Ian Mikardo High School

Recently, TV documentaries following British school life have been wildly popular, with Educating Yorkshire, Essex and now the East End all capturing the nation’s attention and hearts. So, we were genuinely delighted to see that the outstanding Ian Mikardo School is now getting its turn in the spotlight. In a two part series that debuted on Channel 5 on the 29th September, we’ll get a chance to follow the day-to-day happenings of this pioneering institution. The school holds a special place in our heart as guardian Jasmine is a dedicated trustee and spends hours every month working on varied and creative fundraising ideas.

A last chance for boys aged 11-16 who have been deemed unteachable; the Ian Mikardo School offers something very different from the traditional educational system. There are no rules, no uniforms and no punishments. A much-loved rescue dog called McFlurry roams the corridors and staff and students are all on first name terms. And it seems to work – they’ve won three Ofsted Outstanding School awards and 97% of the students go onto further education.

To help pay for all the services that the local authority simply can’t afford to cover, the school set up Friends of Ian Mikardo High School, a registered charity with a board of brilliant trustees on which our guardian Jasmine sits. They fundraise to support the vital services that give these boys, many who have behavioural difficulties and complex backgrounds, a second chance at life.

They’re currently looking for a brand new trustee to join their team. They meet on the first Wednesday of every month at 6pm in Canary Wharf. So, if you’re inspired by the great work you’ve seen in the programme, are keen to proactively fundraise and could spare a few hours of your time every month they would love to hear from you. Full details can be found here and the closing date for applications is the 31st October.

Top 5 London Volunteering Opportunities

If you’re interested in a career in events or have skills to share then this week’s roundup has two perfect opportunities for you, take part in the incredible Oxjam events or help run a club night for adults with learning disabilities. Other roles include supporting young school children and becoming a valuable Trustee at an outstanding school.

Don’t forget; if you have a volunteering opportunity you’d like us to share please do email us on hello@dotdotdotproperty.com.

Volunteer with Hackney Pirates
Where: 138 Kingsland High Street, London E8 2NS
When: Ongoing
Hackney Pirates are looking for volunteers to join them in transforming the learning experiences of the Young Pirates they work with by supporting them one-to-one in after school sessions.

To be a Hackney Pirates volunteer you will need to commit to volunteering at least once month, for at least 12 sessions. Sessions run from 3.45-6.45pm every weekday during term time. Sessions last 3 hours, and you will need to commit to attend entire sessions. More information and details on how to apply here.

Volunteer with The Hunger Project UK
Where: various, London
When: 1st & 9th October
The Hunger Project UK are launching a series of new events and activities in the coming months to highlight the success stories of their partner communities ending their own hunger and poverty. They’re looking for volunteers this Autumn to support them and take part in the activities.

Team Hunger Collections
Wednesday 1st October
They need 1 or 2 hours of your time between 7am to 7.30pm at Highbury and Islington Tube Station, email sophie.noonan@thp.org if you’re available.

Rethinking what’s possible – workshop
Thursday 9th October from 6pm to 9pm
The Hunger Project UK is holding a special two-hour experience in the City (near Bank) which brings the village classroom to London, and creates a learning environment which is as powerful as it is profound. Email sophie.noonan@thp.org if you’d like to get involved.

Become a Trustee with Ian Mikardo High School
Where: Canary Wharf
When: Closing date 31/10/14
Ian Mikardo High School are on the hunt for passionate, enthusiastic and motivated trustees who want to be hands on fundraising to enable the school to continue to provide it’s outstanding service to boys previously considered unteachable.

If you’re passionate about education, are keen to proactively fundraise and could spare a few hours of your time every month they would love to hear from you. More information and contact details here.

Creative arts event volunteer
Where: Deptford
When: Ongoing
Would you like to be part of a creative arts event team to support adults and young people with learning disabilities to access Heart n Soul’s club nights?

They are looking for people who can commit to one club event or more. The clubs take place 3 times a year with the next Squidz Club taking place on the 21st November at the Albany in Deptford. Volunteers are required for the late afternoon/ evening.

This opportunity is great for anyone with an interest in events, social work or the arts. You will gain skills and knowledge of events management and supporting adults with learning disabilities. To get involved please email Cynthia on info@heartnsoul.co.uk.

Oxjam Balham Takeover events assistants
Where: Balham
When: Saturday 25th October
Oxjam Balham are seeking Event Assistants who play a vital role in making their music festival a success and help raise money for Oxfam’s important work. There are various roles needed on the day including wrist band exchange, street team, social media assistants and venue entry management.

You will need to be available for at least five hours on 25th October for the festival (1pm to 2am). They are holding an induction in the evening on Wednesday 15th October and it would be really beneficial if you can attend this also. If you are interested in joining the Oxjam Balham team, please contact oxjambalham@gmail.com.