Nativities galore!

St Michael’s Primary School, Aldbourne involved the whole school

Our local Primary Schools celebrated the end of the Christmas term in a traditional way with a plethora of nativity plays involving, in most cases, the youngest in the school. Each play had its own twist on the Christian Christmas story with titles such as A Fireside Nativity at St Michael’s Aldbourne, A Miracle in Town at Preshute, The Big Little Nativity at Kennet Valley. And there were plenty of songs and music to keep the audience entertained.

A Fireside Nativity at St Michael’s C of E Aided Primary School in Aldbourne was the re-telling of the traditional nativity story as it unfolds around the comfort of the campfire and it involved the whole school. A spokesman explained, “Set under the stars, A Fireside Nativity draws everyone into a festive celebration of community and song. It included 7 fabulous songs with a flavour of folk. Year 6’s kicked off the nativity by singing Once in Royal by candlelight and the main stars of the show were Year 2 who acted as the main characters, supported by Year 1’s as support acts. Reception class were angelic angels with their own song to perform, including a solo of Away in a Manger, and the rest of the year groups provided a beautiful chorus for the play.”

At Ramsbury Primary School, the children in Key Stage One presented Away in a Manger. This told the story from the point of view of a proud mule called Maurice, who has become rather attached to his manger. A spokesman for the school said, “We had wonderful narrators from Year 2, along with fantastic acting and singing from Year 1 and Reception. What a commotion is caused when Maurice has to share his manger with a stream of visitors! But who is this very special visitor at the end of the story and will Maurice find a way to share?”

Charlotte Coulson, teacher at Preshute Primary School said, “Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 joined together to perform, A Miracle in Town. The Year Two’s did an excellent job of narrating the Nativity story while Reception and Year 1 acted the parts. Thank you to everyone who helped to put on a fabulous show, including the parents for providing such wonderful costumes.”

The children in Wrens and Kingfishers classes at Kennet Valley School performed The Big Little Nativity . Teacher, Jaqy Mcque, said, “They really did everyone involved proud with their spectacular performance. The children spoke their lines clearly and with expression and the audience had lots of laughs, including when the cheeky donkey delivered his lines and showed off his charm!

There were stunning dance performances from the sheep and shepherds and the beautiful star and lots of fabulous singing from all. With a number of children absent with seasonal illness, some characters impressed all with their swift costume changes and ability to jump into another role!

The winners of the Royal Box raffle were delighted to be able come forward from their seats near the back and sit in splendour at the front of the hall on a velvet seat with prosecco and chocolates!

Governor Lizzy Daley commented: a beautiful performance, with the enjoyment of the children shining through – well done to all involved.”

Lucy Crump, Head of School at Ogbourne Primary School, said, “We were incredibly proud of all the children for their performance in this year’s Nativity show. The entire cast projected their lines in loud , clear voices and performed their parts marvellously. We were so impressed with how well they all learnt their lines and performed their parts fantastically.”

Finally, Niki Jones, Principal at St Katharine’s Primary School, Savernake said, “The nativity at St Katharine’s Primary School was performed by the children in reception, Year one and Year two. This year it was just called The Nativity but the audience were treated to a range of very catchy tunes including among them ‘ flicker flicker’ and ‘knock, knock, knock’.