Festive fun has been on the timetable for pupils and staff at St Anne’s Catholic Voluntary Academy.

Alongside the usual curriculum there has also been an Advent calendar, a reverse Advent calendar, a jingle jog, carol concert and an appearance from The Grinch.

The Grinch has been revealing what’s behind the doors on the Advent calendar at school every day.

Some of the doors have revealed treats for pupils, including listening to Christmas music and having a hot chocolate, but some doors have revealed chores including tidying up.

Head Girl Georgie, 11, and Head Boy Ozzy, 10, have been running a reverse Advent calendar which has seen pupils bringing in food donations every day and these will be given to a local food bank.

The pair also helped to organise the jingle jog which saw pupils adapt their daily mile by dressing up in festive clothing to raise money for charity and a Christmas carol concert at the school.

Ozzy said: “We were asked if we could come up with some ideas for things to do in school at Christmas and we came up with the reverse Advent calendar, dressing up for the jingle jog and holding the carol concert. We hosted the concert and I was a bit nervous but I think it went ok and was good.”

Georgie said: “We practised for the carol concert and Ozzy came up with the jokes that he would say as the host.  We thought of doing a reverse advent calendar because we wanted to be able to give to other people. Lots of donations have been brought in which is good.”

Assistant Headteacher Stephanie Clarke said: “Our Head Girl, Georgie’s initiative of a ‘Reverse Advent Calendar’ was met with an overwhelming response. We were inundated with generous donations that far exceeded our expectations, showcasing the kindness and community spirit that exists within our school. Well done, Georgie!

Our KS2 children took part in a carol concert which was hosted wonderfully by our Head Boy and Head Girl.  It was a resounding success, filled with beautiful singing, festive cheer and funny jokes from our Head Boy Oscar. It was lovely to see so many attend and celebrate with us.

“Children also took part in a ‘Jingle Bell Jog daily mile’, an initiative from our Deputy Head Girl, Ava, which raised money for Blythe House Hospice.

“Finally, the ‘Grinch Whole School Advent Calendar’ has certainly caused a buzz a St. Anne’s. Each day a balloon has been popped on the Advent Calendar to reveal a chore or a treat. The children have loved watching the Grinch videos and can’t wait to see who is behind the mask.”