In the space of one day, it seemed like a thousand different events were being co-ordinated all at once. Towering coaches drove one after the other onto the Parade Square, whilst thrilled students walked past with PE kit and beaming smiles. On Wednesday 1st July 2026, Make A Difference Day gave Gordon’s School the opportunity to go above and beyond for a truly important group: the local community.
Bright and early, the younger years embarked on their journeys first. Year 7 went to the ever-popular Winchester Science Centre for some hands-on enrichment, whilst Year 8 got the opportunity to discover potential career paths in the Rec. The day had already taken off spectacularly, with both years doing these events for the whole day.
Then it was the older years’ turn.
Years 9, 10 and 12 embarked on over thirty different activities across a variety of areas, ranging from charity baking, school cleaning, beach litter picking and care home helping, with much more too. The Pipes and Drums chipped in alongside them, heading to EDGE Disability Centre and their allotments for the day. It was clear the school were eager to pitch in and help, right from the start.
These activities brought new friendships and memories for all participants. Most importantly, students’ work offered incredible impact on the areas and people involved.
The Quarterly Gazette checked in with students across four of these incredible activities, gathering their thoughts on their experiences and most memorable parts. You can read their responses below:
Edge Disability Centre (away, Band trip) – Members from the Pipes and Drums went to EDGE (located in Woking). They performed, did an instrument workshop, and chatted to the people there about all things music. Next, they helped out in the centre’s garden allotments, painting, weeding and overall having a great time. The interviewed student’sfavourite part was helping bring people joy through music, alongside happily fixing the garden too.
Sewing and Baking (onsite) – This group sewed as their morning activity, with helpful guides Ms Croci and Ms Majer showing students tactics (and assisting those using the sewing machine in the first place!) In the afternoon, the group did baking, which the interviewed student absolutely loved doing with friends. Their favourite part was the pure joy of knowing all the work was going straight to charity.
West Wittering Beach Litter Picking (away) – This group travelled to a West Sussex beach to support the environment by picking up litter. Here, they picked up litter across the dunes before relaxing with ice cream and watching cricket. The interviewed student’s favourite part was taking the time to relax with friends, especially surrounded by such beautiful sights.
Campus Pond Rewilding (onsite) – This group took the time to clean up and rewild a beloved pond located onsite. With the pond overgrown and temperatures high, students in this group persevered by cleaning both the pool and the surrounding area. The interviewed student’s favourite part was both connecting with nature and getting the chance to enrich Gordon’s School’s local biodiversity.
These were just some of the fantastic efforts made by students. Some other activities involved meeting kids from Manor Green School, volunteering with the Year 8 Crime to Courtroom activities, cleaning and tidying up Houses, care home visits, and even stadium cleaning at Aldershot FC. One thing was truly clear, no matter the student being interviewed: everyone made an outstanding difference to the community and people there, and had great fun whilst doing so.
As coaches returned outside the gates and the sun gently set, relieved students headed back to Houses. Make a Difference Day had truly brought everyone’s finest work ethics- and persevering attitudes- out for display. As this year’s spectacular event drew to a close, the years to come will certainly have a high standard to top.
- Daniella