We all know it’s been a year like no other and as it draws to a close, our school has put extra special effort into its Christmas offerings, and charity has been at the heart of it all.

During any other year, friends and family would have flooded into the school to see and hear the various festive concerts and performances. This year, like everybody else, we have had to diversify and take our performances online.

Nativity, Virtual Carols and Busking

In a packed schedule, girls have joined the Salvation Army and Rotary Club of Nottingham for their Year 1 Nativity and Virtual Carols at Christmas, helping raise over £700 in online donations so far.

They also took part in an alternative to their annual busking show around the city centre in the form of a virtual busking concert. This too has raised over £2,000 for the charity PASIC and featured performances from girls in Years 3 – 13.  The girls have been out busking for PASIC since 2012 inspired by pupil Rose Whittle whose idea it was to fundraise. Rose sadly passed away in 2013 but her legacy lives on and the charity is very close to the school’s heart. The show is still available for parents to watch on the school’s streaming site and to the public on YouTube.

Head of the Nursery, Infant and Junior School, Laura Fowler, said:

“Our youngest girls love the excitement of Christmas and the Nativity is always special. We’re so glad we have still been able to share it in this way. And the amount of money raised from the busking event is heart-warming and shows that our girls and community really do care.”

Winter Lights, Senior Concert and Carol Service

On the last Wednesday and Thursday of term there were two huge shows which were filmed over six days featuring over 52 items from ensembles from Years 3 – 13, many of which were put together in bubble groups in September.  They demonstrated the most ambitious technical set up with four camera angles and up to 10 microphones being used on just one item.  It was absolutely spectacular and really demonstrates the school commitment to both music and technology.

Traditionally, on the final day of term, Nottingham Girls’ High School usually celebrates a Carol Service, often at All Saints Church and last year, at St Mary’s in the Lace Market. This year, carols were recorded at the church and were broadcast to the school community on the morning of the last school day. A hugely emotional moment for everybody.

Salvation Army and Santa

The highlight of the day was undoubtedly a visit from the Salvation Army who played the girls out in the Junior School playground as they donated gifts for Father Christmas to distribute to local families in need. This was an incredibly special occasion during which over £300 was also raised for the Salvation Army’s local outreach work.

Head, Julie Keller, concluded:

“This is a spectacular collection of events to brighten up what has been a tough year. The girls have really put their heart and soul into every performance and have been determined that the show must go on, and that the community will enjoy the productions while local charities benefit from all of the generous donations made.”

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all of those involved in organising these events, in whatever role they have played. And to the girls for putting 100% plus into everything they do. The true spirit of Christmas, as it should be.