On Friday the 15th March Steyning Grammar hosted their biennial fundraising day for comic relief, involving students and staff alike. Events ranging from standard non-uniform dress code to goo baths, leg waxing and an open mic populated the day.

Throughout the day I interviewed students and asked about what they thought were the best and most effective fundraising activities. One student said that their “favourite part of Red Nose Day was decorating the gingerbread men” and “being able to do something for charity with a group of people”, noting how the whole process of making and selling items for charity got them into “the fundraising spirit!” This spirit was definitely shared by the staff, many of whom dominated the open mic to sing renditions of popular songs for a packed out canteen area.

The ‘goo bath’ also proved a popular choice among students as the appeal of covering their teachers in goo proved irresistible to some. Despite this, one student noted a distinct “community spirit” which was demonstrated when audiences cheered on students in the fashion show who had arrived at school dressed in extravagant red outfits. Whatever the event, most students agreed that it was an “effective way of raising money”.

How can Steyning Grammar Schools efforts be improved next time comic relief comes around? One student suggested “a bake off where the cakes are sold afterwards”, while another suggested that different subjects get involved by “making things to be sold, like maybe cards from the art department”. Whatever the case, Sixth Form’s total alone is enough to make anyone proud of their efforts with it amounting to almost one and a half thousand pounds.

Words and accompanying photos by Benjamin Jesse, Steyning Grammar School (Sixth Form)

Interview statements permission of use provided by students of Steyning Grammar School