Wellacre Attends Prestigious Event

Posted at 3:27 pm on 10th March, 2020

Commonwealth Day Service

On Monday 9th March, Wellacre students travelled to London to attend the Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey and reflect on the theme ‘Delivering A Common Future: Connecting, Innovating, Transforming.’

Wellacre Academy was specially selected by the Commonwealth committee and allocated places for eight students who were accompanied by staff. 

Her Majesty The Queen led the congregation and was accompanied by The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, and the Earl and Countess of Wessex.

There was a 2,000 strong congregation, including the British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, with Wellacre students joining the 800 schoolchildren and young people at the service.

The Commonwealth Service is Britain’s largest annual interfaith gathering, and celebrates the people and cultures of the 54 Commonwealth nations.  The service, which was conducted by the Dean of Westminster, David Hoyle, included performances by singers Alexandra Burke and Craig David; African drumming group One-Drum; and reflections from Anthony Joshua OBE, British world heavyweight boxing champion and Olympic gold medallist, and spoken word poet Suli Breaks.

The event was broadcast live on the BBC and Wellacre staff and students were extremely proud to be in attendance and to feature. 

Mr Baker, Wellacre’s Leader of Geography, said:

“Wellacre students were able to experience a once in a lifetime event!  It was amazing to see how excited the students were in seeing, and hearing from, so many famous and important faces.  They were encouraged and inspired by the words shared. 

“In addition, this was the first time that some of our students had visited the capital, London, and been on the underground!  I am sure they will never forget this experience!”

Year 8 Wellacre student, Harrison, said:

“It was a fascinating event, especially during the speeches of the different leaders. The entertainment from different countries was really fun to watch. I know I was very fortunate to have been invited to be part of the service.”