PUBLISHED 13 March 2024
On Monday, March 11th, a fortunate group of Year 6 children and staff had the incredible opportunity to travel to London and celebrate Commonwealth Day at Westminster Abbey, coinciding with its 75th anniversary. This prestigious event, the largest annual multi-faith Service in the UK, was attended by esteemed individuals including members of the Royal Family, Government officials, and Commonwealth Heads of State. A true highlight of the day was witnessing the presence of Prince William, Queen Camilla, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, and Princess Anne.
Before the service, the children from our Prep School had the privilege to visit some of London's iconic landmarks, such as 10 Downing Street, The Houses of Parliament, and Trafalgar Square. These experiences added an extra layer of excitement to the trip.
The Service, broadcast live on the BBC, served as a platform to celebrate the unity and diversity of the modern Commonwealth, while raising awareness of its role and accomplishments. This year's theme of 'One Resilient Common Future' highlighted the importance of harnessing the collective strengths of the 56 member countries, building resilience, unlocking potential, leveraging the 'Commonwealth Advantage,' and fostering a connected, digital Commonwealth.
The children, with their exceptional understanding, grasped the significance of building a resilient common future, where inclusivity and leaving no one behind are paramount. The concepts of inclusivity and diversity resonated deeply with our students, aligning perfectly with our unique Round Square ideals and values.
We are immensely grateful to Mrs Bleasdale and Mrs Whitaker for organising this remarkable Round Square trip, and we extend our thanks to Avanti West Coast for ensuring our safe and punctual return.
One of our pupils, Arabella, shared, "As someone who loves learning about other cultures, this was a fantastic opportunity to explore the diverse countries in the Commonwealth and their respective religions. It was a memorable experience to witness 56 countries and numerous religions coming together to celebrate this exceptional day."
Sofia, another pupil, noted, "Witnessing live demonstrations outside the Abbey regarding various national and international issues, including republicans advocating for the replacement of the UK's monarchy, was incredibly captivating."
Tom, another student, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "Among all the opportunities provided by the Prep School, none have been as thrilling, fulfilling, and unique as our trip to Westminster Abbey and the City of London. Having supper at McDonald's was the perfect ending to an amazing day!"
Mrs Whitaker, Round Square Pillar leader for Democracy and Leadership, declared, "The children and I were thrilled about this incredible opportunity. We had an extraordinary day in London, embraced the diverse Commonwealth community, and celebrated with the Royal Family at this unique event. It exceeded our expectations and created unforgettable memories. Hopefully, we will have the privilege to be invited back again soon!"