KS4 option performing arts group have been accessing William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. They have been pulling together all the skills and techniques that they have learnt throughout the year to perform a low-key adaptation for KS3 pupils.

This is the first performance to an audience for most of the pupils and will be a huge confidence boost and a great opportunity to showcase the progress made over the year. Pupils have devised their own set pieces for ensemble work and have been given lines to learn.

We have been impressed with the rehearsal process and the response to direction but mostly by the trust they have in each other and how well they have worked as a team.

The recent Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) Bronze expedition at Ashworth Valley was an exhilarating adventure for a group of 14 enthusiastic sixth form students. Over the course of two days and one night, these remarkable individuals embarked on a challenging journey, staying in a rustic scout hut amidst the breath-taking surroundings. Equipped with Trangia’s to prepare their own food, the students embraced the spirit of self-sufficiency, cooking their own meals and enjoying the satisfaction of a well-deserved breakfast they had prepared themselves.

In addition to conquering the trails and braving the hot weather, the students also found time for leisure and recreation. They organised spirited games of cricket and football, showcasing their sporting abilities and fostering a sense of friendly competition. During their downtime, the students gathered indoors, engaging in friendly banter and bonding over board games. The scout hut became a hub of laughter and camaraderie as the students immersed themselves in the joy of friendly competition and shared moments of relaxation. Their resourcefulness and initiative in creating their own entertainment further exemplified their independence and adaptability throughout the expedition.