By Mrs Cruse (Head of Years 7 and 8)

On Friday 8th December, Year 7 had their annual Service afternoon, wrapping gifts, making food hampers, and decorating Christmas cards for the school charity FACES.

The Assembly Hall was full of festive cheer as Year 7 reflected on the work of the charity and also thought about some of the local families they were helping. As part of the Pastoral programme in Years 7 and 8, we spend a lot of time thinking about service and putting something back into the community. We consider the contribution we make to society for the benefit of those who are less fortunate, demonstrating citizenship and a sense of community ethos.

This term, the students have also embarked on colouring Christmas bunting for the children's charity, Starlight, so children's hospital wards can be decorated. They have also sent Hanukkah and Christmas messages to Bedfordshire Police, thanking them for their service. Read the reflections below from our Year 7 students.

Amrita said: “The Service afternoon was really fun, and it was nice knowing that the whole of Year 7 was donating to FACES, ensuring that they had a great Christmas with the gifts and cards that we gave. It was also really enjoyable knowing that we would make people happy while spending valuable time with our friends! I hope we will be able to do this next year.”

Georgina  reflected: “I felt good about the service afternoon because everything we made went to charity, benefiting children who might not get anything for Christmas this year. I also enjoyed wrapping up the gifts and writing and decorating Christmas cards.”

Hyira added: “I thought the service afternoon was a nice time to wrap presents to give to less fortunate families. It was also nice to spend the afternoon with my friends.”