BIRMINGHAMTHEBLUECOATSCHOOL1722

Inaugural Chandler and Grace House Charity Day

On Friday 20 October 2023, Chandler and Grace House held the first charity day under the new six-House system at The Blue Coat School Birmingham. 

Chandler House chosen Guide Dogs UK as their charity. Grace House named Dig Deep Africa as their charity.

We are delighted to confirm that after weeks of fundraising efforts by the two Houses, they have raised an impressive £5940.58! This money will be split 50-50 between the two charities. 

As Chandler House raised over £2,500, they have the opportunity to name a puppy with Guide Dogs UK. Of course, there could be no better name than Chandler. We are sure the puppy will live up to its namesake and be kind, patient, respectful and perseverant. 

Dig Deep Africa have also linked toilets in the Year Group Hubs with a toilet block in Kapchemibei Primary School in Bomet County, Kenya.

 

Grace House

Ahead of the charity day, Grace House hosted a Walk for Water event around Harborne. They set off from School with buckets full of water, and walked 1.5 miles. This journey emulated how far the average person in Bomet County, Kenya, has to travel to collect water every day.

Then on Friday 20 October, the charity day began with an assembly. Grace House were the first to present their portion of the assembly, with pupils taking in turns to present their research on Dig Deep Africa and Bomet County, the area of Kenya where the charity works.

The Year 3 and 4 pupils wowed the audience with their rendition of Jambo Bwana, a Kenyan pop song sung in Swahili.

The Year 6 members of Grace House were joined on stage by Simon, Operations and Finance Manager for Dig Deep. He answered the Year 6’s pressing questions about the work Dig Deep does in Bomet County, Kenya.

A girl in a green Grace House t-shirt speaks at the lectern during House Charity Day.
A group photo of Grace House pupils after their Charity Day assembly.
Six pupils in green Grace House t-shirts singing during the Charity Day assembly.

Chandler House

Next up, it was Chandler House who focused on spreading knowledge of the charity, Guide Dogs UK and what they do for visually impaired people.

In the spirit of teaching the rest of Prep the process of training a guide dog, Year 3 members of Chandler House recited a poem all about how the puppies are raised.

Then Year 4 pupils from Chandler House beautifully read a story from the Bible. Then followed by a game of ‘Guide or No Guide’, where brave contestants were guided around the stage blindfolded. Mr Simmons and his guide dog, Nicksey, then joined members of Chandler House on stage to give an insight into the life of a guide dog. The pupils and teachers all took away important information about how to approach a guide dog: never touch a guide dog whilst it is wearing its harness and then always ask for permission from the owner.

Pupils in their purple Chandler House t-shirts performing a poem during their Charity Day assembly.
A group photo of Chandler House on the stage after their Charity day assembly.
A girl stands on stage talking into a microphone during the Charity Day assembly.

Fundraising Efforts

At breaktime in the Sports Hall, pupils and staff from the two Houses set up various stalls enticing the Prep pupils to donate to a good cause. From nail painting to sweet treats, from pamper products to mini games, it was an amazing sight to see.

As the day came to a close, the two Houses gathered once more for a homemade bake sale. Thank you to all the parents who brought their delicious treats into School. They were truly delightful and raised over £1,000!

Finally, pupils were tasked with taking on a personal fundraising challenge during half term. We saw many creative fundraising efforts including Pippa, Freya and Summer completing a triathlon which raised a staggering £690!

Amber, from Chandler House raised an incredible £330 by creating two raffle presents, one for the girls and one for the boys. £25 of the contribution to the raffle presents cost was from Amber’s own money. The other £25 was funded offering her decluttering services to five family and friend households of unwanted items and clothes. Amber’s mum also supported the fundraising by offering  Amber her taxi services back and forth from charity shops!

Also taking on swimming, cycling and running to raise money, Noah, Loic and Freddie covered the distance of the English Channel on a very wet and windy day in half term. They raised an impressive £240 between them.

Pippa, Summer and Freya on their bikes at the start of their charity day triathlon.
A girl sat on a sofa with an array of prizes she has purchased for a raffle prize to raise money for the Chandler House Charity Day.
Three boys smile at the camera sat on their bikes during a triathlon they completed to raise money for Grace and Chandler House Charity Day.

Headmaster, Mr Neeson, said:

Embracing this initiative wholeheartedly, children and staff dressed down for the occasion and participated in various games and activities. We would like to extend our thanks to all the parents, children and staff, particularly House Leads, Mrs Newman and Mrs Redfern, who contributed to this event.