We are officially wrapped up for 2025, and as we sign off until the 6th January, we’re sharing the celebrations from both campuses during enrichment week as students and staff worked together to host Christmas lunches, a fundraising fayre, perform Christmas carols at Moreton church, and everyone set their sights on goals for next year as we all head off for a well-deserved break.
Gillingham Christmas Fayre
The Gillingham campus hosted a Christmas Fayre last week, opening its doors to parents and members of the public to encourage festive cheer and enjoy some seasonal treats. EMA Social Care day opportunities attendees also joined the event, bringing everyone in Gillingham together.
“The fayre was a great success! We had lots of crafts and cakes made by students and staff to be sold on the day, including Grinch cake, chocolate stirrers, cupcakes, shortbread, decorations and more. Lillie served hot drinks, and Josh hosted the ‘Guess the Name of the Gonk’ game. Parents who stopped by said there was a lovely atmosphere and that they would happily return to another fayre. Students raised £300 from their sales – a fantastic effort by all!” – Natalie, Tutor
Moreton Christmas Lunch
The Moreton Campus Christmas lunch once again set up at the local Village Hall, with all students and many staff joining together for a group celebration. Everyone enjoyed food prepared by students, who also helped with set-up and service, supported by the education team who got stuck in in the kitchen.
“It’s been really fun preparing for Christmas. I’ve also been helping some of the other students when they needed it. This term, doing the cooking has been my favourite part of college, and being in the café – serving the customers and clearing the tables. I’m using what I do in the café here today and I’m happy to crack on by myself.” – Calvin, EMA Student
“The team I had for Christmas lunch were outstanding! Level 2 students made all the desserts, and I had a brigade of Level 1 and 2 students on Monday. Level 1 also made soup for the Provider Access Event, and Skills students made the brownies, which received lots of compliments. Christmas lunch was a dream! It was so lovely to see everyone enjoying it, and there was a calm moment when all you could hear was gentle chatter and the sound of knives and forks on plates.” – Claire, Tutor
Gillingham’s Christmas Lunch also took place last week, with students involved in cooking and preparation before serving on the day. While the group is smaller than at Moreton, the effort and enthusiasm were no less impressive, with EMA staff highlighting how well students worked together throughout the event.
“Lillie and Saffron helped with the cooking and both hit loads of their targets! Students helped helped set-up and the tables, and as always it was such a great day!” – Natalie, Tutor
These enrichment week activities are about far more than fun and celebration. They support the development of key skills, help students achieve goals, and reinforce our commitment to maintaining the inclusive community that EMA is proud of.
“Every year, these festive lunches are my favourite days in the academic calendar, and they demonstrate to everyone at EMA – and hopefully those looking in – just how well students and staff can work together as a team. They provide an opportunity to enjoy great food and time together as we sign off for the year. Students are pivotal in ensuring everyone is fed, and I’ve seen many proud faces over the past week, with several individuals really stepping up to the task.
The work this term has been outstanding. With campus updates, goals being achieved, new supported internships, and the welcoming of new students and staff, it’s been one of the busiest and most exciting periods for EMA yet. I know everyone is looking forward to a break, and when we return in January, I’m confident the exciting times will continue. Thank you, everyone!” – James Dunham, Head of Education
