Fun for all at the Yule Ball | Aga Khan Academies

Fun for all at the Yule Ball

08 December 2017
Grade 8 students hosted a Harry Potter-themed event to encourage reading and celebrate the imagination on 2nd December. 
 
Many of us grow up reading fantasy books. The Harry Potter series is likely the most popular among today’s teenagers, especially our grade 8 students. They brainstormed and decided to host a Yule Ball, referencing the event that took place in the fourth book, "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire."

The first step was to raise sufficient funds and create an appealing campaign. So they started accepting requests for customised ‘Hogwarts Letters’ which could be delivered to anyone in the Academy. These letters also came with a written response on behalf of any character from the Harry Potter Books. This platform was used by students of Junior School, Senior School as well as teachers to show gratitude to each other and appreciate their friends. It is no wonder it got an overwhelming response!
 
The Ball, as a celebration of Christmas and a formal dance held during the Triwizard Tournament, served to promote values of diversity and pluralism. In fact, the fictional Hogwarts school hosted delegates from multiple countries, including the United Kingdom, France, and Bulgaria. Similarly, the Academy’s version of the Yule Ball attracted attendees from all over the world – India, Canada, Zimbabwe, Afghanistan, and the U.S.
 
Students developed valuable skills from hosting the Yule Ball – they learned how to create a budget, identify revenue sources, collaborate, and manage time effectively. They even delegated tasks and took on various roles, including 'Head of Logistics' and 'Crowd Manager.' "During the preparation for the Harry Potter Christmas Party I felt that it was a bit challenging," reflected Farkhunda Fazelyar (grade 8A). "We started planning three weeks before the final event but the final days were very important after exams. But I had to embrace it. Our class and Ms. Afeera worked together and we were able to make the impossible, possible. We all together sold tickets to people, decorated every corner of the hall, prepared food, arranged music, decorated the Christmas tree, cut the necessary material and finally the time had come for the Yule Ball!"
 
Ultimately, the five-hour long event delighted over 250 visitors with games like Quidditch-on-a-table and the Goblet of Fire. Participants devoured dragon eggs, edible snitches, chocolate broomsticks, and candies from Honeydukes. “Potions,” a photo booth, and a Hermione Granger Reading Corner were all on display. All the proceeds will go to funding the students’ service projects to be completed in January.
 
Harry, Hermoine, and Ron would have been proud!
 
Written by Afeera Maryam