Across The Corinium Education Trust, pupils marked the end of the Spring term with periods of reflection.

Pupils and staff participated in the ‘Clap for Children’ at midday on Thursday 1 April. This initiative was launched by Dame Janet Trotter, Chair of  Child Friendly Gloucestershire, who recognised ‘many of us have not said ’thank you’ to our children and young people for all they have done and sacrificed during the past year.’ She explained, ‘It is a chance for us to show them how much we appreciate what they have done.’

Mr Clutterbuck, Deputy Head at Cirencester Deer Park School, managed the event. A bell was rung to mark a pause in activities and pupils rose from their seats to applaud each other: 'As soon as I rang the bell, I heard applause erupt from the English corridor. I joined a Year 8 classroom and it was lovely to see the faces of the pupils as we all clapped; the applause from the pupils for each other was really heartfelt. We’re very proud of our young people at Deer Park.'

The event had a profound effect on the community of the school: ‘Wow!! as I left the school’s library at 12 noon, I was welcomed in the corridor with the uplifting and very moving sound of clapping coming from classrooms around the school. This was surprisingly very emotional to hear, but also left me with a very warm feeling.’ Julie Dobson, Cover Supervisor.

At Siddington C of E Primary School, pupils gathered outside to join in the Clap for Children. Head teacher, Katie Cook, commended her pupils: ‘We congratulated the children on their resilience and their positive attitude throughout the pandemic.’
 

‘We clapped to say well done for lockdown.’  Year 4 Pupil
‘We did well with our home learning.’  Year 2 Pupil

Pupils at Kemble Primary also took part in Clap for Children, in recognition of the resilience young people have shown over the past 12 months. Following an assembly which allowed members of the school to share memories from the past the year pupils surrounded the school to join the clap at midday. ‘It was a very emotional moment for us all,’ Emma Morrogh-Ryan, Headteacher, commented, ‘All the staff are so very proud of all of our pupils and agree that the children certainly need to be celebrated.’

The children and staff at Kemble Primary School left for the Easter break clutching an Easter egg kindly donated by the Kemble Parents’ Group. Chocolate is the best way to celebrate the end of an unusual but successful term!

Children at Siddington C of E Primary School reflected on the Easter story. As part of their Easter Service, the children made Easter pictures and retold the Easter story.   Pupils in Reception made a beautiful Easter garden and shared their understanding of the resurrection: ‘The rock was rolled back to show that Jesus was alive’  Reception Pupil. ‘We planted seeds so they would grow in our garden’  Reception Pupil. The Easter bunny also visited the school and left all the children a present. There was even more excitement when children saw real rabbits in the Forest School area.

At Chesterton Primary School, children attending the school’s nursery, Busy Bees, took part in a colourful Easter bonnet parade. Karen Venner, Headteacher, was delighted to see the efforts the children had made and commented on their creativity.