Performing Arts Report Term Four March 26 th 2007
Ability Follows Enthusiasm
‘Spring has sprung, the grass has rise, I wonder where that birdie is ?’ (As the famous poem goes). Winging out of term four and hastily into term five and with it yet again a whole host of opportunities!
Please can I say thank you to all students, staff and partners who have supported us this term and big thanks to Mark Waldron and his news team at the Swindon Advertiser for featuring our projects. Feedback from parents has shown that being in the paper really boosts their youngsters confidence. Shirley Mathis from the Advertiser has become our latest patron along with Sandy Martin from BBC local radio, who is developing a partnership with our school to further links and opportunities for students and the wider community.
The other really exciting piece of news this term is Justin Hayward who has very kindly offered to give us the use of one of his songs to feature on the next school CD, ‘Now That’s What I Call Commonweal Vol 2!’ Students are in the process of recording their tracks with our technician Nick Weaver and we are encouraging students to ask their parents if they would like to take part. The deadline for this is early June.
Heads of House are supporting the performing arts by enabling their tutees to perform in house assemblies. Paul Battye Head of Stonehenge organises three a year before major holidays. “This is a good way for tutees to let the house see what they are up to and also to improve confidence in the individuals ability. The house always respond with great enthusiasm and applause, it’s really good to see.” Said Paul
Creative Learning is high on our agenda and I am finding ways to dovetail performing arts into the curriculum as far as possible to avoid disruption.
Bringing History to Life – History /Drama Project
The bloody battle of the English Civil War from 1642 – 1651 was brought to life for a class of Yr 8 students at The Commonweal School when they were visited by two members of the English Civil War Society. Chris Scott and Richard Ellis performed and informed the class who were enthralled by the whole experience.
The war marked the beginnings of our modern parliamentary democracy and the end of the divine rule of kings. Students were also interested to discover the origins of the school tie came from this period in history when cravats were worn to prevent chaffing on the neck of soldiers.
Commented Craig Loxton, age 12, “ Chris picked me as a volunteer and dressed me in the armour which was very heavy and slippery so that long pikes could not penetrate. It was a really interesting lesson.”
The class roared with laughter when Chris demonstrated the long pike and sword slipping off of the armour worn by Craig and cringed when they discovered the reality of how gruesome and damaging a shot from a musket can make on a person. Hearty applause was given when the lesson ended.
Commented history teacher Jane Clarke. “It was a super experience for the students who are just beginning to study this era of history. The performance brought history to life and we all, including myself, learnt a lot from the experience which I am sure we will not forget in a long time. This shows that performing arts can definitely enhance other areas of the curriculum.”
Fair Trade Play – Multi curricular
The 200 th centenary of the abolition of slavery and fair-trade came under scrutiny at The Commonweal School last week. The entire of Yr 8, ( 222 students aged between 12 and 13) investigated elements of these subjects in class prior to watching the poignant Fair Trade Theatre Companies play ‘One For Me.’
The play was set on a simple stage which flipped from being a jail on a slave ship to a mansion, an African village and an exhibition. The story followed a husband and wife who were torn from their African homes into slavery on the sugar plantations in the Caribbean. The play started on the slave ship and their story was cleverly woven with that of the Thornhill family who inherited money made from slave labour
Dramatic and gripping Fairgame’s new thriller ’One For Me’ takes you by the arm and forces you to examine the history of our society and the blood that cements so much of it together. From the sugar in your tea to the greatest modern art gallery in the land, this play exposes hidden horrors of our slaving past.
“This powerful play helped students in their studies in Geography, History, Drama and English to further their understanding in a very visual way. Creative learning I believe is the way forward ” Keith Defter, Headteacher
“ It was an excellent play to get the students to think about where products we use come from. It was a hard hitting and provocative theme which had the students fully engaged and silent! It showed that Fair traded goods do not exploit people in poorer countries.” Andrea Preston Head of Geography.
Let’s Dance!
Young people and their families can’t put a foot wrong following a family dance workshop held at The Commonweal School last Sunday. Led by the school’s specialist dance teacher Louise Blake, families took part in contemporary dance sessions in which they had to learn set pieces and then split into families and teach one another dance steps before showing it to the rest of the group.
Commented Louise Blake, “It was a fun session and everyone worked really hard. It was a chance for parents to see how dance is taught in Swindon schools. It was nice to see students from other schools also enjoying our facilities. The dance studio is a nice space with a wall of mirrors and a powerful sound system, very professional!”
“Dance is a fun and exciting way to keep fit! It improves your poise, posture, stamina , suppleness and spiritual wellbeing. It also a good way to share skills and try out dance routines to impress the rest of your relations. Perhaps most importantly it was a good opportunity to spend some quality time with your family! “ Commented Josie Williams Community Arts Development Officer.
The aim of family workshop was to facilitate family time together, to share and learn from other generations, to improve physical and spiritual wellbeing, to understand and participate in a variety of popular dance styles and to raise confidence and self esteem within family units and beyond.
The project was is in partnership with Swindon Borough Council’s Artsmad initiative and Swindon Learning Partnership.
Move It Dance Trip
40 students from across the year groups with an interest in Dance went to the exciting ‘Move It’ event , the largest dance exhibition in the UK ,held at Olympia in London on Friday 16 th March.
The students watched in awe as professionals performed on stage and then the tried to replicate some of the moves when they took part in dance workshops in Street Hip Hop and Contemporary African Dance.
Commented Larrisa Ayris Yr 7 “I really loved the trip and meeting famous professional dancers from Strictly Come Dancing. I wouldn’t want to change anything, loved looking around the shops and loved the workshops. Thank you for taking us.”
Commented Kim Bracey Yr 10 GCSE Dance student “ I really enjoyed myself, because I met the man who has made me want to do Latin American dancing, Brendon Cole!”
Emma Leighfield “The workshops were great! I realised what type of dancing most suits me.”
“The live arena provided the students with the opportunity to see professional dancers perform a wide range of dance styles. Our students thoroughly enjoyed the dance workshops and feedback proves that this was a really worth while experience. A great day was had by all and we will definitely be organising another trip for next year ” Sue Derrick Head of Performing Arts.
Comic Relief
In the week leading up to Comic Relief Day Yr 10 Peer Educators under the guidance of Debs Browning did a presentation to every year group. Rock bands from across the year groups, supported by Nick Weaver, played in assemblies throughout the week. On Friday Red Nose Day music students performed a lunchtime concert to raise funds for this worthy cause. £1,300 was raised.
Spring Chamber Concert KS2, KS3,KS4
“I would like to say how much I enjoyed the spring concert not only was the standard of the music high and of excellent quality, the range of musical groups was wide – especially the junior jazz band who confidently ‘improvised’ and the newly formed ‘Groovy Strings’ as well as the concert band. It was fantastic to see Commonweal Music Department ‘back where it used to be’ and for that I wish to thank the current staff in the Music Department for their dedication to and enthusiasm for music which they have conveyed so successfully to the students. Commonweal students are very lucky and are in for a great musical future.” Margaret Clarke parent of Sophie and Tom Yr 7.
Organised by the Music Department this new event which ties into two of our community objectives involved 50 students from Commonweal and a dozen from Lethbridge Primary School. It was an exceptionally good evening all round and thanks are extended to all who made it happen, stars they are!
Swindon Festival Literature Youth Poetry Slam
This exciting project which is in its third year forges links between local main stream secondary schools. It is fun, educational, involves professional poets in the delivery of workshops and is a great way to build confidence in performance/English skills. Matt Holland the director of Swindon Festival Literature gives his full backing, Speil Unlimited performance poetry professionals will deliver the workshops and run the Grand Slam. Helen Miah – Strategic Arts Development Officer for Swindon Borough Council’s Artsmad and Artsword initiative also is fully supportive and Artsmad is a partner in this project. Other partners are Swindon LEA and the prestigious Poetry Society based in London. The event is project managed by Josie Williams, The Commonweal School’s Community Arts Development Officer.
The Youth Slam starts with schools doing workshops with Speil Unlimited.
The dates :
Monday April 30th – Venue:Warneford Highworth School to include, Highworth, Dorcan, and Headlands. Commencing at 9.10am – 12.30pm.
Tuesday May 1 st May – Venue: Commonweal School to include, Commonweal, St Joseph’s and Churchfields. Commencing 9.10am – 12.30pm.
Wednesday 2 nd May – Venue: Kingsdown to include Kingsdown, Greendown and Ridgeway. Commencing 9.10am – 12.30pm.
15 Year 8 students from each school will take part. Two winning teams from each school will go forward to the Grand Slam on Saturday May 12 th, held at The Arts Centre in Devizes Road. This starts at 11am and tickets are £5 and Under 16- free. Tel Art Centre Box Office on 01793 614837.
Competing schools are Commonweal, Kingsdown, Highworth Warneford, Churchfields, Greendown, Headlands, Ridgeway, Dorcan, St Joseph’s RC. Hreod Parkway would have liked to take part, but unfortunately this is right in the middle of their move to the new building. We look forward to them taking part next year.
