On Thursday 31st May de Stafford School invited senior citizens of the local community to celebrate Her Majesty the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

Students from Year 7 to 10 have been working with Caterham Rotary Club on a project called Interact. As part of the project students were challenged to create an event for the local community. The students saw the Jubilee as a fantastic opportunity to invite senior citizens that actually lived through and remembered the coronation. Students also felt that it would allow the older community to raise their opinion of young people and awareness of their fantastic work with the community that is ongoing throughout the school year.

The hall was beautifully decorated in red, white and blue for all its visitors. Bunting covered the walls and the surrounding areas, including the reception that acted as the entrance. Tables were decorated in Union Jack tablecloths along with matching table decorations, balloons and cake stands. Throughout the morning students served delicious cupcakes, cups of teas and biscuits. Students and teachers even dressed up for the occasion in 1950s attire!

The guests were treated to various performances throughout the morning including a performance by Saskia Duncan-King, Year 10, who sang whilst playing the piano. Tash Nicholls, Year 10, also sang for the audience accompanied by Becky Vicars on the piano. Visitors then had the opportunity to watch part of Coronation on the projector, which was simply fitting for the event. Visitors were also treated with an energetic 50s style dance, performed by 8 Year 7 and 8 dancers. The dancers even at one point asked the Head teacher to join in!

One of the guests, Mrs Barker, aged 82, said: "The school was wonderful and all the students were very friendly. I even had a dance with some of the girls and taught them a couple of steps!"

Mrs McEwan, History teacher and organiser of the event, said: "I am so proud of how our students behaved today – dancing, smiling and most of all interacting with the senior citizens. They are a credit to the school and the local community. I would like to say a special thanks to the 30 students who dedicated their time and effort to the day and to Mrs Harris and Miss Palmer for helping with the organisation of the event. All in all, today has proved de Stafford School to be at the heart of the Caterham Community."