Mayfield Students volunteer in


Thailand A


s you will be aware, ten of our Sixth Form students have spent the last year busily fundraising for the Thai Children’s Trust in


preparation for their trip to Thailand. The girls set off on 27 June for Pattaya, where they were to spend the next two weeks engaged in an intensive programme of charity work.


During their stay the girls took a group of blind children swimming in the sea, cared for orphaned infants, and taught English conversation at a women’s centre, where women with little or no education are offered the chance to learn a trade. They spent hours dreaming up crafts and sporting activities for groups of street children, disabled children and young adults. Despite the tropical climate, the girls proved that they were not afraid to roll up their sleeves, and they spent a day clearing farmland to plant vegetables to feed the local community.


It was not all work, though. The girls managed to find time for shopping, a massage and some pampering, as well as elephant rides, and sight- seeing trips to Koh Larn Island, Sanctuary of Peace and a trip in a speedboat.


It is the first time that the School has taken part in such an initiative, but there are plans for it to become a regular trip and next year’s dates are already in the calendar.


Fiona Morris who organised and led the trip commented: “It has been a truly amazing education for us all. We have learnt so much in terms of awareness and the challenges each child/adult faces. All the schemes provide those less fortunate than ourselves with real hope and aspirations”.


Impressions of Thailand…


”Despite a marginal culture shock to begin with, Thailand is proving to be not only an eye opener, but also a character building experience. We have had the pleasure of working with such joyous, smiley children. It is difficult to comprehend the life that some of these children have experienced and yet they appear undeterred and carefree in their ways.” Izzy


“I have found this trip very inspirational and special in every aspect – watching people in wheelchairs play basketball, learning how the blind children learn to read. I was also privileged enough to sing in the chapel during Sunday Mass and so far the experience has been incredible.” Yoyo


“My experience of the Thailand trip, so far, can be best described as truly remarkable. My favourite activity has been visiting the Pattaya Orphanage to see the work that is done to care for the orphaned infants. Spending time with the children, playing and teaching them, I have found to be very rewarding. I also enjoyed teaching English to the disabled people at the centre as well as talking to them to share our experiences. The trip has been so eye opening and I am grateful for the chance to be a part of the trip. Quite unforgettable!” Sarah


“So far I’ve had an incredible time, the children are lovely and it’s been really inspirational.” Becky


“Thailand is an incredible country and all the children we have met are so lovely and their stories are inspirational. I love playing with them and seeing them so happy.” Ali


“Think you like rice, then take a trip to Thailand! It has been an experience that we shall never forget, having worked with a variety of different people from young adults with disabilities to abandoned street kids. Each of us has had to use our individual skills in order to communicate and form a relationship with the groups we have worked with so far.


Landscape, Art and Literature tour for Year 12


The best part is seeing how our small actions make a great difference to the lives of the people we have met.” Flossie, Frankieand Bethan


“Taking the blind children down to the beach was an insight into their lives which we would not have otherwise have experienced if we had not come on this trip. Their courage and adaptability to their surroundings are incredible and it makes us realise how lucky we are.” Tash&Liv


“To me a highlight was visiting the drop in centre. The children were so happy, communicative and willing to share despite their challenging backgrounds. The Fountain of Life Women’s Centre was the most wonderful place offering women from all backgrounds, mainly prostitutes, the chance to learn new skills such as hairdressing and Thai massage. As well as that they could attend classes to improve their English, German or Thai, some having had little opportunity to attend school as children. These women gradually become empowered and have other options available to them. “ Fiona Morris


“I took a blind boy swimming today. We had a 10 minute walk to get to the beach and then we swam for a half an hour before walking back. He had never met me before and we spoke different languages. He held on to me all the time and chatted as if I understood everything he was saying. His trust was awesome! This was a real magic moment in life for me.” Deirdre Rowe


uring Activities Week, the English and History of Art Departments took a group of Year 12 students on a cultural voyage around Sussex to explore ‘Landscape, Art and Literature’ in the local area.


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The first stop was a reading of Kipling’s ‘Puck of Pook’s Hill’at Batemans, Kipling’s house, on the exact spot referred to in the book. After a rather wet and grassy walk around the Burwash area, the next stop was Chiddingly to visit the home of surrealist artists Lee Miller and Roland Penrose. To complete their artistic-literary tour, the group headed south to Charleston Farmhouse, home to many of the Bloomsbury writers and painters of the 1920s. From Charleston, they then set off across the Firle estate to look at John Piper's stained glass window in homage to William Blake's 'Book of Job'before climbing back on the minibus and wending their way back to Mayfield.


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