Christmas at Oriel Academy: Festive fun for students includes panto, ‘Active Advent’ and the Winter Performance

The days leading up to the end of term were a hive of festive activity for students at one local primary school.

It all started with a production of pantomime favourite Aladdin which also included a teacher dance off.

Produced by theatrical company M&M, the show delighted all year groups from 1 to 6 at Oriel Academy West London.

It paved the way for Christmas Jumper Day which saw students at the Hanworth primary wearing their favourite sparkly woolies to have fun and also raise money for charity Save The Children.

All year groups enjoyed making festive cards, calendars, decorations and taking part in fun quizzes.

The last week of term saw students take part in ‘Active Advent’ in which children completed a physical activity each day to boost their energy, confidence and movement. Activities included ‘active blasts’, ‘active learning’ and ‘mindfulness tasks’.

Other highlights included a festive lunch for staff and children and the Winter Performance which saw each year group performing their class song and included favourites such as The Twelve Days of Christmas and Sleigh Ride amongst other well-loved numbers.

Oriel currently has places available in Reception and Nursery for the academic year that begins September 2023. For more information email: office@oriel-aspirations.org or call: 0208 894 9395.

Chloe Butcher, Wellness Curriculum Lead at Oriel, told the Hounslow Herald: “The students love taking part in all the festive activities we plan for them. The Winter Performance was joyous and a great opportunity for all the children to sing. It also encourages them to speak and listen which are all key stage curriculum skills.

‘’It also teaches them that the meaning of Christmas is not just about Santa and gifts but remembering others and reiterating the importance of a sense of community.’’

Oriel has retained its ‘Good’ Ofsted rating following its first inspection since the pandemic began.

Inspectors noted Oriel is “happy and welcoming. Pupils enjoy their learning and try their best. They feel motivated by the encouragement they get from staff. Children get off to a good start in the early years. They do well in the nurturing and stimulating environment.”

The Ofsted report, published earlier this year, reveals pupils state that bullying does not happen at Oriel as they know that staff will resolve any friendship issues or unkind behaviour. The inspector also noted “leaders have ensured the school has continued to improve. They have introduced a successful mathematics programme and reading is at the heart of the curriculum. This starts in the early years. Leaders want the curriculum to be memorable and they use educational visits to bring learning to life.”