from Rockdale Care Home to a delightful tea party on school grounds. The residents were treated to an afternoon of tea, cakes, and lively conversation with our students. The highlight of the event was a series of musical performances by talented Radnor House students, adding a warm and festive atmosphere. The residents thoroughly enjoyed the performances and left with smiles, making it a memorable afternoon for all involved.
Make a Difference Day 2024 was a tremendous success, with Radnor House students giving their time and energy to make a positive impact both within the community and on school grounds. From environmental conservation to fostering connections with local residents, the day reinforced the school’s values of teamwork, compassion, and responsibility. As always, the students demonstrated their commitment to making a difference—one project, one conversation, and one smile at a time.
