As the festive season unfolded, our Sixth Form students took to the streets with warmth in their hearts and a mission to give back as part of our annual Giving Tree initiative. From 25th November through to 19th December, they braved the cold, rain, and even snow at the Gracechurch Centre, Sutton Coldfield, and Mulberry Walk, Mere Green, greeting the public and collecting donated Christmas gifts for those in need. Their dedication saw them gather an incredible 7,103 gifts - a new record for BVGS!

The gifts were thoughtfully wrapped and distributed to YMCA, St Basil’s Hostel, and St Giles’ Hospice, ensuring that those facing difficult circumstances had a brighter Christmas. This achievement would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of our Charity Officers, who passionately promoted the initiative, and the unwavering support of our school community.

A particular highlight of this year’s campaign was having a Giving Tree stall at the Christmas Fayre. Parents, students, and visitors contributed a diverse range of thoughtful gifts, making a significant difference to the lives of many.

Reflecting on the success of the initiative, our School Captains shared, "Our charity team has been working hard to achieve this year's goal for the Giving Tree annual charity project, and it is so lovely to see the school uniting to make a difference to our local community this Christmas."

At BVGS, we are immensely proud of this amazing student-led project. The compassion and dedication of the students exemplify our school values but also demonstrate the power of collective goodwill. A huge thank you to all the alumni who supported and encouraged the pupils on their journey.