Aims
- To forge links between local secondary schools
- To raise standards in English
- To raise standards in performance work
- To provide a platform for students to share their performance pieces
- To promote Performance Poetry
- To give young people the chance to work with professionals
- To promote confidence and self esteem amongst the young people who take part
- To give young people who watch the final the confidence to take part in following years
- To further students understanding of Performance Poetry and all that it encompasses.
- To offer advice and support on all Performance Poetry based issues as they arise .
Dance Outreach
Robert Le Kyng . Term four after school dance club for Years 4, 5 and 6 . This club links with Year Six topic work and explores different dance styles. They have been developing a group Street Dance based on the film ‘High School Musical’
King William. Term four working with Year 3, exploring different dance styles. The children have explored African and Indian Dance and group dances based on the topics of the Romans.
In term five and six Louise Blake’s outreach work will happen in Commonweal’s dance studio. Both schools will be invited to showcase their work at Commonweal in the Summer term. Term five and six Louise Blake is running an after school dance club on a Wednesday afternoon. This is aimed at our Yr 6 feeder school students and will work towards the Summer Fair as well as being a transitions vehicle.
Dance Clubs
Tuesday lunch time Dance Club Yr 7 with Miss Blake in the Dance Studio.
Wednesday lunch time Dance Yr 7, 8 & 9 in the Dance Studio with Yr 11s Eloise Harding and Hannah Pearce.
Thursday Dance lunch time for Performance Yr 9,10 & 11 in the Dance Studio with Miss Blake.
Friday Dance lunch time rehearsal space for all students in the Dance Studio with Miss Blake.
“Year 7 are creating a piece taking inspiration from the hit musical ‘Fame’ which will be performed at the Summer Fair. All other groups are also working towards the Summer Fair and any opportunities that arise in the Summer.” Louise Blake – Dance Teacher
Drama
The Witches performance takes place on June 7 th, 8 th and 9 th. We have blocked the whole play and done some work on character development. Next term the rehearsals will be longer and more intensive, but the performances are already taking shape. There are some “lovely” characters emerging! We are now getting the technical aspects of the play in order. The play involves 50 KS3 & KS3 students.
Finding A Voice Heather Birkbeck is working with nine females identified by either their tutor, Head of House or drama teacher, as students who would benefit from extra time working on developing their ability to voice their views in public, or they may lack self confidence. It is specifically girls only to encourage them to speak out. What has emerged is that some girls often feel squashed by argumentative girls or overly confident boys and daren’t or don’t speak
Other students have approached Heather saying they are interested in being involved. Lessons will be staggered over the two week timetable so as not to interfere too much with their other subjects.
Later in term five Reach will be working with the girls on a piece of performance work. In September a boys’ group will be set up.
Outreach next term with KS2 the focus will be a scheme of work on performance poetry creating spells hopefully leading to a performance at the school fair in July. This also ties in with Macbeth so is a stepping block from Yr 6 to Yr 7.
Drama Clubs
Monday Drama Club have devised their own scripts and are rehearsing alternative fairy stories which they hope to perform in our feeder schools. Average of 15 attend from Yrs 7 & 8
Thursday Drama Group are working on a movie trailer of Big Brother, it looks at the thoughts and views of Reality TV and will be shown on the Commonweal web site. Average 0f 12 attend from Yrs 7 & 8.
KS4 Drama Club Every lunchtime students are working on GCSE final pieces of their scripted work. 85 students are being seen by their drama teachers on perfecting their performance. The plays range from ‘Godber’s Bouncers,’ to ‘Cage Birds’.
KS3 & KS4 are working towards the play entitled ‘ The Witches’. This happens two to three times a week during lunchtimes and after school.
Music
Clubs
Concert band Work has been aimed at the Spring chamber concert and developing the general musicianship of the group. Attendance is generally excellent with most rehearsals directed by Helen Clements.
Choir Some new faces appeared after the year 7 class singing but some have not stayed…. This will be addressed in the Summer term and numbers built up again. There are still approximately 25 dedicated members who are reliable and work is being done to prepare three songs for the Spring concert on 27 th March.
Jazz band Two groups are now running – senior jazz band (12.35-1pm) and junior jazz band (1pm-1.25pm). This has increased numbers substantially and has encouraged many more KS3 players. There are now 10 players in junior band and 6 in senior band. Both groups will perform in the concert.
Junior band Numbers are at a steady 20 and students are attending regularly. Currently working towards the Spring chamber concert and sounding great!
String group 12 regular members and rehearsals take place on both Friday lunchtime and Monday after school to allow all to attend. We aim to perform at the spring chamber concert.
