The school has continued with much of its usual packed programme of Christmas fun; filming events to be shared with parents and other school pupils in different ‘bubbles.’

These have included pupil choirs, staff singing, children dancing, and charity fundraising, allowing pupils to share in and spread some festive fun around the school.

Andrew McCleave, headmaster, said, “There is always a wonderful buzz around the school in the run-up to Christmas and, despite all the challenges and different ways of doing things, that festive good-feeling is here in force at Ballard.

“Pupils have been hard at work preparing their performances as they normally would, the only difference is that this year the wider-school community will be enjoying them virtually. Our performing arts department have done a fantastic job filming everything for that purpose.

“And, in the spirit of the season, we have made sure that our usual fundraising activities were not hampered either, with some new ways of getting involved with and contributing to local charities.”

He added, “Christmas is a special time, especially for children, and the whole team at Ballard is determined that, after a challenging year for everyone, Christmas 2020 still has the feeling of community and that sense of shared fun, togetherness, joy and giving which this time of year is all about.”