An East Midlands-based Multi-Academy Trust is hosting a series of festive events in the run-up to Christmas as pupils embrace religion and spirituality.
Archway Learning Trust, a Church of England Trust, which runs faith and non-faith schools across Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, Derby and Derbyshire, has seen an uptake in students across its primary and secondary offerings reconnecting with faith and spirituality since the pandemic – from across its family of schools.
Recognising this, the Trust has organised performances, concerts, showcases and celebrations of Christmas to take place in its academies this December. Each event offers something unique to its diverse pupil population, ensuring inclusivity for all pupils, students and families.
Victoria Jones, Trust Chaplain at Archway Learning Trust, said: “As we’ve settled into post-Covid life, we’ve noticed a significant increase in the number of children who have connected with faith or spirituality in some form, which is wonderful to see.
“The pandemic created a sense of unknown for our children, and we’ve found many turned to faith for comfort, and this has now followed them back into the classroom. That’s why this year, we’re putting on more than 20 events for our students across the East Midlands. From Christmas Carol Services, through to Nativity plays and Pantomime performances, we hope that there is something for all our children to enjoy this December.”
The month kicked off with Archway’s faith schools coming together at St Mary’s Church in Nottingham for a moving Carol Concert, attended by students, parents and staff from across the Trust. With Bluecoat School founded under the church archway in 1706, the evening also marked a symbolic celebration of centuries of education in Nottingham.
Across its non-faith schools, pupils will be taking part in Christmas Showcases and Christmas Fairs to get in the festive spirit.
Archway Learning Trust is underpinned by Christian values but ensures its approach to instilling these in pupils is accessible. By using secular language that can be applied within each religion or not at all, it is hoped that all children can understand, relate and engage. 
Victoria added: “We see our diversity as a strength and a wonderful opportunity for our children to learn from one another. Whether religious, spiritual, atheist or agnostic, we aim to create an environment where all our children can thrive, engage and become accepting and tolerant citizens.” Archway Learning Trust is a Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) with 11 academies across Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, Derby and Derbyshire. It is Nottingham’s biggest MAT, educating one third of Nottingham’s children.