What is Eid al-Adha? Eid al-Adha, or the “Festival of Sacrifice,” is one of the two major Islamic holidays. It commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son in obedience to God—a story shared across Abrahamic faiths.
When is it Celebrated? It takes place around two months after Eid al-Fitr, during the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah, coinciding with the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. The date varies each year based on the lunar calendar.
How is Eid al-Adha Celebrated? Morning prayer held at mosques or open spaces. Animal sacrifice (Qurbani), symbolizing the story of Ibrahim. Meat is distributed among family, friends, and those in need. Family gatherings, festive meals, and acts of charity. Spiritual reflection and thankfulness.
Why it Matters for Education 1st Recognising Eid al-Adha supports our inclusive environment and builds understanding between mentors, students, and families from diverse backgrounds. It also helps: Respect religious observances Encourage cultural sensitivity and open dialogue Model empathy and respect in mentorship relationships.
To mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, we organised a vibrant celebration of history and remembrance. The day was filled with activities designed to bring the events of 8th May 1945 to life for our students. Office staff joined in the spirit by dressing as land girls, setting the tone for a day steeped in wartime atmosphere. One of our classrooms was turned into a realistic Anderson shelter, complete with authentic artefacts and dressing-up clothes, giving students a powerful sense of life during the Blitz. Union Jack cupcakes added a festive touch, and throughout the day, students explored the significance of VE Day by reading about its events and the impact of Operation Pied Piper. Some pupils imagined life as a soldier, writing poignant diary entries capturing the emotion of hearing that the war was over. Others wrote heartfelt letters home as if they were young evacuees, expressing longing, resilience, and hope. We were especially proud of everyone for respectfully observing the two minutes’ silence, honouring the sacrifices made by the armed forces and the countless individuals who supported the war effort from the home front. It was a meaningful and educational day, reminding us all of the importance of remembrance and gratitude.
