Regardless of whether we have religious faith or none, Christmas is typically the time of year when generosity of spirit to others is prevalent. At Bradfield School, December has offered many of those moments. Collection of money and goods to donate to the S6 foodbank have been very generous, This has also honoured the memory of Janette our caretaker, who we lost in the summer, someone who so generously herself regularly volunteered with and supported to the Foodbank.

Many of our students and staff have given freely of their time to bring joy to others in December. We have had a group who visited and sung carols to senior citizens in a local care home. We held our Christmas concert: a wonderful success with students sharing the gift of their musical talents, supported as always by the staff so free with their time to support and rehearse with them, as well as host on the night. For the first time this year, we also reprised the Christmas concert to more senior citizens the following afternoon, as well as providing them with an afternoon tea prepared from scratch by students, and a raffle with prizes provided by every form. And this final day of the school term again saw staff welcome students into the day singing them Christmas carols.

The news can be full of horror, heartbreak and confusion. The world is often polarised into differing camps, sometimes losing sight that, at the centre of every conflict – be it political or natural – are innocent people. The growing prevalence of AI means that at times, it can be hard to know if what we read or hear about is real or fake.

So, to witness, day in and day out, such genuine generosity of spirit towards others is important, uplifting and never to be taken for granted. As Mahatma Ghandhi once said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others” and it is a joy to see this happen day in and day out at our school.

Wishing all our staff, students and families in the Bradfield School community all the very best and a restful, peaceful festive break.

Adrian May

Headteacher