Pupils from Weston All Saints CE Primary School (WASPS) in Bath joined a joyful Easter collaboration that has brought together five local schools in song, while also cutting costs and supporting the environment.
The Church of England schools, based across Bath and North East Somerset, have created a shared video performance of Jesus’ Love Is Very Wonderful (Stretch Up High by Nick & Becky Drake, filmed separately in each school and combined to share with families and the wider community.
Joining WASPS in the project are Cameley CEVC Primary and Nursery School in Temple Cloud, Farmborough Church Primary School, Marksbury C of E Primary School and St Mary’s C of E Primary School and Nursery in Writhlington, Radstock.
All five schools are part of The Partnership Trust, a multi-academy trust of 17 schools across Bath and North East Somerset and Somerset, and are also within the Diocese of Bath & Wells.
By recording the performance virtually, the schools avoided the need for travel, helping to reduce their carbon footprint and save on transport costs.
This is the second time the schools have come together in this way, following a similar festive collaboration at Christmas involving three of the schools, which saved nearly £1,400 in travel expenses.
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.”
Year 6 pupils at Weston All Saints CE Primary School also shared their enthusiasm for the project, saying, “We really enjoyed singing this song, especially learning the actions that go with it.”
They added, “It is really nice being involved with a project that includes other schools in our trust.”
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.”
The finished film has been shared online, giving families the chance to enjoy the performance and celebrate Easter together, wherever they are. Go to https://youtu.be/ZrSwPNv5B8A?si=RGQ30eUjfe5VefJQstrong>
