The event was organised by Mrs Rudd, Assistant Headteacher, as a means of celebrating Christmas and promoting cultural diversity among our students. Celebrating the festive occasion in this way enabled our school community and the local resident community to come together as one, united in celebration and companionship. 
 
Mrs Rudd told us: “As an Academy we are proud of our diverse student body and place great importance on developing students’ knowledge and understanding of faiths and cultures.”

After Mrs Rudd had formerly welcomed our guests, Fr Mark Naylor, Assistant Curate at St Saviours, of Ravensthorpe with Thornhill Lees and Savile Town, delivered a Christmas message.

Fr Mark, who also serves as our Academy Librarian, read the Christmas story from the Gospel of Luke. He then explained the Christian meaning and significance of the passage to our students and guests. Afterwards, he lit a candle to symbolise Christ as the Light of the World and led prayers, inviting everyone to pray for shared concerns.

Academy students took on the responsibility of serving our guests with a wonderful Christmas lunch cooked by the Academy’s catering staff whilst music was provided by the Academy’s choir. Following lunch, students concluded the event with a fun-filled quiz adding to the festive spirit.

As an Academy we would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and a Peaceful New Year.