Five Bath and North East Somerset Church of England primary schools have joined together for a virtual and musical celebration this Easter. In doing so, they have saved on transport costs and reduced their carbon footprint.
The schools in Bath, Cameley, Farmborough, Marksbury and Radstock have filmed their own version of ‘Jesus' Love Is Very Wonderful (Stretch Up High)’ by Nick & Becky Drake to share with family and friends. The five schools: Cameley CEVC Primary and Nursery School in Temple Cloud; Farmborough Church Primary School; Marksbury C of E Primary School; St Mary’s C of E Primary School and Nursery in Writhlington, Radtsock; and Weston All Saints CE Primary School, Bath, are all members of The Partnership Trust, a Multi-Academy Trust of 17 schools in B&NES and Somerset. This is the second time they have celebrated Easter together on film, and last Christmas three of the schools also recorded a song together, saving nearly £1400 in transport costs as well as reducing their carbon footprint.
Ed Gregory, Director of Education at the Diocese of Bath and Wells said, ‘this is a wonderful example of children creatively collaborating across their schools. Combining music and technology to celebrate Easter and then to share so generously lifts all our spirits. Huge thanks to the fabulous children and the amazing adults who have worked together to make this possible.’
Darren Roberts, Headteacher of Farmborough Church Primary School said, 'as Church schools, we are always looking for meaningful ways to connect with other settings that share our Christian character. For some of us in rural areas, the practicalities and cost of travel can make this challenging. By recording a song for Easter together, the children have enjoyed uniting with the other schools on film.'
Pupils from Year 6 at Weston All Saints Primary School (WASPS) said, 'we really enjoyed singing this song, especially learning the actions that go with it' and 'it is really nice being involved with a project that includes other schools in our trust'.
And Emily Massey, CEO of The Partnership Trust said, 'one of the benefits of being a Multi-Academy Trust is that we can collaborate on ideas and resources across our schools. This joint film is a wonderful way for the church schools to celebrate Easter together as well as sharing with friends, family and the wider Trust community.'
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