Hogarth Primary School in Brentwood, Essex, has been buzzing with festive activity, hosting a calendar packed with seasonal events to bring its community together.
Annual Market Fosters Festive Cheer and Enterprise
The centrepiece of the celebrations was the annual Ho, Ho, Hogarth Christmas market. This popular event provided a warm, communal space for families to celebrate the season. Attendees could visit Father Christmas in his grotto and explore a variety of food and craft stalls. Notably, several stalls were run by former pupils, a initiative designed to encourage young entrepreneurship within the school's extended network.
Building Trust and Community Bonds
Headteacher Rob Watson emphasised the event's deeper significance. He acknowledged that this time of year can be challenging for many families, making the market a valuable opportunity for connection. "We know it is not just our families who enjoy events such as Ho, Ho, Hogarth, but other families within the neighbourhood also come along to enjoy the festivities together," he said.
Mr Watson highlighted the pivotal role of the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), whose "phenomenal" support made the events possible. The fundraising benefits the children directly, but the headteacher stressed that the primary goal is communal unity. "When we, as Discovery Educational Trust, arrived at Hogarth two years ago, one of our biggest drivers was to get people trusting the school again," he explained. "We see parents at these events who we may not see at other times in the year. As long as people go away speaking highly of our school, that is what is most important to me."
A Full Programme of Pupil Performances
The festive spirit was further showcased through a series of pupil performances across all year groups:
- Children in Reception and Year 1 performed a traditional nativity play.
- Year 2 and Key Stage 2 pupils held a carol service.
- Year 5 and 6 students staged a pantomime, developed in collaboration with the Don Rae Academy of Movement & Arts.
Mr Watson confirmed that the school had wholeheartedly embraced the Christmas spirit, ensuring widespread involvement without disrupting daily learning. "We have thrown ourselves into the Christmas spirit and made sure everyone has been involved, while not taking away from the learning that takes place every day," he stated.
The successful series of events at Hogarth Primary School demonstrates a committed effort to strengthen community ties and create joyful shared experiences for families in Brentwood.
