Arnham Wharf’s Nativity from animal’s perspective—and shepherd falling asleep counting sheep

Children at one primary school in London’s East End decided they wanted to tell the traditional Nativity story this year from the animals’ point of view.

That meant Mary and Joseph taking secondary roles to the animals in the stable behind the inn for the Year 2 pupils at Arnhem Wharf Primary, appropriately on the Isle of Dogs, before they broke up today for the Christmas break.

The play they put on for mums and dads was all about the animals’ surprise at finding a new baby in their manger.

Meanwhile, Nursery and Reception years each performed their own versions which told the Christmas story through the eyes of a shepherd—who finds it difficult counting his sheep without falling asleep, until the night the sky is filled with angels.

Assistant Head for Key Stage 1, Melanie Atwell, said: “The hall was full of smiles from the children and their parents.”

Millwall’s 600-pupil Arnhem Wharf school had a busy week, with six Nativity performances.

Older pupils in Years 5 and 6 invited pensioners to their performance, through Neighbours in Poplar community group run by Sister Christne Frost, a charity supporting the elderly and those living alone in the East End. The pensioners were treated to tea, mince pies and Christmas cracker jokes told by the children.