The school community was invited to our annual Christmas Carol Service on Tuesday 11 December 2018. This year’s theme was Peace, an appropriate theme, in which we heard pupils deliver speeches on how we have celebrated World Peace Day at Deer Park this year, and how we took time to reflect and commemorate the centenary of the end of World War One. Staff and Governors helped to tell the Christmas story through readings from the Bible. Chair of the Local Governing Body Tina Craig said: ‘I was impressed with the time and effort that must have gone into the concert. It was fantastic to see so many youngsters enjoying themselves and being able to ‘showcase’ their talents.’
The setting for the carol service was, once again, the magnificent Parish Church of St John Baptist, in Cirencester Market Place. Seb M in Year 7 said ‘Being a part of the Carol Service was a great experience, it was so good to be involved. The Church is really big, such an extraordinary place to be. The event felt like I was stepping into Christmas!’
The congregation saw performances from the DP Players, Guitar Ensemble, Flute Ensemble and Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 Choirs. Pupils also performed speeches. Timothy C in Year 7, opened the carol service this year, playing the piano and singing ‘Walking in the Air’. He was joined by Year 8 Gymnast, Joe G and Year 10 Dancer, Hollie B performing in the aisles of the Church. James Johnson, Head of School said ‘It was great to see pupils come together in the spirit of peace at Christmas. It was impressive to see the wealth of talent that Deer Park has to offer, which helps us all celebrate the coming of the festive season.’
Sandra Dukes, a guitar teacher at Deer Park said ‘This year’s Christmas service was excellent. It was fantastic to see that the teachers had written some of the Christmas songs themselves!’ The traditional Year 7 song was ‘I Wish it Could be Christmas Everyday’ by Wizzard, performed by lots of excited Year 7 pupils. For some, this was their first Deer Park event and so it was great to see so many involved.
Rehearsals in school:
(More photos on Twitter @CDPStoday)
The congregation saw performances from the DP Players, Guitar Ensemble, Flute Ensemble and Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 Choirs. Pupils also performed speeches. Timothy C in Year 7, opened the carol service this year, playing the piano and singing ‘Walking in the Air’. He was joined by Year 8 Gymnast, Joe G and Year 10 Dancer, Hollie B performing in the aisles of the Church. James Johnson, Head of School said ‘It was great to see pupils come together in the spirit of peace at Christmas. It was impressive to see the wealth of talent that Deer Park has to offer, which helps us all celebrate the coming of the festive season.’
Sandra Dukes, a guitar teacher at Deer Park said ‘This year’s Christmas service was excellent. It was fantastic to see that the teachers had written some of the Christmas songs themselves!’
The traditional Year 7 song was ‘I Wish it Could be Christmas Everyday’ by Wizzard, performed by lots of excited Year 7 pupils. For some, this was their first Deer Park event and so it was great to see so many involved.
Photo credit: Jenny Forde
One of our parents tweeted: "Feeling mighty Christmassey now after that @CDPStoday. Walking in the Air and the dancers made my eyes leak again! But mainly a huge thank you to the amazing teachers who work so darn hard to make these experiences possible for the kids."
The carol service reflected our commitment to spiritual, moral, social and cultural aspects of learning. I was impressed by the strong element of team work and peer support, the high level of engagement and the relevance of the theme. It was a welcome opportunity to reflect and begin the festive celebrations. I am very grateful to all members of our Expressive Arts team for the way in which they continue to inspire and challenge our pupils.
Chiquita Henson, Headteacher and CEO of The Corinium Education Trust.
There was a retiring collection for the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity. GWAAC provide emergency care to people who are in a state so critical that they require the specialist skills of a team at the scene of the accident or medical incident. GWAAC are part of the regional 999 response service and work closely with NHS hospitals, but they are a charity entirely funded by local people. GWAAC saves lives across Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Gloucestershire, North Somerset and surrounding areas. Our thanks to everyone who supported this vital charity - we raised £257.26.
