Sutton pupils immersed in Santa’s virtual grotto

Children attending Mere Green Primary School’s Christmas Fair last week were transported magically to Lapland for a visit to Santa’s Grotto – thanks to an incredible piece of technology.

The school, which is part of the respected Arthur Terry Learning Partnership, is one of just a handful in the UK which boats and ‘Immersive Suite’ – a dedicated room which high-definition projectors to virtually transport students to any location they could dream of.

And that meant that, when Santa arrived to meet children at the school’s Christmas Fair, they were able to recreate his cosy snowbound home for an extra-special grotto.

Headteacher Lucia Wilder said:

“Santa’s Grotto was by far the star attraction of the day. The children had a wonderful time visiting Lapland, and the parents were really impressed too.”

And with the children, staff and parents alike putting so much work into planning the Fair, the immersive experience was a deserving reward.

Mrs Wilder said:

“The children have also had a lot of involvement, from designing some of the stall activities, to creating all the posters and advertisements, to even going around to local shops to pick up donated prizes.

“They’ve been brilliant – we’ve all been impressed by their creativity and independence.”

The Fair itself was a brilliant reflection of this combined effort. A wide range of stall holders, both from the school community and the local Mere Green area, set up shop in the school grounds.

Among the entertainment and goodies on offer were crafts and Christmas gifts for guests to purchase, delicious treats, games and prizes, lucky dips and raffles. Local companies even chipped in to donate some amazing prizes.

Lucia said: “The Christmas Fair is a key part of our annual fundraising, and it’s an event we all look forward to.

“How we spend the money raised is based on parent feedback. The focus this year is going to be on investing in lunchtime play equipment and developing the Nursery and Reception outdoor areas.

“I’m so proud of everyone in the Mere Green community for making our Fair so magical, and for the money we’ve managed to raise.

“The Christmas spirit of community and giving was on full display.”