The Coronation of King Charles III – Star schools honour His Majesty’s charitable legacy
Young people across Star schools have been revelling in the historic occasion of the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla by expressing their community spirit.
Pupils and staff have been celebrating the once-in-a-generation event with a range of regal activities to mark the crowning of a British monarch for the first time in 70 years. Inspired by His Majesty The King’s dedication to charity, schools have taken part in the Star Big Help Out Challenge to volunteer their time to improve and support their communities.
Coronation celebrations
Across the country, Star schools have decked out their halls, corridors and classrooms with royal bunting and decorations fit for a king as they celebrated with Coronation Big Lunches. Members of the community were invited into schools to join pupils and staff for Coronation banquets, with some of our younger pupils donning sparkling crowns and imperial gowns to embrace the majesty of the occasion.
At Starbank School in Birmingham, imaginative primary pupils created 3D crowns in an art competition, with the regal creations paraded by their creators at the school’s Coronation party. In Bradford, every pupil at Rainbow Primary Leadership Academy was given the opportunity to express their artistic talents by designing portraits of the King, which were proudly displayed in a commemorative art gallery which lined the school’s corridors and hall.
Schools’ Coronation creativity also extended beyond decorations to the art of cuisine as refectories, cafes and school halls were brimming with impressive culinary displays as they held their own Big Lunch events. Tauheedul Islam Girls’ High School and Sixth Form College’s Best of British theme featured the finest scones and decadent sandwiches in tribute to a British institution, afternoon tea. Whilst at Eden Girls’ Leadership Academy, Birmingham, the school’s esteemed guests indulged in a celebration of British cuisine which featured a roast dinner and traditional desserts.
Star Big Help Out Challenge
In recognition of His Majesty’s life of service and commitment to charities – and in keeping with the STAR value of Service – giving back to communities formed an important part of schools’ Coronation celebrations. In the Star Big Help Out Challenge, our pupils collectively completed 10,000 hours of voluntary service in their local communities. This endeavour was inspired by the national Big Help Out initiative to encourage the public to lend their time to a local charity on Monday 8 May, the Coronation Bank Holiday.
Pupils at Highfield Leadership Academy in Blackpool spread the joy of the occasion by volunteering their time to create Coronation cards which were sent to local people living in sheltered accommodation and patients at a local hospice. Members of the community supported by the school’s befriending service were invited to join them for a Coronation party at a nearby community centre. Hosted and organised by pupils, the party featured talented members of the school community entertaining guests with singing, dancing and games. The school’s special guests were served special Coronation cheesecakes, which were freshly made by pupils in their community kitchen.
Hundreds of pupils pledged their time to spruce up their school grounds, public parks and areas in their local community to create more welcoming environments for residents. Pupils at The Olive School, Small Heath and Tauheedul Islam Boys’ High School in Blackburn took to the streets to litter pick and improve the appearance of their local streets.
Inspired by King Charles III’s passion for the natural world and the environment, pupils at The Valley Leadership Academy volunteered their time by planting a peace garden on school grounds. Decorated with royal bunting for the occasion, the area will provide a permanent and dedicated space for pupils and staff to reflect in a calming environment.
Sir Mufti Hamid Patel CBE, Chief Executive of Star Academies, said:
“As we celebrate this historic event, we must remember the importance of giving back to our communities. The essence of the Coronation is service; it will inspire many of us to reaffirm our commitment to our country and our community.
“The dedication of our pupils to improve the lives of others through the Star Big Help Out Challenge exemplifies the value of community service. Star pupils have embraced this wonderful opportunity to learn about our country’s proud history and our monarchy, whilst making a genuine difference in His Majesty’s honour. By volunteering their time and resources, our pupils can create creating meaningful change and develop well-rounded character.
“It is no surprise our selfless young people have exceeded their target of completing 10,000 voluntary hours and I wish to thank them once again for committing their time and talents to commemorate King Charles and Queen Camilla on this momentous occasion.”
Added By: Star Academies | Date Added: 5th May 2023 | Posted In: Latest News