Mrs Cruse (Head of Years 7 and 8)

As part of our ethos for Years 7 and 8, we believe it is very important to empathise with those who are less fortunate than others; this is particularly important as we head to start our celebrations of Christmas.

This year both Years 7 and 8 have had their annual service afternoons, where they have learnt about the school charity the Bedford Women’s Centre and also FACES. They spent the afternoon wrapping toy parcels and also making food hampers from the huge donations, which the students have collected over the past few weeks. Getting into the festive spirit, the students listened to Christmas music whilst also making Christmas decorations and crackers, to go on the hampers.   

Darcey Griffiths (Year 7) reflected on the afternoon: “It was a great chance to reflect on the fact that we spend so much money on presents and food at this time of year and don't think about the real meaning of Christmas. On the day itself, we made Christmas boxes and filled them with gifts. After our time was up, there were so many presents in the Assembly Hall. We made Christmas decorations out of coloured paper that could be hung on a tree or from the ceiling in someone's house to bring the spirit of Christmas into their home. I loved the fact that we were helping to make someone’s Christmas special. I think I speak for all of the Year 7 students, this made us all incredibly proud and feel very humble.”

Three Year 8 students also wanted to help raise awareness of our other school charity, United World Schools (UWS).  Elsie, Tami and Matilda filled two jars of Christmas coins and the competition was for students in Years 7 and 8 to guess the number coins in the jar; they charged 50p a go, with all the proceeds going to UWS.

I am very proud of all the Years 7 and 8 students, who have given their time and thoughts to others at this time.