In our second Advent film we visited Immanuel and St Andrew’s school to watch the children perform “Carol of the Bells.”
Music is a big part of the school, and steel pan is taught in class and as an after school club. Headteacher Suzette Coleman told us how children learn about Christmas and the birth of Jesus from early years to Year 6 by taking part in nativities, Christmas concerts, carol services and Friday giving days. On Fridays children are allowed to come into school wearing their own clothes in Christmas colours (but no Christmas jumpers!) in exchange for donations to the local foodbanks. The children learn about the gift of giving and are able to help people who are less fortunate than themselves. There are strong links between the school and the local Immanuel and St Andrews Church and each Christmas KS2 children take part in carol services there.
Carol of the Bells is a newer Christmas carol that originated from Ukraine in 1916 as a piece to welcome and celebrate the New Year. In 1936, when the song (originally called Shchedryk) reached America, the song was Anglicised to reflect its similarity to the sound of church bells. The carol speaks of the importance of having hope at Christmas time.
Keep an eye out for our other school visits as part of this year’s #SouthwarkAdvent.
