Last week, Father Christmas made two unscheduled stops at Pent Valley Technology College to talk to visiting primary students.


On Tuesday afternoon, Year 1 pupils from All Souls Primary School were in school for a Christmas Craft session, organised by Year 9 students.  To enhance their communication skills, an essential element in their Health and Social Care course, the Pent Valley students organised, led, and assisted small groups of young people in sand art, making Christmas tree decorations, and icing Christmas biscuits.

Towards the end of the afternoon, Princesses Beanbag, and Purple arrived with the Genie in attendance looking for Father Christmas.  With the children encouraged to call him, Father Christmas made his appearance.  Sitting on the floor amongst the group, Father Christmas spoke about being good.  He then handed each child a bag of chocolate pennies.   Oscar summed up his visit to Pent Valley, by saying “I’ve had a fantastic time here, and it was great seeing Father Christmas.  I can’t wait until he comes with all my presents on Christmas Eve.”

On Thursday Year 1 pupils from Morehall Primary school enjoyed a Ready to Read session held in Pent Valley’s Learning Resource Centre.  Having enjoyed listening to a story about a hairy, scary, grizzly bear called Boris, the children were invited to participate in a colouring competition.  Whilst sitting reading books of their choice, the children heard a “ho, ho, ho” from downstairs, and who should appear, but Father Christmas.  With the children gathered on the floor, Father Christmas explained how he was able to visit everyone, and mentioned that the elves were currently painting the red and yellow Lego bricks ready for delivery on Christmas Eve.  He presented the class with their own copy of “Oh Boris”, awarded the prizes for the colouring competition then with a cheery wave left the area.  At the end of the session, the children made their way back to school, each holding a small chocolate filled stocking.

Ready to Read is just one of the programmes being offered to all primary schools by Pent Valley’s Outreach Team.  For further information about other workshops and availability, please contact the Outreach Co-ordinator, Nell Young on 01303277161 ext. 2245 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .