As Christmas zooms into focus we can reflect with pride on the plethora of exciting arts projects we have delivered this term. Thanks are extended to all students, staff, governors, parents and patrons for their continued enthusiasm and support.

Yr 11 Work Experience Pilot Project . Nov 2nd - 10th School Objectives 1,2,6 A unique and foxy work experience project was on offer recently for nine students from The Commonweal School. This pilot was a partnership between the school, Connect Four, an arm of Theatreworks, and professional company Big State Theatre.

The nine Year 11 students worked for seven days with Big State to create their own theatre company. This culminated with a performance to an invited audience and workshops with Year 10, the latter being lead by the schools head of drama Heather Birkbeck. The idea behind the project was to give the students the opportunity to experience creating a theatre company and all it entails. This included coming up with a company name, a mission statement, filling in a grant application forms, developing ideas for scripts, plot development, multimedia, staging, lighting and sound techniques. Each student was allocated a task from director to publicity officer and the latter had to role play their tasks to theatre managers in order to book a tour. Visits to The Arc Theatre in Trowbridge, The Phoenix Theatre in New College and Studio One in the Wyvern were on the itinerary. Partners Theatre under the umbrella of Reach Inclusive Arts watched the performance at The Wyvern after the first performance at the school the day before.

Watch The Fox was the name chosen for the young peoples theatre company. The play entitled 'Deadline' charts the experiences of an unfortunate work experience girl, lost in a Television Studio where everyone seems oblivious to her existence, until something goes wrong when she naturally gets the blame.

"The students from Commonweal were exceptional. They listened to what was said, were enthusiastic and very focused. They were a pleasure to work with." Mark Bishop, Big State Theatre.

"It was really good, a real insight into how a company works. It helped us understand how to do things a lot better and get a professional perspective on work in theatre." Lianna Pim age 15

"We definitely recommend it, especially if it's with Big State, because they make it fun and they treat you like adults!" Henry Meridith age 15.

Watch The Fox Theatre presented 'Deadline' at The Commonweal School Evening of Entertainment on Thursday 23 rd November. Three cast members appeared Graham Seaman's show on BBC Wiltshire Sound on Thursday Dec 7th . They have also featured in the Swindon Advertiser, half page colour spread, and will also appear in the glossy SecEd in January.

Yr Gambia/Africa Cultural Focus Day. Nov 9th School Objectives 1,3,4,5,6 Flavours of the Gambia unfolded at The Commonweal School when the school held a multi cultural day for year 7. The entire of the year group
( 221) were off normal timetable to participant in dance, drama, music, art and food workshops.

The students had a thoroughly enjoyable day and learnt about the culture of
this unique and friendly country. Many of the artists are from our local Gambian community and came to inform and lead vibrant performing arts related activities.Music and dance are an integral part of everyday culture in
the Gambia.

Commented Dominic Persinger, age 11, "I now understand more about the Gambian culture like how they live, their music which is done for different events. I liked the folk tale drama workshop and the drums best."

The folk tale workshop was led by drama specialist Debs Browning using genuine artefacts she had gathered from her recent visit to the Gambia. The students brought a Gambian folk tale to life using props and costumes and things you would find in everyday life in a Gambian market.

Commented Pamodou Sowe from Rhythmworks,"The children were very well behaved and were interested in drumming. They understood the cultures behind the drums and had good techniques in tone and slap."

The food demonstrations were a definite hit. Each class learnt about the different types of vegetables, how they are grown and why they mainly had fish and rice due to the family size, price, plus the unreliable electric system.

"We found the children were very interested and asked a lot of questions about why they ate the food they did. The children and staff found it interesting the way the men and women eat from separate bowls and in different areas and also they have to have permission from the oldest member round the bowl this is due to respect and religion. We told the children that because they were being Gambians for the day they had to eat like the Gambians this meant that they had to eat with there right hand and not there left this is due to the fact that they clean them selves with the other hand some of the children knew the reason behind this and some found it very funny." Nicola Dambelly food workshop

Commented Jamie Lewis , age 11, "I really enjoyed the Gambian cooking lesson. I have asked Mum if she could go and buy me a water melon for my break times. The bits I enjoyed the most was being able to use my hands instead of a knife and fork and being the oldest so I had to tell the other when they were allowed to eat." Many thanks to the Swindon Advertiser for the half page colour spread.

Gambia Visit. We live in a much smaller world these days and naturally schools are encouraged to think about global citizenship and cultural exchange. Most schools run cultural days but the ultimate experience must be actually visiting a country far different from our own.

