The first House Week at our school was wrapped up when Darwin House presented a cheque for £1,050 to Tanya Fellows from Acorns Hospice.

Each of our new Houses voted for a local charity to support – not only in terms of raising funds, but also in boosting awareness and learning about the great work that goes on in our local community.

Darwin House conducted a range of fund-raising activities – including a Santa Miles, Name the Tiger and so on – and their ambitious target of £500 was well and truly smashed.

Matt Allman, Headteacher, said: “The students and staff should be hugely proud of themselves – this is a great sum of money that will make a real difference this Christmas to the lives of the children and families at the hospice. Just as important, meeting Tanya Fellows in assembly and visiting Acorns means this is not just a case of handing over some money as a donation, but more it is a real understanding of the terrible challenges that can affect all families. It is sometimes forgotten that thinking of and being sensitive to others is an important life skill – just as important as your English or your Maths.”