Three Church of England primary schools in Bath and North East Somerset have found a creative way to celebrate Christmas this year. Instead of meeting at a combined service they have chosen to unite by singing and joining their voices on film.
The schools have filmed their own rendition of ‘Midnight’ a Christmas song, which has been edited into a single film to share with families, friends and fellow pupils. The three schools are located in the rural areas of Bath and North East Somerset: Cameley Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School and Nursery in Temple Cloud; Marksbury Church of England Primary School near Bath; and St Mary’s Church of England Primary School and Nursery in Writhlington near Radstock.
The schools are all part of the Diocese of Bath and Wells. They are also members of The Partnership Trust, a Multi-Academy Trust of 17 primary, first and special schools in B&NES and Somerset.
With rising transport costs, and the rural location of the schools, it was difficult for the schools to meet and share a Christmas service. The headteachers, along with the Trust’s Director of School Improvement, Vicky Dupras, proposed a virtual celebration in which the children would be filmed singing ‘Midnight’, to be edited together into one shared film.
Cathie Lampert, Headteacher at St Mary’s Church of England Primary School and Nursery said, “As church schools, it’s important for us to celebrate and share the meaning of Christmas together. The sheer joy of singing together is at the heart of this celebration. At St Mary’s, we often reflect on the African philosophy of 'Ubuntu' -our strength lies in our relationships. This Christmas project shows that when we come together in spirit and song, we create memories that last far beyond the season."
Bronwen, a Year 5 pupil at Marksbury Church of England Primary School said, “I really like to learn a song and then perform it, especially when we know that other schools are doing the same.”
Fellow student, 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 the ability to share ideas and resources. Leaders from our church schools meet regularly to exchange best practice and collaborate on joint projects. This combined Christmas song showcases that collaboration at its best. Although the three schools couldn’t celebrate in person, learning and filming ‘Midnight’ has brought them together in song this Christmas.”
Enjoy the song in the video below.