The Commonweal School, a Performing Arts College in Old Town, Swindon, Wiltshire did just that in the last term break when 21 students and 4 staff flew to the Gambia for an alternative cultural experience. Since their return the students have hosted presentations to the rest of the school to give them a flavour of life in this African country. On the evening of Wednesday 6 th December the students and staff delivered a presentation and drumming performance to parents and siblings to again share their experiences and thoughts of which there are very many!

Students learnt basic Mandinka phrases and visited local pre-schools to deliver workshops in puppet performance, mask making, song sharing and mural painting. Commonweal students took part in Gambian drumming sessions delivered by local people and then went to the market to buy drums to take home. The students then performed techniques learnt to the school on their return. This was organised by Sue Derrick Head of Performing Arts. Thank you to the Swindon Advertiser for their full colour double page spread.

Ensemble Day Sat Nov 11th Community Objective 5 To increase access to high quality practical music experiences and to provide rehearsal spaces, and access to music technology for evening and weekend use and associated technical support.This community experience was organised and delivered by Helen Pysanczyn.

The day long course was held in the music department and in four classrooms in our school. This culminated with a final performance which parents were invited to attend. The pieces were recorded by our performing arts technician Nick Weaver. 19 students with an age range of between 11 - 16 from Swindon schools and 3 girls from Exeter were the participants.

There were 3 qualified music teachers on duty throughout the day: Susanne Jung (flute); Nicola Farr (clarinet) and Helen Pysanczyn (clarinet & saxophone). Also the skills of a qualified accompanist for part of the day (Mrs Shelley Morgan LLCM. ALCM. Grad. CIPD).

The aims were to increase access to high quality practical music as an out of hours experience. To enable the community to work with professionals. To provide techniques in improvisation. Enhanced teamwork and a performance opportunity.

 6 th Sense No Direction Home 13th & 15th Nov School Objectives 1,2,5. Delivered by one of our highly acclaimed partners, this new production follows the story of three brothers and sisters, their estranged relationships and how they come to terms with the legacy of their parents' troubles separation when they were children. Now as adults the siblings are forced to address some unfinished business.

With 41% of British marriages predicted to end in divorce, Sixth Sense's new creative theatre production uses carefully crafted theatre to explore a common and unexplored issue of the impact of divorce and separation, especially on the children and young people involved. The show was watched by 120 Yr 8s on 13 th Nov and 92 Yr 10s on 15 th Nov.

Children In Need lunchtime gig 17th Nov Community Objective 5 Children In Need Benefit gig held at school raised £114.65 for this annual charity event. "Fantastic entertainment for a  very good cause. 228 students attended and were very appreciative in their applause." Keith Defter Headteacher.

Drama Billy Elliot trip Nov 22nd School Objective 2 . Organised by the Drama Dept to enhance the GCSE curriculum. Staged at the Victoria Palace in London the trip was attended by 47 Yr 10 & Yr 11 students.

Evening of Entertainment Nov 23rd School Objective 1, 4,6 Community Objective 1,5 The night was vibrant, the atmosphere bubbling as over 100 Commonweal students performed a showcase of their talents to a packed house. From music to dance and drama the annual Evening of Entertainment proved to be yet another stunning success. This year the general calibre of talent was notable with exceptional performances from across the year groups.

"The rehearsals were fun and the atmosphere on the night was amazing, I really enjoyed it and it was a real confidence boost." Holly Workman age 15.

"A student to watch out for in the future is Carine Conway age 12 who sang two beautiful renditions of the late Eva Cassidy's 'Wayfaring Stranger' and 'Autumn Leaves'. This young lady with the right breaks is going places! Catherine Johnson age 14 and Emily Wood age 15 both did high quality dance solos, effortless they seemed and exceptionally professional." Josie Williams Community Arts Development Officer.

Commented Carine, age 12 "I sang a bit before I came to Commonweal but the school has encouraged me to do more. I love singing, the concert was really exciting. I like Commonweal because it's a Performing Arts College and I can get involved with lots of stuff!"

" "It was an absolute privilege to attend the annual Evening of Entertainment at Commonweal School this week.  The variety and quality of song, dance, music, drama and comedy was inspiring.  The team at the school are obviously dedicated to encouraging developing and promoting the talent there.  The school deservedly carries its Performing Arts Status.  It remains an honour to be a Patron of the school."    Shirley Ludford - Broadcaster and Media Trainer.

The evening came to a close when the school's top rock band The Alfonz ,who are Sam Lee, Adam Wiltshire and Charlie Rowe and are all in year 11, emerged on stage amidst clouds of dry ice. They bought the house down with their self penned song 'Hey' with its complex breaks, chord changes and sheer showmanship.The crowd roared, the performers bowed and the glitz returned to its box as 250 people made their way home.

