A Celebration Fit for a King

To celebrate the coronation of King Charles III the Eaglewood School hosted a “street party” on Friday 5^th of May. Banners, flags and bunting adorned every inch of the school buildings and gardens as bagpipes welcomed students, families and members of the community through the school gates. Situated in New Milton, Eaglewood School is an alternative provision free school for students in years 6 to 11 who struggle to learn in a mainstream educational environment.

The weather was on side as visitors enjoyed quintessential village fete and garden games around the grounds. Activities included the traditional coconut shy, splat the rat, hook a duck and more. Inside there was face painting and a photo booth. The students demonstrated their baking skills and creativity, with a cake sale for charity. The proceeds from the cake sale and raffle saw over £450 going to the Prince’s Trust.

Teacher, Mrs Sharon White oversaw weeks of preparations, with all the staff and students pulling together to make the event a success. School corridors were covered in coronation themed artwork produced by the talented pupils.

After enjoying the activities and music, around 200 guests congregated in the bunting festooned gymnasium for a sumptuous afternoon tea. Food technology teacher, Kelly Jagger created a menu of all King Charles’ favourite foods. A grand spread of sandwiches, cakes quiche biscuits were served and enjoyed.

Headteacher Nigel Himmel urged guests to recreate the street party photos from the Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953 and invited them to wave flags for a photograph in yet another historical moment. One of the guests had seen 4 new sovereigns and 3 coronations in her lifetime – King George in 1937, Queen Elizabeth in 1953 and now King Charles III in 2023.

Mr Himmel said “The Eaglewood Coronation celebration is one of the highlights of my career in education. 

This event allowed our community to witness the power of special education, and this was Eaglewood school at its very best. 

Students, parents, staff, local residents and dignitaries came together to celebrate and share in this historic event. It truly was a remarkable afternoon and one, I know, people will never forget. “