Community events

A local handbell group came into school to work with Burrator Class. They performed some traditional Christmas carols and allowed the pupils to play the handbells. The carols performed included Jingle Bells and Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer. This was a very inspiring opportunity for many of the pupils and it is hoped that the… Read more »

Pupils from Venford, Fernworthy and Burrator all took part in our annual Carol Service in Buckfast Abbey Church. Each class also led a special Crib Blessing in each of the parish churches during December. Our Art Club kindly made sheep and angels to decorate the cribs with.

The school choir was invited to sing at the Buckfastleigh Christmas Fair. They performed a number of carols from the school nativity, which were enjoyed by the local public in Buckfastleigh and the surrounding area. The choir also sang at St Luke’s residential home in Ashburton. Pupils were also given the opportunity to talk to… Read more »

This year St Mary’s has collected shoe boxes and filled them for the annual Operation Christmas Child appeal, organised by Samaritan’s Purse.  The School Council helped Mrs Freeborn to check, pack and load the finished shoe boxes ready to be taken to a local collection point.

Pupils took part in a non-uniform day to raise money for BBC Children In Need. The school also sold various Children In Need themed items such as wrist bands and headbands. After school, three of our Year 6 Prefects also helped to run a cake sale. Altogether the school were able to raise over £200… Read more »

As part of the multi-faith week each class was visited by Wesam, a local Muslim, who came into school to talk about her faith and to explain how she worships. Each class took part in a practical workshop and had the chance to ask her questions about her Islamic faith.  

This year’s harvest celebration raised money for CAFOD’s ‘Wear it Bright’ campaign and collected produce for the local foodbank.

To celebrate the harvest of apples from our school orchard, St Mary’s held an Apple Day where children took part in apple tasting activities and used an apple press to produce their own apple juice. Each class also produced printed artwork around the theme of apples.