More 2023 Michaelmas Term Highlights
Reflecting on the diverse and enriching highlights of Michaelmas term at Forest School paints a vivid tapestry of accomplishments and community engagement.
German A-level Study Day – the legacy of East Germany through film
“Klein aber fein” – small but smart, means an exclusive round, that indeed is the Forest German A-level group. Our German A-level Study Day at BFI Southbank stands out as a beacon of intellectual exploration. Delved into the legacy of East Germany through film alongside 100 other German A-level students from across London, they learnt about German contemporary history through very interesting films playing all in the late days of the GDR. This unique experience not only broadened their understanding of German contemporary history but also showcased their linguistic prowess, effortlessly engaging in German conversations even during the lunch break.
NHS Retirement tradition
In the spirit of giving, our younger string players from Forest School continued their heartwarming tradition of entertaining the NHS Retirement Fellowship in early December. The performance, held at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Wanstead, featured a repertoire of solos, group items, and carols that resonated with the appreciative audience. This longstanding tradition, continued this year under the leadership of our new Director of Music, Mr Luis Pares, exemplifies our commitment to fostering community connections through the power of music.
Nativity Play
The Twinkly Nativity Performance by Reception classes added a touch of sparkle to our final week. The young performers, known as Reception Rabbits, Squirrels, and Bumblebees, exhibited remarkable courage and talent as they took the stage for the first time. The festive retelling of the traditional nativity story featured seven quirky songs, leaving an indelible mark on the audience and instilling confidence in our youngest learners.
Basketball Boys
In the realm of sports, our basketball boys showcased exceptional prowess by securing three consecutive wins in the league!!!
Rainbow Laces
We spotlighted the 10th anniversary of the Rainbow Laces campaign in support of LGBTQ+ inclusion in sport. Under the theme ‘Lace Up to Keep It Up,’ Forest pupils showed their support by wearing rainbow laces when participating in sport.
Battlefields trip
The History Department organised a poignant overnight trip to the WWI Battlefields of the Ypres Salient, allowing students to walk in the footsteps of Old Forester Lt Geary, who won the VC in combat.
This immersive experience included visits to significant sites such as Essex Farm, Tyne Cot Cemetery, and the Menin Gate, providing a profound understanding of the sacrifices made during World War I.
Food and Nutrition…fajitas!
The 13th Food and Nutrition activities of Michaelmas Term consisted of family-favourite – fajitas!
The history of fajitas can be traced back to the cattle ranches of West Texas and Northern Mexico, where ranchers would use the tougher cuts of meat, such as skirt steak, directly over an open flame. This practice, known as “barbacoa,” was popular among Mexican cowboys, also known as vaqueros.
The aim of the session was to make do with ovens and shop-bought stuff, but the end results, be they carnivorous or vegetarian were absolutely delicious. Well done to everyone, this lesson and indeed all term, for such enthusiastic participation in FNU.
Non-uniform: L’Afrikana
The term concluded with a Senior School Non-Uniform Day dedicated to raising funds for L’Afrikana, a charity in Kenya. The Forest community rallied together to support this cause, contributing to L’Afrikana’s ongoing educational plans.
One of our young Old Foresters, Ann-Marie Webb, is a director of L’Afrikana which currently runs a programme with 45 students, including a full educational provision plus lunch and all exam/stationery costs. Money previously raised by Forest in 2022 helped provide a new classroom. In supporting L’Afrikana on Non-Uniform Day, we assisted them in continuing with their current education programme and allowing them to purchase textbooks required for the new syllabus coming into effect in 2024.
In the longer term, L’Afrikana plans to move to a new compound to provide the Accelerated Education Programme (AEP) with better facilities including a play area separate from the other workshop activities it currently conducts, separate toilets and an increased number of classrooms. The aim of the AEP is to provide education in an accelerated timeframe for disadvantaged groups, over-age, out-of-school children and young people who missed out on or had their education interrupted due to poverty, marginalisation, conflict or crisis. Forest would like to continue to support L’Afrikana as this important project develops.
As we look back on these accomplishments, we celebrate the diversity of talents and the depth of community engagement that defines Forest School. These moments serve as a testament to our commitment to holistic education and making a positive impact beyond the classroom walls!