Education

Staff and pupils all superstars as school’s Nativity a success

Children and the teachers at St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Marnhull were all superstars as they worked tirelessly so make sure their show was staged. Following the news of the ‘new variant’ it was decided during the final hours before the curtain went up, to film the show instead of hosting a live audience. Headteacher Mrs Betts felt that it would not be fair to put the children, parents and wider school community at risk by going ahead with a live performance. The children astounded staff with their resilience and talent as they performed an emotional rendition of the nativity, bringing tears to everyone’s eyes. Mrs Betts said: “We are so proud of the children and their attitudes in what remains a difficult and uncertain time.”

College offering language course

Yeovil College is offering free, flexible, remote and workbased learning qualification in ESOL (English for speakers of other languages) from January. The programmes are perfect for employers who want to improve the English language skills of their staff, support staff to achieve a nationally recognised qualification and invest in continued professional development. From January, Yeovil College is offering the opportunity to deliver ESOL qualifications in the workplace on a weekly basis, completely free to the employer. The expert teaching team will travel to the workplace to deliver to both large and small groups. Sessions will be tailored to the skills set of the employee, making the qualification truly bespoke and relevant to the employer. Classes start in January and end in June. The lessons are free, taught weekly and they will last for an hour and a half. Classes will also be recorded. Further information can be found on the Yeovil College website, yeovil.ac.uk or by emailing narcisa.muresan@ yeovil.ac.uk.

£3,000 the target for books

A group of dedicated supporters are gearing up to raise £3,000 for books for their local school, by cycling for 24 hours non-stop. St Gregory’s Primary School in Marnhull has launched its major fundraiser for 2022, called Bike4Books. MP Simon Hoare joined the Ladies of St Greg’s to launch the epic spin bike session from Marnhull to Rome, all in aid of books for the school. The main event is on January 20-21 and will include headteacher and event architect Debbie Field alongside teaching staff, parents, governors, the Reverend from St Greg’s, current pupils, ex-pupils and even the school guinea pigs Cookie and Cream – there’s

a 40-strong team of spinners from all walks of life. The children will be tracking the event and celebrating each of the cities the cyclists pass through; London-ParisPrague-Vienna-VeniceRome. Debbie said: “In order to raise the required £3,000, we will be working extremely hard not only spinning to Rome but also in publicising the event. “We have a webpage, stgregorymarnhull.dorset.sch. uk/bike4books for people to keep track of our preparation and importantly a link to our JustGiving page. This involves so many women of our village. What of the men I hear you cry? In charge of refreshments of course, this really is an event for all.” New Blackmore Vale, 7th January 2022

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