December 7th 2024
The final full week of the Autumn term is always such a special time, with so many Christmas events taking place. I am in the very fortunate position of being able to see them all, and to witness first hand the exciting performing arts journey that our boys and girls take as they progress through Moulsford. This week it’s been a privilege to see all our Pre-Prep children perform their nativity plays, with many of them taking their first steps on stage; to watch the hugely entertaining Year 3 Christmas Play; and to enjoy the Year 4 Concert and Drama production, and then finally the Years 5-8 Carol Service at Pangbourne College. What talent there is at all levels of the School, and most importantly of all, it’s clear that the children have thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
Producing such events does not happen by chance, and on behalf of all our performers and their parents, a very large thank you to all the staff who have prepared the children so well. Special mention must go to Karen Braden (Director of Music) and her outstanding colleague, Harry Goff, who between them, have been heavily involved in every show and are an inspiration to the children.
There are three observations that I have made this week that I’d like to share with you. First, much of Moulsford’s success is built on role modelling and aspiration, and it’s worth noting how much the children learn from watching other year group performances. For example, Reception, Year 1 & 2 were the audience for the Year 3 Dress Rehearsal, as were Year 7, who are Year 3’s Buddies. I’m also aware that many of the younger children at the Carol Service left the event determined to join the Choir.
Second, I was on the coach with the Choir to escort them to Pangbourne for their rehearsals on Thursday morning. Travelling by large bus is not my preferred mode of transport but this was definitely the most joyous coach journey I have had, as the Choir burst into spontaneous and joyous song on the trip. It really was a very special 25 minutes.
Finally, on Monday a group of our senior children visited Rush Court Care Home in Wallingford to sing carols and chat with the residents, which the boys found a very rewarding experience. This morning I heard via a Moulsford parent how very well received this visit was. The residents were so impressed by the manners and courtesy of our pupils and the natural way they engaged with their hosts.
It will be super to see lots of you tomorrow at the Christmas Fair, which is always a highlight of our year. On behalf of the Moulsford community, thank you to Jess Haworth, Lucy Hooper and Emma Leatham of the Parents Association, Lauren Bateman and all those parents and staff who have made this wonderful community event possible.
