Whitmore High Students Build Intergenerational Connections Through Bakery Project

05 October 2026

Ahead of International Day of Older Persons on 1 October, students at Whitmore High School in Barry have celebrated the power of intergenerational connections with residents and staff at Cartref Porthceri Residential Home.

The school’s in-house bakery provides students with valuable opportunities to develop practical and life skills, while also raising funds to support the local community and charities.

Over the summer, students decided to use the money raised through a series of bakery sales to do something different for Cartref Porthceri. Rather than simply making a donation, they wanted to create something that would benefit both the residents and the hardworking care staff — and give them the opportunity to spend time together.

Through sales of their homemade products to staff and students, the bakery raised an impressive £400 for the project.

The care home provided wish lists for residents, which the students took to the supermarket to choose items to go in a collection of care packages.

The students created individual gift bags for residents alongside a selection of their own homemade baked treats for care home staff to enjoy. The then students visited Cartref Porthceri to personally deliver the gifts.

The visit gave them the opportunity to spend time with residents, talk to them about their lives and learn from their experiences. For the residents, it was a chance to connect with a younger generation, while students saw first-hand the joy and impact their efforts could bring.

Mrs Prosser - Head of School - said: “We are incredibly proud of what our students have achieved through the school bakery. What began as an opportunity to develop practical food technology skills has grown into a powerful example of kindness, community spirit and social responsibility.

“Through their hard work, creativity and commitment, our students have raised thousands of pounds for charitable causes and provided vital support to local organisations. Equally important are the confidence, teamwork, communication and independence they have developed along the way.

“The bakery embodies our values at Whitmore High School, showing that when young people are given the opportunity to succeed and help others, they can make a truly positive difference to their community.”

The project was a wonderful example of how schools can help create meaningful connections between generations, while giving young people the opportunity to develop empathy, confidence and practical skills.