For their economics block, Tom set the group a challenge. They were to make some products to sell at a Christmas market. He gave them a ‘loan’ to source their resources and charged ‘interest’ which they returned from the total of their sales. The interest was then shared between some charities, chosen by the children including Macmillian, Unicef, RSPCA, Greenpeace, South & East Bristol Foodbank and Shelter. The profits were split between the children to keep or reinvest. It was a great project, enjoyed by all and included market research, budgeting, product design and crafting. We’ve got some savvy entrepreneurs in the making!

The Discoveries gathered at the end of the year to say goodbye to tutor Tom and welcome tutor Athene to the group. There were some gifts for Tom to take on his travels including a t-shirt, featuring his “I trust you”, designed by one of the children. Athene takes the lead with the group from January, alongside Anna & Natasha assisting.

If you are local to Bristol, you have at some point no doubt seen these iconic boats around the harbour. Bristol Community Ferry Boats is more than just a ferry service, it is a community-owned and operated business where every pound spent on their waterbus service, private hire, or public trips is reinvested back into the company. This means that by choosing Bristol Ferry Boats, customers are directly contributing to the sustainability and growth of a vital community asset that benefits everyone in the city.

They work with community groups and charities across the city who are actively supporting local people – providing a floating safe space for people to relax and enjoy the city, from  the unique vantage point of Bristol’s waterways. Their boats are an integral part of Bristol’s identity, and as part of their community outreach some of the Apple Tree children along with their families were invited to experience the joy that comes from being onboard.

The Discoveries took the lead on this and invited their siblings from the Oakens and friends along for a trip around the harbour. Not only was it an extremely enjoyable experience for all the children and families on board, they ensured everyone enjoyed the experience by waving at everyone they saw and bringing a smile to the faces of all passers-by!

While out on the boat they were surprised to spot an elf and a crocodile!

You can find out more about the Bristol Community Ferry Boats outreach and other services by visiting their website here.

Rooted in an ancient Bavarian tradition where farmers adorned tables with moss, twigs, and candlelit apples to create enchanting illuminated gardens, the Advent spiral emerged in the 1920s as a symbolic celebration. Over the years, this meaningful festival has been embraced by Waldorf schools around the world, offering a deeply reflective and heartwarming experience.

In the stillness of a darkened room, evergreen boughs, symbols of life’s enduring spirit, are carefully arranged into a spiral on the floor, with a single large candle glowing at its heart. One by one, each child enters the spiral, holding an apple with an unlit candle. Guided gently by teachers or parents, depending on their needs, the children journey inward along the spiral’s path, moving toward the radiant center. There, they light their candles from the central flame, a gesture rich with meaning, symbolising the light we carry within ourselves. On their way back, they place their lit lanterns along the spiral, slowly illuminating the room with a growing, gentle light, before quietly returning to their seats.

The Advent spiral reflects the soul’s journey during this season, as we move through the darkness of shorter days and longer nights, carrying the light of hope within us toward the return of the sun’s brilliance after the winter solstice.

For our own Apple Tree celebration, small groups gathered in the serene setting of the hall at All Saints to partake in this beautiful and magical ritual. We were especially fortunate to have talented musicians among our parent community, who filled the evening with a serene and uplifting soundscape, enriching the atmosphere and deepening the shared experience of the spiral’s quiet wonder.

The Discoveries packed their bags and set off for the Wye Valley for 2 nights. They were able to enjoy a stargazing walk, watersports and orienteering during their time there. Plus lots of time for stories and hanging out by the fire. The trip was supported by tutor Tom and some parents. All enjoyed the bunk house with no roof!

Surely no block of Asian Studies is complete without sushi and bubble tea making?! The Discoveries really got into the communal preparation and eating of this topic!

As part of their Asian studies the children enjoyed mask making using a variety of materials to make their favourite animals.

The Discoveries have some very innovative and creative assistants who bring some incredible crafts to the group. This week the children made their own shadow puppets and scenes and enjoyed performing to the rest of the group who in turn enjoyed the performances!

Polling Day may have closed their venue for the day but ever keen to learn, the Discoveries took to the road with a trip to Clifton Suspension Bridge and Observatory. Using public transport they made their way to Clifton with a stop for ice cream on the way back.

As part of their Roman block the Discoveries got to make Roman flatbreads. The recipe for the dough had no measurements and was presented in Latin, so the children had to make it intuitively! The children were creative with the ingredients to meet all dietary requirements and the results were delicious.