“All the world’s a stage and most of us are desperately unrehearsed.” – Sean O’Casey
Sharp suits, trilby hats, feather boas and splurge guns… There are many reasons why Alan Parker’s musical Bugsy Malone is a perennial school show favourite. The music, dancing and dialogue are as sharp as the threads being worn. The story of a down-on-his-luck boxing promoter and some savage mob turf wars is the stuff of our Senior School production and if you haven’t seen it yet, you can join in the fun at the matinee performance tomorrow – it is not to be missed.
In a couple of weeks Year 6 will produce a show in little over a week: music, words and dance, everyone involved and another treat for those who can make it to a performance.
I would encourage every pupil to take part in a school show at least once in their school career. Performing is something that only a few find easy, it is an activity that requires self-discipline and resilience as well as great timing and growing levels of confidence. All are attributes that will serve pupils well as they face challenges in the future. As levels of anxiety continue to rise among young people, a greater affinity with performance can provide some with a useful level of self-confidence and a means of proving to themselves that they have the talent to be recognised as being good at something. Performance is a means to developing an all-important understanding of self-worth.
On Tuesday evening Year 9 had their options evening. It is the first time that they have the opportunity to follow what they see as their academic interests. In choosing three optional GCSEs in addition to their core six subjects it is a chance to add breadth to their studies, a chance to move from classroom to workshop, studio or into fieldwork. Drama is of course an option that can be taken. On occasion the creative subjects are misguidedly described as an easier option. They most certainly are not – all GCSEs offer rigour and challenge and as we move on to a world beyond the school gate, creativity, teamwork and imagination will be valued as greatly as more traditional subject knowledge. They also provide a balance to the working week.
Next week is National Careers Week in the UK. We will be having a range of different events and activities for students of all ages. In order to succeed in later life, I believe that our pupils will need not only great academic results but also the confidence that comes from being able to communicate on stage, through art and by developing creative solutions to problems.
What starts as fun on stage can become a vital stepping stone to eventual success and fulfilment.
Nicholas Hammond
Headmaster
