Christmas has come early to The Beckmead Trust!

Pupils at Wells Park received a special visitor from our very own CEO Jonty Clark, who has worked terrifically hard on his rehabilitation since his spinal cord injury in May to be able to fulfil his much-loved role as Father Christmas for the children. 

It is a role that he treasures, knowing how important the tradition is to the school and the children so they can enjoy the spirit of Christmas, be recognised individually and be given a personalised gift. In fact, having this goal in sight has been key to spurring Jonty’s recovery at Neurokinex – a specialist spinal cord injury rehabilitation centre in Crawley - and his courage and determination are setting a very good example for the school community.

Greenwell and Moundwood teamed up to take their pupils on a trip to Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. Even the coach trip was an adventure with the children spotting lots of the London sites. This was a first for lots of our children. The day was a huge success with children trying ice - skating, rollercoasters and of course a visit to the Christmas market. Behaviour was impeccable throughout and the children represented their individual schools brilliantly. 

The Winter Wonderland trip was so much fun! At first, ice skating was scary, but we got used to it and started enjoying it. The Christmas market was huge but we didn’t have enough time to see everything! We tried some yummy cinnamon and white chocolate churros, which were so good. The rollercoaster was the highlight; we even got to go on it twice!

Winter Wonderland review from Billy and Lily @ Greenwell 

Primary pupils at Moundwood also took part in a Nativity and secondary pupils were taken to the ice-skating rink to practice their dancing on ice skills as well as tucking into a delicious Christmas dinner. 

Chaffinch Brook celebrated everyone’s hard work and achievements with a number of exciting trips during the final week to wrap up a successful term and get into the festive spirit. 

In Isaac Newton class we were incredibly proud when two of our students came 1st and 2nd runner up in the Borough of Croydon best Christmas Card competition run by the Mayor of Croydon. To celebrate such a momentous occasion both students, their parents and class/art teacher were invited to the Croydon town hall where they were treated to the official Christmas lights turn on, singing from choirs around the borough and tea and refreshments. They were presented with their certificates by Mayor of Croydon Cllr Kola Agboola and their pieces of work were displayed along with the winner and pieces of work from schools that participated. This is a massive achievement for our students and we are so proud of them and their hard work!

At Beckmead College & Ropemakers pupils decorated the school Christmas tree before tucking into a Christmas dinner, and at St George’s House parents were treated to musical performances from staff and pupils with a daytime Winter Sing-Along, followed by cakes and biscuits handmade by pupils - a time to celebrate with parents, pupils and staff the successful start to our new provision in Brighton. 

Part of the Ropemaker's Academy in Hailsham, St. George's opened to 20 young people in September. Pupils have shown remarkable progress and engagement. Their attendance has been good, and they have been enjoying a range of on and off site learning, built around their skills and aspirations. 

Headteacher Phil Edkins commented: 'I am so proud of everyone in our school community, we have shown that every young person deserves our love, respect and admiration. Their behaviour has been superb and we are proud of every single member of our community. It was also great to celebrate the support of parents/carers as well, and the fantastic partnership they offer to the school'

As the term comes to an end, we encourage everyone to take time to rest and recharge and from all of us at The Beckmead Trust, we wish you a peaceful and enjoyable winter break!