Bringing the generations together in Penkridge

Links between pupils at Wolgarston High School and the residents of an award-winning retirement living community in the village have brought a lifetime first for one of the residents of Pencric.

Year 10 students at the local school have been involved in two remarkable projects in the extra care scheme, passing on IT skills to residents and hosting a meal prepared and served at the school.

“Eight IT students from the school came to Pencric to run workshops helping people get more out their laptops or mobile phones,” explained Yvette Tompkins, Volunteer, Engagement & Fundraising manager for Care Plus which provides care and support at Pencric.

“One of the students spent some time showing a resident how to Skype.  Her son now lives abroad and after her lesson she told us that she had been able to actually see him for the first time during one of their regular telephone conversations.  The pupil has made a real difference and helped to bring this family together,” said Yvette.

Wolgarston High School also invited residents of Pencric to a lunch prepared and served by pupils on Hospitality courses at the school. The generous hosts even laid on a game of bingo with prizes they had provided themselves.

“The residents had an amazing time and were really impressed by the professionalism of the pupils. They had a wonderful time,” reported Yvette Tompkins.

The links between the school and its nearby extra care scheme have been created as part of the school’s Community Day activities. “We believe that playing a part in village life enriches the development of pupils at this school,” said Chris Curtis, assistant head teacher at Wolgarston High School.  “They gain a great deal from these activities and I know that the pupils enjoyed the experience just as much as the residents of Pencric. We hope to develop those links even further next year.”