Musical events at Nottingham Girls’ High School are always pretty special, and this particular concert by the Infant and Junior School, plus very special guests, has certainly been a highlight in the lead up to Christmas.

Well done to each and every girl who sung her heart out or compered in support of the ‘Sally Army’ on the evening of Monday 9 December at this wonderful event. Congratulations also go to the plucky brass and woodwind pupils who accompanied the band in their rendition of the Christmas Joy medley, as well as the NGHS staff choir who entertained us with a performance of Gaudete.

As Mr Rolfe explained on the night, this collaboration with an iconic brass band was first conceived last summer, when Mr Cox and Mrs Braud were reviewing the Year 6 curriculum for Religious Education. Their objective was for our oldest pupils to develop a better appreciation for how people with a religious conviction can apply their faith in a practical sense and for the betterment of others. And so began our relationship with the Salvation Army, which has its Victorian roots in Nottingham and which continues to offer shelter, sustenance and solace to the poor or homeless.

On Monday 9 December our big-hearted Year 3 to 6 parents gave generously in a retiring collection which totalled £665. This – combined with whole school support for Year 6’s Recycle with Michael project – has greatly touched our new friends at the William Booth Memorial Halls, and they have asked us to pass on their sincere thanks and good wishes for Christmas to everyone in our NGHS community.

This is just another example of how the school comes together, doing something they love and are so good at, triggered by an inspiring curriculum and passionate staff, and all for the benefit of others. Well done to everybody involved – you should all be so very proud.