Three local Church of England primary schools have come together in song to mark the festive season, releasing a joint Christmas film that brings their pupils’ voices together online.
Unable to meet for a combined service, children from Marksbury CofE Primary School near Bath, St Mary’s CofE Primary School and Nursery in Writhlington, Radstock and Cameley CEVC Primary School and Nursery in Temple Cloud, Bristol, each recorded their own rendition of Midnight, a Christmas song that has now been edited into a single film.
All three schools are members of The Partnership Trust, a Multi-Academy Trust of 17 schools across Bristol, B&NES and Somerset, and are also part of the Diocese of Bath & Wells. Rising transport costs and the rural location of the schools made an in-person joint celebration difficult, prompting the headteachers and the Trust’s Director of School Improvement, Vicky Dupras, to propose a virtual version in which every pupil could still take part.
Hannah Maggs, Executive Headteacher at Cameley CEVC Primary School and Nursery, said, “The collaboration between our Church Schools, sharing the real meaning of Christmas and the Christian message, has made the best start to the celebrations in school. Through the music, all children are able to participate and to feel part of something much larger.
“Although we have not managed to get the children together in person, through this video we are able to share the singing from our three schools far and wide.”
Pupils were equally enthusiastic about the project. Bronwen, a Year 5 pupil at Marksbury Primary, said, “I really like to learn a song and then perform it, especially when we know that other schools are doing the same.”
Lily, in Year 6, added, “I love it when we see the finished film and all of the schools are singing together. It sounds great!”
Emily Massey, CEO of The Partnership Trust, said, “One of the benefits of being a Multi-Academy Trust is that we can share ideas and resources. Although the three church schools couldn’t celebrate in person, by learning and filming Midnight they can be united by song this Christmas.”
The finished film has been uploaded to The Partnership Trust’s website and YouTube channel, and is also being shared across the three schools’ websites so that families and the wider community can enjoy the performance.
