Year 12 students from Shireland CBSO Academy and Shireland Biomedical UTC in West Bromwich spent the past term volunteering at The Salvation Army West Bromwich Donation Centre, where they assisted staff with sorting and organising donated goods.
The volunteering formed part of the Academy’s ‘Give Back’ programme, an extra-curricular initiative for sixth form students. It is designed to provide opportunities to support both the school and wider community, while developing employability skills and civic responsibility.
Through the programme, students take on a range of roles, including supporting lessons, assisting departments, helping run school clubs and working with external organisations.
During their time at the donation centre, students supported day-to-day operations. They helped process donations and assisted visitors in enquiries. Staff at the centre said students adapted quickly to the working environment and contributed consistently to routine tasks.
The experience was designed to develop practical workplace skills, including teamwork, communication and organisation. It also provided insight into the role of charitable organisations in supporting local communities.
Students involved in the placement reflected positively on the experience, highlighting both personal and professional development. They said the experience had helped them improve their “teamwork skills while supporting the community”, strengthened their “empathy and communication skills” and described it as a “rewarding experience”.
Head of Sixth Form, Jo Lawrence, said: “Our Give Back programme is a central part of what we want our sixth form provision to achieve. It takes learning beyond the classroom and places students in real environments where they are trusted to contribute, take responsibility and develop independence.
“Experiences like volunteering with the Salvation Army help students build essential life and employability skills in a meaningful context, while also reinforcing the importance of being proactive members of the community. This combination of academic progress and personal development is what strengthens our sixth form provision and prepares students for their next steps, whether that be university, training or employment.”
The Academy said it remains committed to expanding opportunities within the community, continuing to develop professional partnerships with local organisations to ensure students benefit from meaningful, real-world experiences that enhance both their academic and professional development.