Flute choir Run by peripatetic flute teacher Jen Bamford on a Monday lunchtime. Numbers have increased and they will be taking part in the Spring concert and have two pieces prepared. They also featured in Natasha Kami’s AS level recital.
Concerts and Events
Riffs gigs There is another Gig on Thursday 29 th March featuring bands from Commonweal school. Attendance at these gigs is huge and they are always a great success thanks to the dedication of Nick Weaver.
Spring Chamber Concert Preparations are underway for the new concert this term. It will feature all the extra-curricular clubs that rehearse every week and will focus on classical/acoustic repertoire rather than bands and singers. We will also be including a performance by Lethbridge School orchestra as well as a couple of year 6 instrumental soloists.
AS level recital Took place on Thursday 15 th March and was very successful. All students performed well and behaviour around school was helpful.
Choir venture The Wessex Concert Orchestra proposition has been postponed. This was due to the orchestra and not our choir. Interest in this event was very high and therefore encouraging. I am in communication with the conductor to set up an event to make use of the Commonweal Choir at a later date.
Now That’s What I Call Commonweal – Vol 2!
Many students have been showing an interest in this new cd and the choir will also be featured on this volume. Concert band are going to hold a recording session with Nick after Easter to record 2 tracks for the CD and therefore the release date will be put back to June. ALS, HSC and Andy Dyer are also due to record a track for the CD.
News from Nick Weaver performing Arts technician
Primary filming and creating DVD for storytelling In coordination with Helen and Andre, I attended storytelling sessions given by the local Black History group, and videoed their performance. This was toward further lessons where the students will create their own stories.
New lighting equipment The lights for 016 and 017 have arrived and I am in the process of organising installing them.
Quotes for upgrading main hall It is hoped to improve the lighting in the Main Hall and go fully digital. I am approaching companies for their quotes and ideas.
Training risk assessment I attended a one day course in London, which was very enjoyable and informing. I have to follow up with an assignment which the company are sending.
Recording winners in Salisbury The Commonweal Music Competition winners were taken to Salisbury to record their tracks. All students were very well behaved and supportive of each other, and we recorded in good time, which meant we could mix on the same day.
Recording GCSE Students Ongoing support of the Music Dept to record students solo and ensemble performances.
Recording for school CD Gradually gathering tracks from various styles toward the CD. This will be a blend of bands, classical, singers, Concert band and Choir.
Red Nose assemblies and concert
A busy week of morning assemblies, with bands performing and culminating in a dinnertime Red Nose concert.
BBC Local Radio visit 27 th March with Nick Weaver, Dave Newton, Josie Williams and 3 yr 7 students Ed Chun, Ed White and Jack. To see how the mechanics of a radio station works to aid development of school radio.
Outreach news from Helen Pysanczyn
Composition - Andre's been working on story telling & music. He had the Black History Group in at Even Swindon and Tom Harris (from the black history group) just telling stories at Robert le Kyng and King Willam Street. The sessions were videoed and the videos will help the children with their performances next term.
Due to timetabling issues, Andre is no longer able to go in to St Lukes. Nick Weaver has taken up the sessions until a Music Co-operative teacher can be found.
Extra curricular . Debbie Lovell is helping Even Swindon children to learn songs from The Lion King for their school production
Woodwind tuition (Robert Le kyng) has been taken on by Laura Styles as 100% of Rhonda Towner's 'free' trial students have continued on the paid scheme.
Brass tuition ( King William St) Laurie Parkinson has done 3 demos to drum up interest but cannot fill the taster sessions. He has therefore not claimed for this time.
Drum tuition. All going well. Comments have been made at Even Swindon that the drum project has noticeably improved social skills and motivation in some children at the school.
Guitar tuition (St Lukes). All going well.
General
HP feels that the music projects as they stand have run their course and need to be rethought. Perhaps this is something that can be done in conjunction with the music department for next year.
Forthcoming events
Playmakers Easter Drama project for Gifted & Talented in association with Sixth Sense Theatre Company and The Wyvern Theatre. Mon 2nd - Sat 7th (performance on the Sat).
Young Shakespeare Company workshops 17th April. Aimed at English and Drama students in Yr 9 to enhance studies.
Ricochet Dance Company workshop all afternoon with GCSE dance students in the Dance Studio.
Swindon Festival Literature Youth Poetry Slam. Final at The Arts Centre Saturday 12th May commencing at 11 am. Workshop in Commonweal to Yr 8 on the morning of May 1st.
Drama exams for Yr 11
April 25th, 26th and 27th. Evening performance date TBC.
The Witches - Drama Production
Eve - Thurs 7 th June.
Eve - Fri 8th June.
Eve & Matinee 9th Sat
