During their Monday morning visit to Broadland Lodge Care Home on December 8, four of our L6 community service pupils brought a touch of festive spirit by decorating Christmas baubles alongside the residents. The opportunity came about as part of our new community service programme, where of our Lower Sixth formers give up roughly an hour a week of their time to help in the community. This placement is a new offering for us this year, and has already become a much loved part of the weekly routine. Thanks to our partnership with Kelly at Friend in Deed, we have been able to establish a regular Monday morning visit around breakfast time - something both pupils and residents look forward to. Mrs Hill, who joined the group this week, remarked on how uplifting it was to see so many residents eager to get involved so early in the day. For the pupils, the experience has been just as rewarding. " It's the highlight of my week ," said Ava (L6), while Olivia (L6) added, " It's a great way to start the week, chatting with residents about Christmas ." There were many heart-warming moments, including one from Mary, who carefully wrote " Merry Christmas Carol " on her bauble and gifted it to a resident - a simple gesture that clearly meant a great deal. As the term comes to an end, our Lower Sixth pupils are taking the time to reflect on the connections they've built and the joy their Monday mornings at Broadland Lodge have brought. This new partnership has become a meaningful and memorable part of their community service journey, offering valuable insights and experiences that will stay with them beyond the classroom.

Members of the Upper 3 Chamber Choir delighted residents at Abbeyfields with a beautifully curated programme of Christmas music, filling the home with warmth, nostalgia, and joy. A standout moment of the morning came with Zoe Asamoah’s breathtaking solo in Once in Royal David’s City. Her poised and expressive delivery set a magical tone for the performance and was met with heartfelt applause from both residents and staff. The Chamber Choir followed with a selection of well-loved traditional carols, including Silent Night, Hark The Herald Angels Sing, and Away in a Manger. The residents sang with joy and gusto, creating shared celebration and seasonal reflection. Bringing something fresh to the festive programme, the choir also introduced a contemporary Christmas piece, Sweet Silent Night. Its shimmering harmonies and peaceful mood captivated everyone and left a lasting impression.  The visit proved to be a meaningful experience for everyone involved one that celebrated music, community and the simple joy of giving time to others. The Upper 3 Chamber Choir left Abbeyfields with full hearts, knowing they had brought a little extra light to the residents’ day.

Upper 1 had a wonderful time visiting the Cathedral this week as part of their learning about the Advent Story and the Christmas Story. The trip offered a special opportunity for the children to deepen their understanding of these important Christian celebrations. During the visit, the children took part in an interactive Christmas Journey, where they re-enacted the special Bible stories of Christmas and the journey to Bethlehem. Moving around the Cathedral, they brought the narratives to life through characterised storytelling and drama, with plenty of enthusiastic dressing-up along the way! This immersive experience helped the children connect more meaningfully with the people, places and events at the heart of the festival.  The visit also included a creative craft workshop, where the children made their own matchbox mangers to take home. This thoughtful activity encouraged them to reflect on the Nativity in a hands-on and imaginative way.