Godalming College Wraps Up Autumn Term with Festive Cheer

As the autumn term came to a close, the College was filled with festive spirit and community celebration. Students and staff fully embraced the season, taking part in a wide range of activities that brought creativity, joy, and togetherness across campus.

Student Union Initiatives

The Student Union played a central role in spreading cheer this term. Lunchtime craft sessions gave students the opportunity to create Christmas decorations, which were later used to adorn The Kirby and the Christmas tree in the Piazza. Adding to the fun, the Union’s mischievous elf-on-the-shelf popped up daily in common areas for twelve days, building excitement in the countdown to the Christmas Market.

The Christmas Market

The Main Hall was transformed into a bustling festive marketplace, where staff and students enjoyed shopping for gifts and treats. Businesses from our local community came along, selling records, jewellery, honey, beauty products, and various other gifts. The Student Union and Student Ambassadors contributed by selling festive treats and pre-loved items, raising funds for both the Union and selected charities. Santa even made an appearance, posing for selfies! The market concluded with a raffle, generously supported by local businesses and organisations who donated prizes.

Creative and Charitable Projects

Students showcased their talents and compassion through a variety of initiatives.

• +Explore: Intro to Photoshop - Students designed Christmas cards, applying skills learned throughout the term.
• Health and Social Care - Students embraced Age UK’s Postcards of Kindness initiative, sending heartfelt messages to care home residents to help combat loneliness.
• The Art Department hosted its annual Christmas card competition, judged by the Senior Leadership Team. Congratulations to winners Sarah G. (Textiles) and Millie P. (Art), whose designs captured the festive spirit beautifully.
• Staff and students also came together in the spirit of giving, donating generously to a local food bank.

End-of-Term Festivities

The final week of term was marked by a series of celebratory events. Students took part in a lively Christmas Quiz, won by team Large Masses. The catering team served a traditional Christmas lunch on the Wednesday, while a screening of Home Alone with complimentary popcorn provided a relaxed and festive atmosphere.

The Sound of Music

If you missed this Classaction show, you missed a treat! Sharp, stylish and very different, but staying true to the original Rodgers and Hammerstein classic, this was a stand-out festive production that sold out across four nights in Studio816.

And the audience feedback:
“So beautiful”   “Absolutely mind-blowing”   “Wonderful casting – loved it”
   “Incredible and emotional”   “It was perfect”   “Sensitive and moving”

A Musical Finale

Our Music Department closed the term with a Christmas Concert for the local community. Performances from the concert orchestra, jazz ensemble, big band, chamber choir, flute ensemble and soloists filled the hall with seasonal music. Guests enjoyed mince pies and mulled wine as the hall, beautifully decorated for the occasion, provided the perfect setting for a memorable evening.