TO celebrate its 150th anniversary, Notting Hill & Ealing High School committed to a whole school volunteering day, with every student involved.

Students supported 30 community activities, including visiting care homes, primary schools and parks.

There were also 200 visitors to the independent day school for girls, to experience science lessons, sports activities and concert performances.

Students travelled to three care homes to sing, entertain and chat with elderly residents, while  Year 7 students created 100 pieces of artwork to display on the walls.

Students also shared their love of languages with three neighbouring primary schools, leading Spanish and French activities, performing plays and supporting reading with younger years.

Hundreds of pupils headed off to 12 parks to pick up litter, to weed and to plant, in support of community groups. 

Headmaster Matthew Shoults said: “It was inspiring to see our students and staff getting involved so enthusiastically.  Volunteering is such a powerful way to help others and also to build well-being.”

Pupils from St Gregory’s and North Ealing primary schools joined sixth form students in the science labs to create slides of onion cells and used microscopes, before heading outside to play cricket, followed by swimming and a chance to practise dance moves.

Reception and Year 1 girls sang for guests from St Stephen’s Church and Chestnut Lodge care home.

There was also a craft fair for visitors from Ealing Mencap, while 21 children from the Log Cabin, a partner charity, enjoyed a party.

Students wrapped packs of essential items for DaysForGirls, while junior school girls decorated paper bags filled with gifts for children supported by Care4Calais. 

They also prepared babycare kits for families supported by the Salvation Army. 

Sophie Johnson, teacher of PRE and charities co-ordinator who masterminded the initiative said: “It was delightful to see the entire student and staff community participating.

"Everyone returned with happy tales of the tasks and events they had been involved in and the people they had met.”