Citizenship Day is an annual event when pupils are encouraged to think carefully about their role as citizens in a variety of communities – our school community, our local community and our global community. And not only to think about it – but to do something themselves to contribute their time and talents to benefit the wider community. It is always a valuable and insightful day, enjoyed by girls and staff alike, when everyone finishes the day with a better sense of their roles and responsibilities as citizens locally and globally.

The Phantom of the Opera and a Tea Party

This year’s Citizenship Day took on a different shape than in previous years because so many pupils were involved with the School production of The Phantom of the Opera, both backstage and onstage. The solution? Our Senior Citizen guests – more than 200 people from the local area, including care homes, churches and day centres – who usually enjoy a tea party with music and sing-alongs, instead had the bonus of seeing our Phantom production as well as enjoying a tea party! As ever, Year 7 pupils became bakers and pastry chefs for the day, creating a wonderful variety of cakes, biscuits and table decorations for our visitors.

Activities in the Junior School

Junior pupils had a day of wideranging activities, including creating take-home gifts of handmade coasters for our guests and then distributing them, beautifully wrapped, at the end of the Phantom performance. They had first aid tuition, a whole-school weaving activity and took part in discussions and debate about citizenship and enhancing others’ lives. They were also delighted to host children from Pictor Academy in Timperley, a school for children aged 2-11, with special educational needs arising from a range of conditions. Some of the children have difficulties communicating with others, with play and imagination, or physical difficulties. Our girls shared a picnic lunch and then took part in some fun games and parachute activities. The visit culminated in a craft session, which the girls conducted with the younger children. Both the children from Pictor Academy and our own girls thoroughly enjoyed the visit and it was an enriching experience for all involved.

Mural Painting at a Local Primary School

As was established last year, a team of Sixth Form artists painted murals in the playground of a local primary school. Old Moat Primary now has some very colourful scenes and graphics in their playground.

Sponsored Walk for The Christie

The remainder of the School (Years 8, 9, 10 and 12) took part in a sponsored walk in aid of The Christie. Everyone walked in Houses and the old Fallowfield Railway Loop became a sea of primary colours – red, green, blue and yellow – as girls walked ten miles to Chorlton Water Park and back. Everyone was delighted to be supported by Christie Bear who braved the hot day to cheer everybody on! At the time of going to press, more than £1,500 had been raised. Thank you!