Community
At Gillingham School, we take great pride in being an active and valued part of our local community. With a legacy spanning over 500 years, our school has a long-standing tradition of education, service, and community involvement.
Originally founded to educate the children of the local farming community, Gillingham School has grown alongside the town itself. Gillingham became known for its silk mill in the 18th century, and many 15th-century buildings still stand today, reflecting the town’s rich heritage.
Our connection to the community remains as strong as ever. Students regularly take part in local projects, cultural events, and volunteering initiatives that benefit people of all ages. Whether through charity work, creative arts, or civic engagement, our students are encouraged to give back and help shape the future of the community they are part of.
Extended Arts Events at Gillingham School
The Extended Arts programme is dedicated to enriching the cultural life of Gillingham School and the wider community by offering a diverse range of experiences in theatre, dance, film, music, and visual arts.
Students benefit from engaging workshops during the school day, gaining valuable insight into both the performance and technical aspects of the creative arts. These experiences are further enhanced by evening performances, where students can see professional practices in action.
All events are open to the public, providing the community with the opportunity to enjoy and participate in exceptional arts experiences alongside national and international industry professionals.
Since 1994, Gillingham School has proudly hosted Artsreach events, bringing a wide range of cultural experiences to our local community.
Artsreach
A registered charity that enriches life in rural Dorset by:
- Combating rural and social isolation
- Supporting health and wellbeing
- Developing creative and practical skills
- Providing access to professional arts experiences in local venues
- These events are a vital part of our commitment to community engagement and cultural enrichment.
- Tickets can be purchased online via the Artsreach website.
I’m Muslamic, Don’t Panik by Bobak Champion
A laugh-out-loud yet deeply moving tale of one man’s journey to Iran in search of his cultural roots.…
Fireside by NIKKI & JD in collaboration with Lost Dog productions
Award-winning circus company Nikki & JD in collaboration with Lost Dog create an outdoor show that combines circus,…
The Community Project
Our Community Project empowers students to make a meaningful impact through volunteering and service-based learning. It encourages them to step beyond the classroom and contribute positively to the lives of others.
Students can choose from a range of rewarding activities, including:
- Organising in-school charity fundraisers to support local and global causes
- Supporting the Rotary Club’s Christmas Shoebox Appeal, bringing joy to children in need
- Visiting and entertaining residents in local care homes, offering companionship and kindness
- Working with local primary schools to deliver sports coaching and organise tournaments
- Undertaking litter-picking initiatives in the town and on the school grounds to promote environmental responsibility
- Supporting younger students through classroom assistance and peer mentoring
These experiences help students develop essential life skills such as empathy, leadership, and a strong sense of civic responsibility, while strengthening their connection to the wider community.
