Sixth form students bring festive joy to local pensioners 

Earlier this week [Tuesday 16 December], students at St John Bosco Arts College Sixth Form hosted a pensioners’ party to spread Christmas cheer to local residents. 

Over 100 members of the community attended the party. They were all served a traditional three-course Christmas dinner by St John Bosco’s sixth formers. They also enjoyed an afternoon of entertainment arranged by students that included bingo and a raffle.

St John Bosco handed out more than 18 prizes to the lucky winners which staff had kindly donated. Prizes included items such as hampers, candles, chocolates, and biscuits. Tesco in Old Swan also donated soft drinks, which attendees gratefully received and appreciated.

Sixth form student, Emily, said:

“I’ve really enjoyed helping out and I would love to do it again! It was just so nice and everyone was clearly having fun.” 

Fellow students of Emily, Maggie and Lucy, agreed with her sentiments. They added:

“It was really good fun; we would definitely do it again!”

During the afternoon, Merseybeat tribute band, Searchin’, also performed for the pensioners. They recreated the iconic sounds of the swinging sixties with classics such as ‘Sweet Caroline’, ‘Peggy Sue’, and ‘Hi Ho Silver Lining’. It encouraged everyone to get up on their feet and dance.

Guests thoroughly enjoyed their afternoon at St John Bosco, complimenting the atmosphere, food and live music. 

Bill, an attendee, said:

“The event was brilliantly organised. The food was very nice, the music was festive and it really got everyone in the Christmas mood!” 

The support of St John Bosco’s kitchen, IT, and caretaker teams made the pensioners’ party possible. The performing arts department also orchestrated the choir, who sang carols to welcome the guests on their arrival.

Mrs Lesley Hughes, food technology technician at St John Bosco Arts College supported sixth formers in organising the party. She said:

“We were thrilled to welcome so many new and returning faces from local churches, community groups and friendship circles to our annual pensioners’ party.

“It proved, as always, to be a lot of fun for both our attendees and sixth formers. Thank you to all the local businesses who supported this special event, it means a lot to us, especially at this time of year.” 

Headteacher, Mr Darren Gidman, added:

“It’s moments like these that truly capture the spirit of Christmas. It was wonderful to see our sixth form students volunteering their time to create special memories for those within our community and living out our Salesian values of support, care and warmth.”

St John Bosco Arts College is home to a thriving, co-educational sixth form that offers students a place where they can be themselves, discover their true potential and feel part of a vibrant community. Applications are currently open for September 2026 and more information can be found here.