The MPW Christmas lunch has become a much-anticipated annual tradition for staff and students to gather together to ignite the Christmas festivities.

At lunch time on December 11th, one could be in no doubt that Christmas had arrived early, as students flocked to Queens Gate house where they were greeted by an inflatable snowman, glittering Christmas tree and the smell of wafting pastries. Sumptuous sausage rolls were crammed into hungry mouths followed by cream-filled chocolate shells and fizzy drinks. The Christmas spirit was most certainly upon us as students belted out Christmas tunes on the karaoke with varying degrees of tunefulness and engaged in other forms of festive entertainment. This year, my English language GCSE group were keen to help me capture the event (and practise their descriptive writing), the following impressions are written by them. How many language techniques can you spot and can you guess our word of the day?

Laura Williams

A gentle glow permeated the area as strings of sparkling fairy lights poured down from the ceiling like glistening waterfalls. A tall Christmas tree with a shining star at the top, shimmering tinsel, and colourful ornaments stood in the corner of the hall. The room reverberated with laughter and enthusiasm as the entire school came together to celebrate. The air was filled with the sounds of traditional Christmas carols. The courageous karaoke volunteer’s brilliantly off-key singing made everyone in the room smile.

LO

The hall was bumbling with noise, the shuffling of those pushing through the crowds of teachers and students alike. The out-of-tune voices singing along to Christmas carols echoed the chatter of dozens of conversations converging into one stream of sound. The sweet smell of icing was juxtaposed by the salty aroma of chips doused in salt. The hordes of individuals congregating around tables as a pack of vultures would to a fresh carcass. The room was shrouded in bright light and fluorescent colours, filling it with festive spirits. Everywhere you looked you found a smile, everyone absorbed int their own little world of activities and games. You could not feel anything other than warmth radiating from others; people hopeful for a fitting three weeks of relaxation building themselves up to truly let loose. It would fill you with nothing but joy to see the festivities take place, to hear conversations about plans, to taste the delectable treats on display. It is something that everyone should be able to enjoy.

AM

A plethora of people, hanging embers of light illuminating the silhouettes of faces. An anachronistic setting, a contrast to a usual college day. My vision warmed by the all-encompassing smiles, an unusual claustrophobic atmosphere that only brought people together. A cracking noise from a microphone, dedicated for ebullient guests; no judgement, only cheer and support. Whether teacher or student; both conversed, sharing antidotes. An inflatable snowman that peered over heads, a red bow hugging its neck; plastic skin that reflected twilight, azure and emerald ornaments which lay like magnetic northern lights. I left early to gift my space, another student replacing my spot.

JB

The fantastically electric hall was filled with a plethora of sweets and treats; the ballroom was elegant and empowering, the atmosphere filled your heart with desire and will to have a jolly good time.  Everyone who left the room was ebullient and merry! The students were giddy, their smiles extended to their ears, everyone wanted to be there. There was a massive inflatable snowman, its marshmallow texture invited everyone’s heart to be warmed. The confectionary delight felt like we were in ‘Willy Wonka’. The bright lights put everyone in a frenzy of dance and singing. There was a karaoke in which everyone could sing their heart out and fill the room with joy. The aroma of caramel popcorn and mulled wine was inhaled by everyone which left a permanent memory. Oh! How I wish this party would never end!

AS and NM

The lunch hall was full of decorations and the food offerings were delectable. As I looked around the crammed hall, I was met with hundreds of smiling faces of people enjoying the presence of the Christmas spirit. Taz especially enjoyed it, welcoming the Christmas spirit into her heart. My ears rung as they heard the joyful sound of people singing Christmas songs. Sally gave a lovely announcement, and everyone was happy. The ginger breadmen where my favourite part because I got to decorate them, it was just the perfect addition to make it feel more festive.

SR

As I enter the hall, my eyes are blinded by a plethora of lights all different in colour and pattern. The darkness of the hall contrasted with apple green and cherry red colours.  I am greeted with popcorn and sweets. As the crunchy popcorn crumbles in my mouth, I overhear the same song I hear every year during this time. As I start my walk around, I see many choices of food and beverages at my disposal, as well as multiple tables with different games like ‘snow-pong’, ‘cookie-glazing’, and ‘toss-a-hoop’. It was a bit over-crowded but that meant that many people wanted to participate in the many activities presented.  The staff and teachers had a lot of fun after getting severed mulled wine. I think that overall the Christmas fair was good and well-planned.

JJ and Z

The second you enter the main hall, a plethora of people is the first thing you notice. It is very difficult to squeeze through them and get to your friends. The music is extremely loud and deafening but people manage to speak over it. The karaoke was going on in the background. The decorations were beautiful and creative and there was a photozone with deep purple lights and shiny sparkly silver confetti, which was extremely impressive. People started bringing sandwiches out. When you bit into it, you can taste the sweet jam mixed with vegetable and meat. This weird combination was really strange and the bread appeared strawberry-red in colour which seemed unreal. The stand with drinks had a plethora of sodas. The dessert stand was not touched a lot as the taste of each was strange and extremely sweet!

AS

As I opened the door, I could instantly hear and feel the boisterous atmosphere of the hall. The hall was packed with people who were all enjoying their time under the flickering fairy lights elegantly draped across the ceiling and the walls. The room was dark with flashes of fluorescent spotlights. Beyond the enormous chatter of the crowd, the noise of people enjoying Christmas karaoke was blasted across from the gargantuan speakers. The vibration of the singing and the buzzing atmosphere added to the excitement. The party had a variety of appetizing food such as chips, earthy sandwiches and desserts such as mini pies filled with tangy jam and the round cream-filled chocolate. The cream would melt in my mouth and blend in well with the chocolate. It was refreshing to drink the frothy soda. The food gave the side of the hall a strong savoury smell that made my mouth water. The party was a stunning opportunity to enjoy lunch with friends and soak in the party-like atmosphere at the end of the school term, it was wonderful to forget the schoolwork and celebrate the end of the term!

MK

As I walked into the QGH building, I noticed the towering Christmas tree standing majestically on the right of the event hall. I keenly admired the glowing ornaments and turned my attention to the event hall which was shimmering with disco lights, I then hurriedly walked in the hall along with other interested students. Almost immediately, a colourful rainbow of lightshows glitter around the hall, I took a look around and saw a huge crowd of students and teachers alike. I stepped down from the two step staircase and wandered around, tables were spread across the room, presenting many different snacks like Doritos and chocolates. A lively line of people stood on my left, I realized it was the line for the food and drinks. There were a variety of wonderful drinks, like: alcohol, Coca-Cola, Sprite. The food was phenomenal, there was a type of food resembling a beef wellington, though it may not be beef and could be another variation of meat, there were also types of sandwiches and sausages, I loved it!  After I enjoyed the food, I could see a karaoke section, many students lined up to have a turn here, and I can clearly say that they sang as hard as they could! There were other activities set on different tables, like snowpong, cookie decorating, and etc. In the party, students and teachers communicated freely and actively, it was a refreshing atmosphere after a day of school. As I found a seat to sit on, I could calmly observe my surroundings, in the middle stage I could see a big MPW sign. The colours of the disco lights consisted of an amethyst purple, rose pink, Christmas red and neon green, it was a wonderful and mesmerising combination for a party. After around 30 minutes, I walked out the event hall feeling revitalised.

MV