The party was a carefully planned event and was executed very smoothly, leaving 10 minutes remaining at the end. A variety of stations were set up as entertainment throughout the event: music performed by talented students, bingo that most seniors participated in, a Christmas quiz, refreshments that were always available, and food that was prepared by GCSE Food Technology students.

Two pupils, Freya and Ava, spent two lessons dividing the work into two classifications: sweet and savoury. They decided what would be prepared by making a mind map of all the traditional foods consumed during the Christmas season. Mince pies and shortbread were just some of the delicious goods baked during the two hours allocated for cooking (and stolen by the troublesome Chef Elf, who did not receive an invitation to the event). Mrs Pankhurst – the Food Technology teacher – revealed that the girls ‘planned all of it’, including ‘costing, shopping, cleaning and baking’.

The bingo was read aloud by Year 8 pupil Jemima, who stated that the event ‘lets people meet others and socialise’. She said that ‘people really liked to chat’, and that, for her, made all the planning worthwhile. However, Jemima wasn’t the only person who noticed the benefits that socialising and being part of the community brought to people’s wellbeing. Julie, the bingo winner, also commented ‘it is important to meet different people and celebrate Christmas’. She and her best friend of many decades, who also attended the party, really appreciated both the amazing food and the opportunity to meet young people that they may not come across in their everyday life.

Interact is a very pupil‑led club, supported by Mrs Samworth, who supervises and helps organise the plans that the students come up with. When interviewed, nearly all members said the same thing: that the party was a lovely way to give back to the community, and that the school is very privileged to be able to share with others in society. However, there were more people than just the Interact members that credit is owed to. Musicians were selected by music teachers to perform festive pieces, including Noel Nouvelet and God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen.

Overall, the KSHS Senior Citizens’ Party was a great success. The guests loved all the food, the games, and most of all, socialising with others. The students enjoyed the experience and appreciated that it was a great way to help the community and develop social skills in the wider world away from school. Everyone agreed that they would gladly come again!

Evelyn Hartley, Evie Anderson, Daisie Wright, Skye Warren, Martha Rees, Esme Singleton, Daniele Baranauskaite