Commented Adam Wiltshire, age 16. "The performance was a real buzz as the audience were very receptive. We rehearse at Commonweal Rock School and because of the support we get, rehearsals, lots of performance opportunities it is helping us move forward. It's just great here!" Thank you to the Swindon Advertiser for their full page colour spread.

School Objective 3,6 Community Objective 5 This is 16 original tracks by students and staff. CDs are £5 each and are available from the Finance Office. Profits to school funds. This was recorded by Nick Weaver our technician.

"It's been a really exciting opportunity and a great confidence boost." Issy Williams, age 12.

"It just gets better and better!" Charlotte Capitanchick, age 12.

"Just think what we will be like in twenty years!" Julia Gaffney age 12

Youth Justice Week film/drama launch Nov 24th at New College School Objective 1,2,6 Peer pressure, body image and the misuse of drugs were themes which were  portrayed in a short film and play by Swindon youths on Friday (November 24) to mark Inside Justice Week.

The presentation included an issue based  film, made by six  Yr 9 students from The Commonweal School and a play by a class of New College Btec Drama students. In total  over a 100 youths aged between 10-17  contributed to help  young people understand and think about the consequences of their actions, all of whom come from different community backgrounds, in addition to brownies, scouts and students.

Members of the public, the Mayor of Swindon Cllr Mike Bawden, and senior representatives from criminal justice agencies in Swindon were invited to the event, which was organised by Swindon's Youth Offending Team (YOT).
Kevin Leaning, Head of Service at the Youth Offending Team, said: "The Youth Offending Team  welcomed the opportunity to host an event featuring the work of so many young people themselves, and in such different formats. I never cease to be amazed just how enthusiastic and hard working young people
can be."

Cllr Garry Perkins, Cabinet Member for Children Services, said: "Lots of young people have been involved in showcasing their talents for this event. They have demonstrated to us that they are hard workers, motivated and committed in achieving goals and we should applaud their excellent efforts.
"The Swindon YOT is one of the borough's beacons of success in terms of its overall performance, and it has just emerged from an inspection with a very positive report."

As part of the lead up to Friday's event, students from Swindon College visited the courts to see behind the scenes, meet magistrates, and experience real life cases. For more information, contact the YOT on 01793 823153.

Dance Plan 2006 - 2007

Term 1 and 2

• Evening of entertainment Objective 1,4,6. Community Objective 1,5

Term 3 and 4

• Performance trip to Swindon Dance .Target, GCSE and Lunchtime club members. School Objective 4
• Move It event London target GCSE, Y9s with interest of Dance as GCSE option and Lunch time club members School Objective 4

Term 5 and 6

• Performance opportunity for GCSE dance and clubs eg old town festival / summer fair. School Objective 4
• Day of Dance for Y6 outreach pupils and other feeder schools (including GCSE and Y10 PE dancers) at commonweal school School Objective 4

2007 - 2008

 Term 1 and 2

• Christmas dance show for year 6 outreach pupils include GCSE (including Y11 mock pieces) Y9, Y10 PE, Lunch clubs. School Objective 4
• Evening of entertainment Objective 1, 4,6. Community Objective 1,5
• Evening of entertainment School Objective 4

 Term 3 and 4

• Performance Trip for GCSE dance students lunchtime club members School Objective 4
• Move It event London for GCSE, lunch club members and Y9s interested in Dance option for GCSE School Objective 4

Term 5 and 6

• Evening of Dance - GCSE Y11 exam pieces Y10 GCSE pieces - small scale - in dance studio for parents / friends. School Objective 4
• Musical - Music, Drama, Dance 70% Commonweal students 30% feeder schools. Our students suggested Grease or Fame. Community Objective 1,2

2008 -2009

 Term 1 and 2

• Christmas dance show for year 6 outreach pupils include GCSE (including Y11 mock pieces) Y9, Y10 PE, Lunch clubs. School Objective 4
• Evening of entertainment Objective 1, 4,6. Community Objective 1,5

Term 3 and 4

• Performance Trip for GCSE dance students lunchtime club members School Objective 4
• Move It event London for GCSE, lunch club members and Y9s interested in Dance option for GCSE School Objective 4

Term 5 and 6

• Evening of Dance - GCSE Y11 exam pieces Y10 GCSE pieces - small scale - in dance studio for parents / friends. School Objective 4
• Musical - Music, Drama, Dance 70% Commonweal students 30% feeder schools Community Objective 1,2

Dance outreach update Dec 2006 by Louise Blake. School Objective 4

 King William Street School: In curriculum time, 45 mins per week Y6. Working on 60s dance that links to their class topic. We are using the 60’s dance to choreograph the 60s fashion show they are having in December for their parents.

