Students step back in time for a Victorian Christmas at Atlantic Academy Primary: Bonnets, top hats, carols and mince pies!

Students at Atlantic Academy Primary will be stepping back in time for festive joy and
celebrations this year. 

Principal Melissa Heppell has organised an outdoor Victorian Christmas Fayre which will see the students dress up in traditional attire from the era, including bonnets, top hats and cloaks, as they host bric-a-brac and cake stalls, sing carols and play games. 

The event is just one of a number of Yuletide activities this month including Christingle,
Christmas Jumper Day, Reception and Key Stage One Nativity, Santa Dash fun run,
Christmas Lunch, a festive crafts afternoon, staff pantomime and class Christmas parties. 

The fair, which takes place December 9th, will be open to children at all local playgroups and pre-schools. 

Ms Heppell told the Dorset Echo: ‘’The Victorian Christmas Fayre will see primary children from different year groups participate. It will be a fun festive event and one that brings the community together which is important as Atlantic is at the heart of Portland’s community. It’s exciting for the children as the fair couldn’t take place last year due to lockdown and this is an opportunity for them to create some happy memories.’’

Reception places are currency available at Atlantic Academy Primary for September 2022 start. To apply or to book a tour of the school at a time that suits you, please email:
apply@atlantic-aspirations.org.

Strong leadership combined with nurture and academic achievement are at the heart of
Atlantic Academy Portland’s success and key reasons why it is the perfect school for the start of your child’s education journey. 
The school is surrounded by breathtaking sea views, four purpose-built playground areas and a large playing field.
Reception students also benefit from regular Beach School sessions which allow them to roam on the sand and explore the outdoors. 

Ms Heppell said: ‘’I believe that a Reception Curriculum should be based around learning
through play and activities that are stimulating and captivating. This ensures that the children at the school are encouraged to learn independently and are driven by their own curiosities.
We also believe that fun and engagement should be built around a strong curriculum to
ensure that pupils at Atlantic Academy Primary have the best start to their educational
years.
‘’We have very clear and high expectations. Pupils respond positively, they behave well and are polite and well mannered. They challenge themselves and they work hard. 
‘’Staff and governors have a shared vision that the school is at the heart of the community on the island. 
‘’Our pupils are well cared for and are proud of their school. They have many happy
memories of all that they do and learn at Atlantic Academy Primary.’’

Principal Melissa Heppell (Primary), with pupils at Atlantic Academy Portland, an Aspirations Academy in Portland, Dorset.
April 23, 2021.
Photograph : Luke MacGregor