Brookes students from across nursery, lower and senior school have had a fortnight of festive fun – including nativity plays, Christmas jumpers and lots of carol singing.

Highlights from the independent school’s past few weeks include:

• A ‘Winter Showcase’ of carols and Christmas songs, for all parents, invited with additional safety provisions;
• Three Christmas parties last week for each of the nursery, lower and senior schools;
• The Cherry Trees Montessori nursery held a nativity called the ‘Innkeepers Breakfast’ full of songs to involve all the children; and
• Keystage 1 put on a nativity called ‘Christmas Counts’. The counting theme ran through the songs, starting with the census ordered by King David.

Brookes UK Head of School Natalie Taylor said “It’s been a great few weeks, with activities and fun across the whole school. Well done to all those involved, especially those who have spent time learning carols, lines, songs and music for our two nativities.

“It is such a busy time, yet we feel it’s important to have fun things for the children (and staff!) to look forward to in the run up to Christmas.

“We’ve of course made sure that all situations followed the guidance, as the childrens’ safety is our number one priority.”

Additional recent festive-themed events included:

• Children from Years 5 to 8 wrote Christmas cards to our sister schools in Moscow and Westshore, Canada. We are now waiting for letters from these schools to continue correspondence in the new year.
• Last week, there was a special combined Christmas lunch and non-uniform Christmas jumper day – with a charitable donation to the NSPCC raising £84;
• Brookes’ choirs singing carols before the Newmarket Christmas lights switch-on;
• Cherry Trees Montessori nursery held their own Christmas party inviting all children to take part; and
• Last Friday, there were Lower and Senior Christmas parties, along with an outdoors playground gathering for a bracing performance of some Christmas Carols.

In addition to the activities, Brookes have been asking the senior students to donate items for it’s ‘Winter Warmer’ hamper, with all donations going to residents of Tayfen House, the homeless shelter in Bury St Edmunds.

Gift ideas included socks, scarves, hats, shower gel, shampoo, as well as festive treats, such as chocolates, to keep spirits up during a challenging time of the year.

“It’s also important to continue to support our chosen charities at such an important time for them,” continues Mrs Taylor, “We’re delighted to continue our relationship with Tayfen House, after a donation earlier this Autumn.”