On Thursday, the Junior School took part in the annual Wassailing Ceremony, where we woke up the trees with a song and the juice of last year’s apple harvest.

To begin the Wassailing Ceremony, students filed out from the Junior School onto the orchard, filling the air with noise as they banged on pots and played instruments, and each adorning a Wassailing wicker crown.

Students have been preparing for weeks for this very ceremony. Some have practised speeches, others have made props and crowns, and others have been practising the Wassailing song.

Joining together in the Junior School Orchard, all students in the Junior School gathered around the biggest apple tree which was adorned by flags and a carefully crafted face.

Students were encouraged to shout “WAKE UP!” to the trees and then gently tap them with sticks. This is to ensure that the trees wake up for the upcoming spring and produce a bountiful harvest. The tradition stems from our Quaker roots and is still being practised to this day. Students anticipate the return of the Wassailing Ceremony each year and it’s a wonderful opportunity for the entire Junior School to come together.