St Benedict’s Celebrates The Independent Schools Council Partnerships Week 2024

As a school which takes its inspiration from Benedictine values, we encourage our pupils and staff to show leadership and service to others, within the school and in the wider community through a wide range of partnerships. 

Since 2020, our partnership with Cardinal Wiseman in Greenford has grown stronger through the shared experiences of our Combined Cadet Force (CCF). Around 100 students from both schools now participate in this transformative programme, which fosters leadership, resilience, and a sense of purpose. Beyond offering CCF, we provide Cardinal Wiseman and other local schools with the resources and staff expertise to help establish and train newer CCF recruits. These initiatives help foster leadership and resilience in young people, which in turn, empowers them to make a tangible difference in their communities.

We believe that art is one of the most powerful ways to ignite the imagination and our partnership with St Joseph’s School in Hanwell is testament to that. Our Art Department supports St Joseph's staff with training and curriculum resources, raising the profile of art within their school and ensuring that creativity thrives at every stage of learning. We have donated materials for printing and other creative projects, inspiring students to engage in hands-on, enriching experiences. It’s an exciting collaboration that underscores how art can connect and inspire us all.

Preparing students for their futures is a priority for us, and we’re thrilled to share our Careers Fair with other nearby schools, including St Augustine’s, Cardinal Wiseman, and Sacred Heart, through the Emmaus Partnership. These schools benefit from attending our fairs, gaining valuable insights into various professions and paths. Additionally, our ‘Careers Breakfast’ series, which has proven highly popular, is shared with the Emmaus schools, ensuring that students have access to wide-ranging career guidance.

Sport has the power to unite, and every year we host the U18 Middlesex Schools Rugby Sevens and regional hockey tournaments, which bring together young athletes from various schools. We also host a sports morning and other events such as science fairs and art shows for local Year 5 pupils, which provide the opportunity for young athletes and curious minds to experience coaching, teamwork, and an array of stimulating activities on our school grounds.

Our partnerships thrive not only at the whole school level but through the individual dedication of our teachers and staff, who contribute extensively across various fields. One of our teachers, serving as the head coach of Team Ealing's U14 Netball Squad, has supported young athletes in achieving silver in this year’s London Youth Games. Another teacher founded the Ealing Street Dance Academy, offering bursaries to children who might not otherwise have access to dance classes and performance opportunities.

Our teachers also volunteer their time in other ways; from serving as trustees for the Ealing Choral Society and the Ealing Youth Orchestra, to leading community initiatives such as local litter picks and youth mentorship, strengthening our bonds within the community.

At St Benedict’s, these collaborations are woven into the very fabric of our school culture, fostering a network of mutual learning and support. Each partnership brings new perspectives, new challenges, and new friendships, enriching the lives of everyone involved.

We celebrate ISC Partnerships Week with deep gratitude for each of these connections, knowing they enrich our school community as much as those we are privileged to support.