What an incredible celebration we had in glorious sunshine at Downside yesterday as we welcomed 218 pupils and 28 members of staff from St Vigor & St John primary school to celebrate the start of the Olympic games in Paris. The young pupils were divided into three groups and learnt some French vocabulary, decorated flags, took part in a colour coded treasure hunt, studied places in France and the history and music of “La Marseillaise”, as well as learning about the history of the ancient Olympic games, and decorating Greek vases, led by Downside staff and pupils.
After lunch, both schools and over a hundred parents and relatives, met in the Abbey Church for a short service commemorating the community and special partnership between Downside and St Vigor & St John’s. Afterwards the congregation followed Downside pupils Pawel, James and Erwin playing the trumpet, bagpipes and drums, as they led everyone to the Pavilion for a wonderful afternoon of sport and many cupcakes!
A huge thank you to all the staff from both schools who made this historic day possible.