‘Freedom for All’ World AIMS Day 2025

Senior School pupils spent an action-packed, thought-provoking day immersed in this year’s World AIMS Day, exploring what it truly means to be ‘good global neighbours’. The theme for 2025, Free-ativity, encouraged everyone to think creatively about how we can enable Freedom for All.

The day began in the Chapel, where pupils sang freedom songs and acted out powerful stories of liberation from across the ages. In a journey from Moses to Mandela, they gave voice to men and women throughout history who have been defenders of freedom. This dynamic zone combined song, movement, and storytelling, with pupils performing key moments from the Exodus, the fight of the Abolitionists, the Civil Rights Movement, and the Anti-Apartheid struggle. Together, we travelled through time, closing with a spirited rendition of Freedom is Coming, Oh Yes I Know!

Over in the Burrell Theatre, the focus shifted to Freedom from Modern-Day Slavery and Unjust Imprisonment. Cornwall and Devon Police delivered a powerful session on the realities of modern slavery and county lines exploitation, while Amnesty International shared the moving stories of individuals who are unjustly imprisoned today. Their message: “You are not powerless to help.” Some pupils took part in creative writing workshops, producing poetry and writing messages of hope to those imprisoned far from here.

Meanwhile, others got creative in the Art department, painting bold, abstract letters spelling out FREEDOM, using vibrant colours and spray paint. These striking letters were later used in a group photograph – a reflective moment capturing the spirit of the day. We hope to display this artwork in school as an ongoing reminder of our shared responsibility to protect Freedom for All.

Elsewhere in the Art department, under the expert guidance of Tony Mannion, groups worked on a new screen-printing project for the chapel. This piece, which will be unveiled at the start of the next academic year, will reflect our Methodist ethos and our commitment to justice and compassion.

In the SBA, pupils engaged with the theme of Freedom from Pollution, listening to inspiring talks from Cornwall Climate Care and Beach Guardian. Pupils then put their learning into action, crafting beautiful willow fish sculptures from beach waste and ghost gear, creatively tackling the issue of plastic pollution.

Out on the sports fields, the day’s energy ramped up with a life-sized game of Hopes and Hazards – a giant snakes and ladders game designed by our international relief partner, All We Can. This interactive zone explored Freedom from Poverty, with pupils racing to ‘climb out of poverty’, only to be set back by the ‘hazards’ along the way. Played in House teams, this engaging activity helped pupils to think differently about aid, and how we can empower people across the world to realise their potential and overcome poverty sustainably.

A huge thank you to all our guest speakers and visitors who made World AIMS Day 2025 such a memorable experience. Thanks also to the staff who helped coordinate and run the zones, especially Rev Helen for her leadership in bringing the day together.

Finally, thank you to all our pupils for their thoughtful contributions and enthusiastic participation. We hope you left the day inspired, informed, and empowered to find your voice, to speak up, and to continue being good global neighbours, wherever you are.

As Rosa Parks so powerfully reminded us: “One person can make a difference.”