Pupils at Bethnal Green Academy raise £1,000 for Christmas Foodbank

A school’s fundraising ‘Winter Festival’ running till the end of term has already busted its target for a local Christmas Foodbank in London’s deprived East End.

Pupils and staff at Bethnal Green Academy have already shot past the £1,000 marker — and still with two weeks before school breaks up.

Their Community Cycle and loose change collection had already set things off to a flying start. The Foodbank collection has raised enough items by this week for 819 meals — and that’s just the beginning.

The loose change collection was the first fundraiser that notched up £655, with pupils and staff bringing in coin jars and any spare change they could donate. The 11-year-olds in Year 7 alone raised £328 in just one week.

“This unique programme gives students the opportunity to help others,” Principal Mark Keary said. “They work creatively together and develop life skills such as teamwork and entrepreneurship, while strengthening links with the East End community.”

The first theatrical festivities included a performance of The Snowman by the Lower School’s drama club, presentations of fairy tales from Year 10 and highlights of the term from this year’s A-Level drama students.

There are also two pantomimes, as well as a trip to the National Theatre.

Other events include a Christmas Jumper Day, a staff v student badminton match and performances by choirs and vocal groups, including a concert at nearby St Hilda’s community centre in Club Row.

The festival also includes a Winter Fayre, where students show their ‘entrepreneurial’ skills running stalls and activities.