Project Description

Industry: Health and Social Care
Activity Type: Work Experience Placement / Volunteering
Business involved: Morar Living St Andrews
Name of School: Madras College 

When a new care home, Morar Living St Andrews, opened directly opposite Madras College, staff saw an ideal opportunity to connect pupils with real-life experience in the social care sector. 

Kimberly (S6) was one of the first to request a placement. With a clear ambition to become a nurse after school, she began attending the care home twice a week during her study periods, gaining hands-on experience, building caring skills and forming strong relationships with both residents and staff. 

The placement supports Kimberly’s career aspirations while also strengthening community links and enriching the lives of residents. 

 

Collaborative Partners  

Morar Living St Andrews 

Morar Living St Andrews is a modern care home located on the doorstep of Madras College. The home is keen to be an active part of the local community and to build a long-term relationship with the school. Madras College identified pupils with an interest in health, social care and nursing and helped match them with Morar Living. 

For Kimberly, this meant: 

• A regular placement that supports her career goal of child nursing. 

• The chance to learn and practise empathy, communication and emotional resilience in a real care setting. 
• A structured way to link her school experience with future pathways in social care and health.

Programme Aims 

The work experience placement was designed to:  

• Give Kimberly meaningful real-world experience in a social care setting. 

• Build meta-skills such as focus, initiative, communication and adaptability. 

• Develop specific caring skills, including supporting individuals with dementia and managing overwhelming situations. 

• Strengthen community links between Madras College and Morar Living St Andrews. 

• Support Kimberly’s preparation for a future in nursing and care professions. 

 

Activity Overview 

During her regular visits, Kimberly has taken on a range of responsibilities that contribute to daily life in the care home and support residents’ wellbeing. 

Her activities included social interaction and companionship – chatting with residents, listening to their stories and offering company, supporting activities such as craft sessions and games and helping at special events. Kimberly also volunteered at weekend events such as a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party and a Halloween party, where she assisted residents, supported staff and contributed to creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere. 

Kimberly’s role has grown beyond basic support as she has gained confidence and experience, and staff have increasingly trusted her to help with planning and facilitating activities. 

Impact  

She has developed stronger communication skills and confidence in interacting with older adults and those with additional needs. 

She is learning how to support people who feel overwhelmed, a skill she recognises as vital for her future goal of child nursing. 

She has deepened her sense of empathy, responsibility and initiative, often stepping forward to help without being asked.

 

Feedback
 

“My favourite thing about visiting the home is that I like hearing all the stories that the residents have to say. They are so nice and so sweet.” 

“I think I learn how to help people when they are overwhelmed which is important because if I want to go into child nursing, they might get overwhelmed so it could help when trying to calm them down.” 

“It’s made me better because I like helping people and it’s something I’ve always been taught to do.” 

For Morar Living and Residents: 

Kimberly’s contribution has been warmly received by staff and residents alike. 

Karen, Activities Coordinator, after the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party: 

“Kimberly arrived at Morar before the party, on her own, and offered to help with the residents. She was a complete natural with them and spent all afternoon on her feet, helping them get food/drinks and really enjoy themselves. 

She is mature, way beyond her years and is such a kind young girl. She got a prize for being so brave and coming to help even although she didn’t really know us. She is an absolute delight and is a real credit to Madras College.” 

Karen, after the RAF event: 

“Kimberly is an outstanding young woman. She was asked to make an afternoon for a former officer in the WRAF. She rearranged for RAF personnel to visit and have coffee and cake with her. It was emotional to see her with them and her family said, ‘Thank you to Kimberly for arranging such a special afternoon.’ She researched rooms, layout as well as what impact this would have on our residents’ self-esteem.”