9 May 2013
Teachers think that charity work in secondary schools is being
squeezed as schools face increasing pressure to perform in league
tables, according to new research.
A survey released by the Charities Aid Foundation
(CAF), which promotes charitable giving and provides financial
services and social finance to not-for-profit organisations, shows
that secondary school teachers find it difficult to spend more time
working with charities due to the exacting demands of the National
Curriculum.
Over two thirds (67%) of teachers polled find
the pressures of league tables make it harder for schools to
educate students about charities and issues in society.
Crowded school timetables (57%) and the
focus on exams (54%) were also identified as key
barriers.
Yet the value to pupils both in terms of their academic
performance and personal development is clear and they may be
missing out on more than just the opportunity to support charities.
More than half (57%) of teachers believe getting children to work
with charities boosts their schools’ attainment, while 95% see
fundraising as a great way to motivate students and 98% believe it
is a great way to teach young people social skills.
The benefits of working with charities mean that most teachers
would like to spend more time teaching their classes about charity
and issues in society (72% of teachers polled), but the curriculum
and league table pressures make further engagement with charities
less of a priority.
77% of teachers think more can be done to help schools and
charities work together and an overwhelming majority (95%) believe
schools have an important role in educating young people about
charity and the wider society.
ComRes interviewed 200 secondary school teachers in an online
survey commissioned by the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF).
The survey forms part of a major inquiry into the generational gap in
giving, chaired by former Cabinet Minister David Blunkett. CAF
has launched a parliamentary inquiry to look at how we can narrow
the generation gap in giving and the reliance of the charity sector
on donations from the over 60's. The Parliamentary Inquiry on
Growing Giving will look at how to get people of all ages involved
with charities.
John Low, Chief Executive of the Charities Aid Foundation, said:
“Young people thrive when they are encouraged to work with
charities through their schools. Raising money and working to
support charities boosts student motivation and social skills and
can also have a positive impact on their academic work.
“It’s heartening to see the enthusiasm teachers have for working
with charities, but it is important to recognise the benefits both
socially and academically that our young people gain from working
with and learning about charities.
"Schools do a great job supporting charities and there can be no
doubt that young people are very generous. But it's also important
that teachers are given the support they need to incorporate
charity work into busy school life and nurture the natural desire
of young people to help others.”
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ComRes interviewed 200 secondary school teachers
across the UK from 4 April – 12 April. ComRes is a member of the
British Polling Council and abides by its rules. Full data tables
can be found at www.comres.co.uk.