Preshute Primary School’s virtual nativity

With the pandemic cancelling traditional nativity and carol services in our local schools, staff have worked hard and found some creative and inventive ways for the children to celebrate Christmas. Marlborough.news is pleased to feature Preshute School’s virtual nativity which can be viewed here.

Claire Hann-Perkins, Headteacher at Preshute School, told marlborough.news, “Pupils at Preshute CofE Primary School have enjoyed taking part in their Nativity performance, with a twist.

In a normal year, the school would arrange to use the beautiful chapel at Marlborough College for a large-scale Nativity performance. This was not possible this year, as each class has to keep apart in socially-distanced bubbles. This didn’t stop Preshute: the show must go on!

A virtual Nativity was created, with the year 6 class recording their narrations on iPads, and the Reception children dressing up and acting out the scenes in locations all around the school.”

Maria Bennett, the Reception teacher, explained, “We could have simply filmed the performance in the school hall, but we decided to make the most of our lovely school grounds! So the shepherds were filmed on the field in their wellies, the wise men followed the star across the playground, and we cleared out the PE equipment shed to make a great stable!”

Claire Hann-Perkins commented, “Each class dressed up as carol singers and recorded a traditional song for the Christmas story, ranging from ‘Little Donkey’ to ‘We Three Kings’, and even ‘Oh Little Town of Bethlehem’ with Makaton sign language. 

The children were supported by backing tracks, with teacher Helen Chambers playing the church organ, and teaching assistant Heather Croucher adding accompaniments on the piano accordion.

Everything was filmed separately and then digitally pieced together to produce the final show, which is now available for all to enjoy on the school’s new website.

Merry Christmas, from Preshute Primary School!”