As the countdown to Christmas continues, academies across the Trust are busy with lots of festive activities as the end of term approaches.
Year 2 pupils at Forest Lodge Academy in Leicester have been practicing their singing as part of a Christmas Choir Club which was formed at the start of the Autumn term in October.
Leicestershire based MACC Watermead Rose care home invited the choir to perform to its residents and bring some festive cheer. The children sang familiar Christmas songs including, Jingle Bells, 12 Days of Christmas, We Wish You a Merry Christmas and Christmas Hallelujah. A particular favourite was When Santa Got Stuck up the Chimney which the children performed with accompanying actions.
Catherine Barnicoat, Year 2 Teacher said:
“We have been running the Christmas choir club for the past 5 years, but this is the first time we’ve performed in a care home. The children really enjoyed their time singing and speaking to the staff and residents. All their hard work practicing over the past few months paid off as everyone was left with huge smiles on their faces.”
Research shows that intergenerational relationships are beneficial in helping young and old to build meaningful connections and learn from one another, while singing improves wellbeing and can help with memory recall.
“The children were such a lovely Christmas treat. Their singing was breath-taking and made me feel so festive.” said a resident.