Charity begins at school: Pupils learn value of philanthropy

A leading prep school is giving children lessons in charity to encourage them to become philanthropists.

The Dragon School in Oxford, which raises around £200,000 a year for good causes, has appointed a charity czar.

Pupils attend lessons to learn the meaning of philanthropy and look at how to become a philanthropist.

Danny Gill, the school's director of social impact, said: "We do understand that we are in a very privileged position. We know that pupils are in a position where they could be influential in the future.

"We want them to think in different terms from the people who are in those positions now. The best way to change the culture of giving is through our children, who share and give naturally. This 'Little Society' will soon become the 'Big Society'."

One third of the 850 pupils at the Dragon School, the country's largest prep school, are boarders. One in 12 pupils is from London.

In an annual challenge they are given £2 and told to maximise it in six weeks. They then bid to divide up the final pot between different causes. Mr Gill said: "We invest around £250 and have returns of £5,500 which goes to charity We are trying to link entrepreneurship with philanthropy."