Compulsory "volunteering" at sixth form - aaargh

[Sparrows12]

Aaargh my DD's enthusiasm is already leaching away at finding that instead of finally being able to concentrate on the subjects she loves and spending free time in ways that genuinely appeal to her, she has to engage in compulsory "service", and worse still, has to get it signed off and keep a diary of "reflections" all about how it is improving her. Don't get me wrong - she's not a bad person, and she volunteers in her own different ways e.g. In her local theatre - but I hate this instrumental approach to what is ironically called "volunteering" as a means of beefing up your personal statement - "results are not enough" blah blah - lesson one in how to kill enthusiasm - ask someone to keep a "reflections diary".

DD1 just gone into 6th form too.

They have one afternoon a week that is devoted to 'enrichment' activities. Plenty choice ranging from voluntary work, to sporting activities and leadership qualifications.

They had to fill out a form on induction day in July to indicate their first and second choices. Sone activities go over one term, some for two.

As DD1 already does voluntary work out of school, she gas chosen something sporty to give a bit of contrast.

Is she able to choose something that is relevant to her subjects and will actually matter to her CV or is it just a box ticking exercise?

My friend's ds is hoping to study medicine and his volunteering is all geared towards that: helping out in a care home and that kind of thing.

Could she put the case for the theatre volunteering to count?

In a sense the school have the right idea- being able to explain why things you have done have made you more employable is likely to give you an edge in interview- but it seems as if they may be going about it in a clumsy and mechanical way. Can your dd not make an appointment with whoever is in charge to discuss how she can make her volunteering work for her CV?

DS has to do "enrichments" but has so far managed to choose topics directly related to his subjects. Clearly the intention is to broaden their education but DS was like your DD in wanting nothing more to do with the subjects he left behind at GCSE.

Is there really nothing that she would enjoy doing available? I think it's aimed at providing a little life experience to those students who would otherwise not have any when they come to leave home and possibly provide a little insight into potential future careers, so could potentially be inspiring or at least interesting, but perhaps it needs you to put a positive spin on it for her (although is there anything less cool than something your mum thinks is a good idea?!).

Dojo
I agree, my DD yr 11 has been volunteering with a special needs playscheme for over 3 years since she was 12. Because of that she wants to be a SN teacher or Playtherapist. She has even got an accreditation for this and is now qualified to work at the scheme, unfortunately they cant employ until she is 18.

DS yr13 has approached HO Maths to volunteer helping the yr 7s with their maths, but that is because he thinks it will look good on his personal statement and it will probably go towards his DofE.

As for keeping a reflections diary about her activities, this is something she would be required to do on many A-levels/vocational courses, and is something that quite often happens in the workplace too. Not to mention that it is basically what a CV or a UCAS application is all about. She needs to be shown that this is a positive skill that will be required of her in the future and that it doesn't have to kill enthusiasm if you tackle it in the right spirit.