News
Refugee Week 2026
This week, our school community has come together to mark Refugee Week 2026, exploring this year's theme of Courage through a wide range of creative, reflective and active experiences.
One of the highlights was the CSL Refugee Week Film Festival, which showcased the remarkable creativity and empathy of our pupils. We were incredibly proud of all the children who submitted films; the standard was exceptionally high and judging was no easy task. Congratulations to our eight finalists: Phillipa M, Zachary O, Gabriel P, Harri G, Clara R, Simeon E, Cari ME and Leia MC, whose films were screened during a special festival event.
We were honoured to welcome Anna Garshina, a Ukrainian filmmaker and writer, as our guest judge. The children also enjoyed an inspiring opening address from Zumar, who spoke beautifully about the meaning of courage and helped us reflect on the many ways it can be demonstrated. We were also delighted to watch a special screening from last year's winner, Will, whose imaginative use of stop-motion animation impressed and inspired the audience.
Special congratulations go to our award winners:
- Simeon E – Most Inspiring Message
- Gabriel P – Best Visuals
- Harri G – Best Storytelling
- Clara R – Overall Winner, for her moving film exploring the courage shown by refugees who come to this country and the importance of offering a warm welcome when people arrive in a new place.
Our younger pupils also embraced the theme through a Photography Competition for EYFS and KS1. The entries were of an exceptionally high standard, with children interpreting the theme of courage in many thoughtful and imaginative ways. Congratulations to our winners: Arthur WC, Gabriel B, Otto F, Sebastian C, Bonnie H, Nina LR, Ronnie W and Martha M.
Throughout the week, pupils have also been raising funds for Oasis Refugee Hub in Cardiff. Keyring-making workshops using colourful pony beads have proved extremely popular, while posters and lollies have also been on sale. By the middle of the week, we had already raised a significant sum, and we are grateful for the generosity and enthusiasm shown by our school community.
In PE lessons, children have been taking part in Around the World in 80 Ways, supporting Oasis's Refugee Week challenge to cover the circumference of the world in 80 days. The challenge aims to highlight the long, difficult journeys undertaken by many refugees seeking safety. Pupils have been tracking the distances they cover during PE lessons, and these are being added to Oasis's overall total. It has been a wonderful way to combine physical activity with a deeper understanding of the experiences of others.
Refugee Week has provided many opportunities for learning, reflection and action, and we are enormously proud of the compassion, creativity and commitment shown by our pupils throughout the week. Thank you to everyone who has supported the events and helped make the week such a success.
Click on the image below for more photos from Refugee Week.
