Leavers’ events
Moving on from primary school is an important milestone for children. How can you give them a memorable farewell and a meaningful rite of passage?
Disco Most PTAs already have some
experience running school discos, so it’s a dependable option. However, you can make it more special for Year 6 leavers in several ways. Setting up a photo station may be a hit, especially if you add costumes, props, wigs and hats. Take it up a notch by hiring a touchscreen magic mirror, allowing students to create memorable full-length selfies. For those who need downtime, create a separate chillout area with a graffiti table where the children can draw, tag and leave messages. If the finished result looks good, consider producing framed souvenir versions.
Prom The US-style prom – a smart, more
ritualistic take on the disco – has gained popularity in recent years. Secondary schools often organise more elaborate versions, to mark the end of GCSEs for example, but for your Year 6 leavers the school hall is the ideal venue. Add food, drink (such as a mocktail bar) and games alongside the dancing. Some leavers’ proms even feature the trappings of graduation, with gowns, mortarboards, speeches and certificates. l For more information, see our step-by-step guide to a leavers’ prom at
pta.co.uk/events/step-by-step/ step-by-step-leavers-prom.
32 SPRING 2025 School Fundraising
Leavers’ festival As it’s the summer term, turn your
disco or prom into an outdoor event that resembles a mini-festival. Book a DJ or include live music, particularly if some pupils have formed bands. Think inflatables. Think piñata. Think food and drink
Picnic and games
It’s not just the pupils who are leaving – some parents will be
saying goodbye to the school too. So why not bring everyone
together for a farewell barbecue or picnic? Host it in the school field and ask everyone to bring
camping chairs or picnic blankets. Buy food in bulk, making sure the meat is good quality, and provide options for non-meat-eaters. Hire an ice-cream van and encourage attendees to bring their own
booze so you won’t need a licence. Throw in a few outdoor games or a quiz, mixing up ages and
abilities so everyone can join in.
stalls. Invite some local street-food sellers along. Hire some giant games or set up a ‘beat the goalie’ competition. Offer carnival-style treats, such as doughnuts, churros and candy floss.
Break the rules day A fun variation on non-uniform day,
in which pupils pay for each ‘rule’ they break. Agree on a list of rules and consult with school staff well in advance to anticipate any unacceptable infractions. Rules could include: ‘You must wear your school uniform,’ ‘You must not have a ridiculous hairstyle,’ ‘You must only drink water,’ and ‘You must not have chocolate in your lunchbox.’ Incorporate additional rules for departing pupils, such as: ‘You must not sign each other’s T-shirts.’ Just be sure to inform the parents!
Whacky wipeout Who doesn’t love an obstacle
course? Create a leavers’ challenge using available equipment, such as hula hoops, footballs, cones and hurdles. If you have the budget, make it more elaborate by hiring a
WORDS BY DANIEL ETHERINGTON
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