Pupils from a local primary school brought a wave of festive joy to a care home in Kits Green this December, creating heart-warming intergenerational connections.
A Walk Filled with Festive Spirit
On Tuesday 16 December, all 24 Year 3 children, aged 7-8, from Gossey Lane Academy walked with their teachers to St Giles Care Home. The group filled the winter afternoon with cheerful voices as they arrived at 2pm for an afternoon dedicated to spreading Christmas cheer.
The visit was a key part of the school's 11 B4 11 programme. This initiative is designed to help children develop kindness, empathy, and confidence through meaningful experiences outside the classroom.
Singing, Crafts and Shared Stories
The children performed a medley of classic Christmas songs for the residents. Their repertoire included beloved tunes such as Once in Royal David's City, We Wish You a Merry Christmas, Feliz Navidad, Deck the Halls, and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.
Beyond the musical performance, the pupils engaged in a variety of festive activities. They worked alongside residents to create colourful paper chains and shared conversations about Christmas traditions and plans. The afternoon was a true intergenerational exchange, filled with laughter and stories as the children introduced themselves and learned about the lives of the care home residents.
One pupil, Charlie B, shared his enjoyment of the visit, saying, "I really enjoyed singing here with my friends, and I enjoyed talking with the residents."
Building Confidence and Community Links
Sarah Amin, Headteacher of Gossey Lane Academy, reflected on the importance of such community engagements. She stated that moments like these capture the true spirit of Christmas and are central to the school's ethos.
"Through our school 11 B4 11 programme, we create opportunities that help our children develop empathy, kindness and confidence, whether that's thinking about others or doing something special for them," Ms Amin explained. "Taking learning beyond the classroom and into the heart of the community opens opportunities, builds connections and inspires our pupils as they begin their own life's adventure."
The successful afternoon concluded with shared refreshments, leaving both the children and the residents of St Giles Care Home with lasting festive memories and a strengthened sense of community connection.
