The Foundation Christmas Fair
Amidst two weekends of biblical storms, the Foundation Christmas Fair emerged as a calm and joyful afternoon of festive cheer on Saturday 30th November. Welcoming over a thousand guests onto the School site, the event truly brought Christmas to life. The University of Bristol’s brass band set the tone with carols and festive tunes, whilst every corner of the School was abuzz with activities that captured our true community spirit.
The organisation and planning of this event was evident in the array of gift and food stalls to activities and the much-anticipated appearance from Santa Claus - there was something for everyone. Santa’s grotto was a true depiction of his Arctic home and a magical wonder for children of all ages to cherish. Special thanks go to Mr and Mrs Doubleday whose time, efforts and enthusiasm brings this spectacle to life every year. Whilst adult guests enjoyed mulled wine, children indulged in hot chocolate, gingerbread-making, popcorn and candyfloss to create warm and happy memories – all sugar-coated with joy! The Christmas Fair is always a feature event in the School calendar, bringing together the entire Clifton High School community to celebrate the end of the busy Autumn Term. It also creates an atmosphere of belonging which reinforces the sentiment that Clifton High School is “Beyond A School, A Place to Belong.
The Senior School and Sixth Form Carol Service and Drinks Reception
Another highlight of the School calendar, our Senior and Sixth Form Carol Service, was held at Clifton Cathedral. This year, the service returned to a traditional Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols. Led by a series of pupil and combined staff choirs, the carols were a beautiful and powerful voice of talent that filled the Cathedral’s grand acoustics. The readings were delivered with dignity and maturity, representing all year groups and each reflecting the growth children experience throughout the Senior School. The event, attended by The Lord Mayor, special guests, Governors and staff members drew over five hundred parent guests proving the incredible support of our Music and Drama department. The hard work and dedication of these departments were evident in the service, and we extend our gratitude to all those teachers that were involved.
Families returned to the School Lawn for our ‘wrap-up and be warmed by mulled wine and hot chocolate’ Drinks Reception. Guests were treated to more festive tunes performed by our Swing Band which created a wonderful atmosphere to complete the evening. Once again, we extend our gratitude to the participating pupils and their teachers for contributing to this memorable occasion.
Whole School Celebrations
Celebrations began with a two-day Christmas Book Fair that saw eager readers purchasing books for themselves and gifts. The buzz continued across the School as each year group event, show or trip brought its own festive cheer. The Junior Christmas Celebration and the Hive Pre-School’s ‘Star Hunt’ workshop as well as the Infant School Nativity Play warmed the hearts of all those that joined to watch. The Hive Pre-School children were enthralled by their special trip to the Redgrave Theatre to watch The Gingerbread Boy as too were Year 3 pupils who spent a meaningful morning at Christ Church Clifton, learning about the true meaning and the traditions of Christmas. Additionally, all Hive, Infant and Junior School pupils were treated to a fun and engaging production of Dick Whittington by Shooting Stars Pantomime complete with great songs, adventure and slapstick comedy.
Year 11 Senior School and Sixth Formers ventured off-site for Christmas trips to Lane 7 Bowling and Bath Christmas Market respectively. Both year groups were able to enjoy a relaxing break away from the classroom, in a social setting that enabled a sense of independence and growth of camaraderie with their peers.
To complete the term, the whole School enjoyed a traditional festive lunch, complete with all the trimmings. Everyone was invited to wear a Christmas Jumper, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Christmas is for Giving
The Christmas season is one that reminds us of the importance of giving back and supporting those less fortunate at this time of year. The Hive and Infant School children’s support of CLiC and Sam’s House was incredibly well received and deeply appreciated by the charity who were amazed by their fund raising and gift box donations in aid of their families who stay with them as they find strength in the face of cancer. Additionally, the whole School generously supported the Northwest Bristol Foodbank Christmas Appeal and we invited our community to donate to this year’s charity ‘The Lord Mayor of Bristol’s Children Appeal’ which raises much needed funding to help the city’s most disadvantaged and vulnerable children and young people.
The Junior Christmas Celebration
The momentum of festive events continued as our Year 3 to Year 6 pupils celebrated the tradition of Christmas with songs and performances at their ‘Junior Christmas Celebration’ held at Christ Church on Wednesday 6th December. Families joined us in watching the sheer enthusiasm and excitement of these young children as they provided an hour of holiday cheer and joy.
Christmas Jumper Day
The Christmas season would not be complete without ‘Christmas Jumper Day’ and, as a School, we united with the nation on Thursday 7th December to raise funds for the Save The Children Christmas 2023 Appeal. Children were encouraged to donate £2.00 via this link and in return wear their favourite Christmas jumper into School, enjoying also a special Christmas lunch hosted and served by our Senior Leadership Team. A whole School atmosphere including pupils, teachers and business support staff members pulling crackers, telling jokes and adorning paper hats proved that our unique communal energy is well and truly alive.
Christmas Celebrations
Also on Thursday 7th December, our older pupils enjoyed a day to socialise and bond in their own Christmas celebrations. Year 11 walked away from their classroom environment to enjoy an afternoon and evening at Laser Fusion and ZaZa Bazaar in Bristol City Centre playing a fun activity and eating at this globally inspired restaurant. Our Sixth Form students took time to relax and unwind after a busy term during their festive trip to Bath, with shopping and free time to explore the city and it's Christmas Market as well as enjoy dinner together at the New York inspired Giraffe restaurant.
The Hive Workshop
What a delightful morning we had on Friday 8th December when our youngest children in the Hive Pre-School enjoyed singing and engaging in activities with their family members and teachers at their 'Christmas Star' Celebration Workshop. These pupils deserve to be applauded for their hard work in making resources for this occasion and learning their Christmas songs so well.
Carol Service
As we gathered at Clifton Cathedral on the evening of Monday 11th December for the annual Senior School and Sixth Form Carol Service, we welcomed everyone to an enchanting evening of festive melodies and heartwarming harmonies. The evening was a wonderful embodiment of Clifton High School, giving us time to reflect on the year, remembering too those families around the world who are suffering hardships during these times. We offered our community support by acknowledging that 131,000 children nationwide will wake up on Christmas morning without a place to call home and raising funds for Shelter’s Christmas Appeal. We are grateful to all those families that joined us in donating to this worthwhile charity.
Shooting Stars Pantomime
Before we bid a final farewell to the Autumn Term, the last two days was not exempt from Christmas events. The Hive and Infant School had a special visit from the Shooting Stars Pantomime cast who entertained them a performance of Jack and The Beanstalk. Adults in the Rose Theatre took as much pleasure in the show as pupils sang along to upbeat songs, participated in the theatrical adventure and laughed at the heroic comedy.
Repunzel
The last event in the diary was our Junior School pupil's trip to The Redgrave Theatre to enjoy a Christmas production of Rapunzel; a hair-raising festive extravaganza about the lonely Princess trapped in a tower had everyone laughing, entertained and enthralled by the audience participation fun.
As our School gates close on another year and the holiday brings us in different directions, we wish our children a holiday full of wonder and curiosity, and our families the love of unity, while we all extend our empathy to those in need.
