News

Christmas at School: Traditions, Carols, and Community

The signs of Christmas are beginning to appear all around our school, bringing a sense of excitement and community. We are delighted with our stunning Christmas tree, kindly donated by FOSS and beautifully decorated by our office staff. If you look closely, you will notice the lovely star on top, which was hand-made by the children in STARS wraparound care. We are also looking forward to our Christmas lunch, which is always a lovely way to celebrate the festive season together as a whole school.

A Deeper Look at Traditions

While we enjoy the decorations, Year 5 have been looking deeper. They have been researching the history of Christmas traditions and reflecting on a big question: Do Christmas carols still convey the central beliefs of Christmas to the world today?

The children discovered that the word 'carol' actually comes from the Greek word choros, which means dancing in a circle. In the Middle Ages, carols were dances accompanied by singing. They also learned that, historically, those who were less well-off would go to people's doors to sing carols in exchange for money or food.

In their analysis of traditional lyrics, Year 5 encountered rich vocabulary such as Incarnation, cherubim, seraphim, and thronged. They discussed the humble nature of the maiden (Mary) and whether her faith sufficed to change the world. They have been debating whether these ancient words still hold importance for us now.

Here are some of their thoughts:

"Christmas is conveyed by songs. Some christmas songs are more gentle and calming. These types usually tell the story of the Nativity and talk about Jesus. While others have a more jolly vibe and make you feel like Christmas is really here!" - Sefi

"Christmas carols are important because they bring joy and leisure to the world and people sing them on Christmas day to have fun with their families" - Isla

"I think Christmas carols are still important today because they give us time to reflect and be full of joy. They bring people together to have fun and be merry." - Noah

The class also reflected on the tradition of sending Christmas cards, discussing whether this remains an important part of the season in a digital age.

Singing Together

Currently, the whole school is busy in singing assemblies, learning beautiful carols to perform at our upcoming School Christmas Service at St Stephen's Church. It is wonderful to hear the children’s voices coming together to keep this musical tradition alive.

A Moment for Reflection

Year 5’s work reminds us that traditions - whether it is the tree, gift-giving, or music - often have deep roots and meanings. As we approach the holidays, we’d like to encourage all our families to take a moment to talk about what this season means to you personally.

Here are some questions to discuss at home:

• How do you like to celebrate? Does your family have a unique tradition that is special?

• Where do your important family traditions come from, and what do they symbolise for you?

• Connection: Whether you are celebrating the Christian message of the Incarnation, or simply the joy of family, friendship and kindness, what is the most important part of the holidays for you?

Live from Antarctica! Students Inspired by Polar Explorer Robert Swan 

This morning, our children were privileged to attend a special "Assembly LIVE from Antarctica!" broadcast, hosted by the remarkable explorer Robert Swan OBE, the first person to walk to both the North and South Poles.

Live from the Antarctic ice (around 600 miles from the South Pole!), Mr. Swan, alongside Jenny Cooke of 2041 Schools, shared incredible stories from his polar expeditions. The assembly wasn't just about adventure; it was a powerful message about sustainability, the urgent need to protect Antarctica, and how our children can become "planet guardians."

The key message was one of hope and solutions, encouraging students to take positive climate action.

Thank you Mrs Blomley for organising our school's participation in such an important event.