UK private school pupils create large ‘Wishing Tree’ mural

Students from Cokethorpe School have been helping pensioners through a partnership with Rosebank Care Home, in Bampton, part of the Premium Care Group.

Led by Dr Chris Flaherty, the school’s head of science, the initiative connects pupils and residents through creative projects, music and shared experiences.

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One of the latest initiatives included sixth form students spending time with residents during Curriculum Enrichment Week to create a large ‘Wishing Tree’ mural inside the care home.

The artwork, developed over several days, features handwritten wishes, memories and reflections from residents displayed on decorative hanging tags.

The finished mural was officially unveiled during a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by students, staff and residents.

Cokethorpe School pupils at Rosebank care home (Image: Fortitude Communications)

Residents said the project helped spark conversation, creativity and companionship, while giving students an opportunity to engage with older generations and hear their stories.

Dr Flaherty said: “The Wishing Tree really became something special. Residents shared memories, wishes and stories, and it brought everyone together in a very meaningful way.”

After Rosebank staff shared a request for a violinist to perform for a resident living with dementia, who responded positively to violin music, a sixth former from Cokethorpe volunteered to visit and play at the home.

Rosebank staff said the performance demonstrated the powerful connection between music and memory.

Alongside the art and music projects, lower sixth students also volunteered to support a Dementia Awareness cake sale, organised in partnership with Rosebank Care Home.

The fundraiser was also led by Dr Flaherty, in partnership with Hazel Kenworthy, Cokethorpe’s teacher of physics.

Working alongside the school’s catering team, students helped to ice and decorate cakes.

The fundraiser successfully raised money and awareness for the Alzheimer’s Society, with support from parents and former parents of the school.

The school said that the ongoing initiatives reflected its wider commitment to community outreach across the county.

Students have also previously performed music at Rosebank, taking part in singing visits, while younger pupils from Cokethorpe Prep School also regularly visit.

The school has also worked on other local community art initiatives, including a mural project for Mulberry Bush School.

Cokethorpe School is an independent co-educational day school for pupils aged four to 18, set within a 150-acre parkland site near Witney.

In April it emerged that Les Phillips, who was in Oxford United‘s Milk Cup-winning team at Wembley in 1986, is now a groundsman at the school.

When his playing career came to an end, Mr Phillips trained as a greenkeeper at golf courses across Oxfordshire and he has been at the school for the last nine years.