Service Learning at Swan

Head, Heart and Hands

In 1 Peter 4:10 we read: “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace”. 

Swan Christian College has a strong culture of service and providing students with an opportunity to give to those less fortunate than themselves. Head of Service Learning, Mr Ray Hockley, has spent the past year scoping this across the College, seeking to integrate it with student learning and curriculum. At the same time, students progress through the College with many opportunities to exercise and grow a servant heart. In the following article, Mr Hockley outlines his work and vision for the College.  Mr Scott, Principal

Service Learning at Swan – Head, Heart and Hands 

Service Learning at Swan Christian College offers a broad range of service opportunities to encourage students to look beyond themselves to the needs of this world and to use their skills and talents to make a difference. The vast array of opportunities at the College this year include but are not limited to: 

• Kindergarten students will Skype with Zambian children to enhance their English skills and learn about other cultures. They will also prepare songs and craft activities to present to the elderly residents at Morrison Lodge. 

• Pre Primary students will grow vegetables to use in soups which are prepared through our Super Soupers program for homeless people in the city. 

• Year 3’s will knit beanies for underprivileged children in developing countries. 

• Year 5’s will clean up our environment as a part of the Keep Australia Beautiful campaign. 

• Year 7’s will attend a workshop on Caring for the Marginalised, and then collect food and toiletries for the Salvation Army’s Winter Appeal. 

• Year 8 to Year 10 students will complete a whole day of community service, where they clean up homes and gardens for pensioners, prepare meals for the homeless and plant trees. 

• Year 10 through to Year 12 students have a range of options for Impact trips, including local trips to Aboriginal communities in WA through to international trips to Zambia and the Philippines. 

Students can also find recognition and accountability for their service efforts through enrolling in the internationally recognised Compass and Duke of Edinburgh Awards which are being offered at the College. 

The learning component of the Service Learning Program ensures that the experience of serving goes deeper than just the acts themselves.  Many aspects of Service Learning are embedded in the regular curriculum which means that students can see the links to the rest of their learning.  It also means that for the child’s pedagogy there is a practical outworking which makes learning more relevant.   

At Swan Christian College the Service Learning Program encourages students to develop holistically through using their head, heart and hands. They have an opportunity to broaden their minds (heads) through considering the complexity of this world’s problems and how serving can bring hope, help and healing. The heart is moved with empathy and understanding as children identify with the plight of those who are in need in our world, and finally, our students discover the immense satisfaction of using their hands to contribute in practical ways to helping those in need. 

They might not be able to solve all the world problems, however they will realise through working as a team that much can be accomplished and many lives will be blessed. 

Mr Ray Hockley
Head of Service Learning