2020 will definitely be a year to remember! As our schools all implemented new ways of working to ensure pupil and staff safety, plans were being made for ensuring Christmas was celebrated properly. Take a look at how our schools ensured that the magic of Christmas could be shared.
When our schools reopened this autumn there were many new systems and procedures in place. All of the changes made have ensured the safety of pupils, families and staff.
But what to do about Christmas?
With visitors forbidden and our schools working hard to create secure ‘bubbles’, how could traditional Christmas activities take place? Would they work? Could our schools do it?
Of course they could!
And how! Nativity drive-ins, green screen extravaganzas and across the Trust there is now an entire team of video editors (lots of new skills for the teachers as well as the children!)
In a term where our schools have all made the most of their fantastic rural locations with plenty of learning taking place outside the classroom - what else to do but have an outdoor Nativity?
- Whitfield CE Primary School held their first ever 'drive-in' Nativity. Lit by the headlights of their parent’s cars the children performed beautifully and the outdoor setting really added to the drama and magic. Not a dry eye in the car park!
- Braithwaite CE School also held their Nativity outdoors. With the wonderful fells as the backdrop the children's efforts have been recorded and will be shared with parents through social media.
- Lazonby CE School also opted to make use of their amazing village location and filmed their effort at different spots. Look at the gallery below to see some images.
- Lorton School have also filmed an outdoor Nativity to share with parents. They have also been keeping up the exercise regime before the festivities with a Santa Dash! As well as ‘going on a baby hunt’ and taking part in a ‘Sing and Sign’.
Some of our schools decided that rather than venturing outdoors they would make use of their new technology skills and go online with their Christmas fun.
- At Wreay CE School each bubble within school gave their own performance via zoom. Some of the performances were 'live' but were also interspersed with pre-recorded elements. The children learnt Makaton rather than singing. The school has also been a ‘stop’ on the village’s Advent Window trail and the children kept tradition alive by making Christingles.
- Out on the coast, Dean CE School have also used technology to share their Christmas performances with their families. An Advent Nativity has been released a day at a time to parents via ClassDojo. Dean also enjoyed their Christmas dinner, cooked on site by their fantastic catering team! Look at the hats!
- Meanwhile at Ambleside daily assemblies have been replaced with zoom meetings (azoomblies!) so that the school bubbles can still see one another. With the new 'special effects' skills staff have gained from all this new technology Ambleside have produced a video Nativity with a special appearance by the Prime Minister! The children also used sign language rather than singing.
This term has been extraordinary, but the way our staff, pupils and families have adapted to each change, managed their new circumstances and risen to every challenge has been inspiring.
Wishing everyone a wonderful Christmas and a healthy and happy New Year!
