Students at the Maida Vale Campus have been working towards their Bronze and Silver Duke of Edinburgh Awards since the start of the autumn 2020 term.
For their Bronze volunteering module students in the Skills for Work (A) Group, Supported Learning Faculty, participated in a project with Continental Landscapes and Westminster City Council to construct and decorate Bird Boxes which were then put into the trees in St Marys Church Yard open space.
he boxes came in kit form and the students had to follow the given instructions to assemble the box, using simple hand tools to do so. This enhanced their reading skills, motor skills and team work skills, all vital skills that transfer easily into the work place. The boxes were then painted and decorated with designs chosen by the students based on the silhouette of common wild birds.
On Thursday 17th June the students, together with representatives from Continental Landscapes and Westminster Council assembled, firstly outside the Paddington Green Campus before moving into the park where the bird boxes, 14 in total, were placed in various locations.
It is hoped that in due course the boxes will become home to small native species such as Blue Tit and Robin, thereby enhancing the environment of those who live and work in the area.
"I’m pleased that Westminster City Council is working in partnership with Continental Landscapes to deliver this project, which will not only be hugely beneficial to local wildlife but will also equip SEND students with essential skills and work experience. The students can be immensely proud of the work they’ve achieved here and the contribution they have made to the local community."
Councillor Melvyn Caplan, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for City Management
"We were very pleased to be involved in such a worthwhile project. The students gained valuable skills in assembling the bird boxes and Paddington Green gained bird boxes which will attract birds to this lovely park"
Gemma McCarthy, Curriculum Manager LDD at City of Westminster College
The Supported Learning Department based at the Maida Vale Campus of City of Westminster College is delighted to, once again, collaborate with Continental Landscapes. This project offered students the opportunity not only to contribute towards their local community, but to complete the volunteering section of their Duke of Edinburgh Award.
Something that is even more impressive considering it was partly completed during lockdown. We are excited to work together to develop future projects. We would like to thank Continental Landscape and are looking forward to working together in the future to provide our supported learning students with meaningful work-based opportunities.
Gemma McCarthy, Curriculum Manager LDD at City of Westminster College