Spring Community Week Roundup

Community Week Highlights: College Students and Staff Give Back Through Social Action Projects

Community Week brings together students and staff from across the College to engage in social action projects which give back to the local community. 

This week serves as a valuable opportunity for students to apply the skills they’ve learnt and are continuing to develop, whilst completing a project to help others.  

Here’s a glimpse of the work the College has been involved in throughout this week: 

ESOL | Planting trees at East Stour Primary School 

ESOL students headed over to East Stour Primary School to plant a variety of trees in the forest school area. The pupils from East Stour were very interested to see what the students were up to, one excited reception pupil exclaiming, “wow, new trees!” 

 
 
Wasting no time to get stuck in, ESOL student, Haji Hayat, started digging straight away. He told us: “We are here to help the community by planting trees.” 
 
Fellow student, Tim Iusol, added: “We are doing good stuff. The little kids will grow with the trees we are planting.”  

A teacher from the Primary School shared that the forest school will be developed over the next few years. The addition of these trees will enhance the area, providing students with more opportunities to learn and explore.  

Creative Departments | Art Exhibition for Railway Children Charity 
 
Creative students decided to put their talents to good use, curating an art exhibition of student work to raise money for Railway Children, a charity who support vulnerable children alone and at risk on the streets and at transport hubs in India, Tanzania and the UK. 

 
 
The intricate details in each piece on display are really impressive. With a wide variety of styles and art mediums, there’s something to suit every preference. The artwork on display is available for purchase at affordable prices. If you’re interested in buying a piece and supporting this worthy cause, please email  paul.hodge@ekcgroup.ac.uk 

 English and Maths tutors | Math-a-thon with local Primary Schools 
 
Excitement was in the air as twelve local Primary Schools brought their top two Year 5 Maths pupils into the College to compete in EKC Ashford College’s annual Math-a-thon.  

 
 
The pupils had to race against other schools to complete multi-step Mathematics problems. The three winners of the semi-finals, Hamstreet Primary School, Godinton Primary School and Pluckley Church of England Primary then competed the final challenge in front of a live audience.  

 
 
Hamstreet Primary Academy clinched the trophy with outstanding performances from their talented students Toby and Josh. During the semi-finals Toby exclaimed: “We had challenges at school, the questions were harder than this! We were happy to finish first.” 
 
The pupils’ teacher Kirsty Samson accompanied the young mathematicians to the competition. Upon congratulating the boys, she explained: “I am very proud, they worked hard during the heats at school, and they really enjoyed it.” 

 
 
The pupils clearly had a great time, leaving with big smiles and showing a genuine passion for mathematics. It’s wonderful that EKC Ashford College can play a role in nurturing the mathematicians of the future. 

When asked about Community Week Jo Brown, the Assistant Principal of EKC Ashford College told us: “Community Week is really fun time for us to give back to the community and get involved in some projects that will help everyone” 

 It has been brilliant to see all the projects staff and students have worked on throughout this Community Week. From planting trees to selling works of art our learners have worked hard to give back to the community.  

If you want to join in next Community Week, why not explore our courses now.