 Robert Le Kyng school: After school club 1 hour per week Y5 & 6. Working on 60s dance that links into their class topic. We are using the 60s dance to create a piece for their Christmas show.

Even Swindon: I am in the process of arranging regular weekly sessions with this school to start in January with Y6. The school is 2 class entry, so we are also looking at providing regular dance (1/2 hour) for both classes, or doing a term with each class.

Music Plan 2006 – 2007

Term 1 and 2

• Open evening - Community Objective 5
• Prize giving - Community Objective 5
• Benefit gig - Community Objective 5
• Lunchtime concerts - Community Objective 5
• Evening of entertainment - matinee School Objective 6. Community Objective 5
• Evening of entertainment Community Objective 5
• Carol service -18 th Dec Community Objective 5
• Lethbridge Carol service - 19 th Dec Community Objective 5
• Carols in the gym - 21 st Dec Community Objective 5
• School assembly - 22 nd Dec Community Objective 5

Term 3 and 4

• GCSE/AS concert - Tuesday 6 th March. Community Objective 5
• Inter-house music week - 12 th-16 th Feb School Objective 6,Community Objective 5
• Spring chamber concert - 27 th March Community Objective 2,5
• Busking - TBA. Community Objective 5
• Trip Colston Hall, Bristol to see the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. January 18 th. Community Objective 5

Term 5 and 6

• The Witches School Objective 6,Community Objective 5
• Summer Fayre concerts 7 th July Community Objective 2, 5

Including a yr6 choir performance through outreach work.

• Yr6 challenge day 12 th July Community Objective 2
• Yr 6 induction days lunchtime gigs - 25 th & 26 th June Community Objective 2

 2007 - 2008

 Term 1 and 2

• Music assembly for all yr7s first 2 weeks of term Community Objective 5
• Yr7 gala evening Community Objective 5

Combine with art, dance and music for a short evening.

• Open evening Community Objective 5
• Prize giving Community Objective 5
• Benefit gig Community Objective 5
• Lunchtime concerts Community Objective 5
• Evening of entertainment and matinee School Objective 6Community Objective 5
• Evenings of entertainment Community Objective 5
• First week of December (6 th/7 th Dec) involving some Christmas items. 2 nights, with slightly different program each night. Community Objective 5

Term 3 and 4

• GCSE/AS concert - Community Objective 5
• Inter-house music week - Community Objective 5
• Concert band tour to Paris -Half term Community Objective 5
• Spring chamber concert - Community Objective 2, 5

Term 5 and 6

• Production (Suggestions from dept in Little shop of horrors or Guys and Dolls 1 st week of July Community Objective 1,2, 5

Matinee to yr6. 3 or 4 night run of show. Use the wyvern or New College theatre for performances.

• Summer Fayre concerts Community Objective 2, 5 Including yr6 choir performance.

• Yr6 challenge day – Community Objective 2, 5
• Yr 6 induction days lunchtime gigs - Community Objective 2,5

2008-2009

 Term 1 and 2

• Music assembly for all yr7s first 2 weeks of term Community Objective 5
• Yr7 gala evening Community Objective 5

Combine with art, dance and music for a short evening.

• Open evening Community Objective 5
• Prize giving Community Objective 5
• Benefit gig Community Objective 5
• Lunchtime concerts Community Objective 5
• Evening of entertainment and matinee School Objective 6Community Objective 5
• Evenings of entertainment Community Objective 5
• First week of December (6 th/7 th Dec) involving some Christmas items. 2 nights, with slightly different program each night. Community Objective 5

Term 3 and 4

• GCSE/AS concert - Community Objective 5
• Inter-house music week - Community Objective 5
• Concert band tour to Paris - Half term Community Objective 5
• Spring chamber concert - Community Objective 2, 5

Term 5 and 6

• Musical Production 1 st week of July Community Objective 1,2, 5 Matinee to yr6. 3 or 4 night run of show. Use the wyvern or New College theatre for performances.

• Summer Fayre concerts Community Objective 2, 5 Including yr6 choir performance.
  
• Yr6 challenge day Community Objective 2, 5
• Yr 6 induction days lunchtime gigs - Community Objective 2,5

Music Outreach "All on target." Helen Pysanczyn - Out Reach Co-ordinator.

Community Objective 2 .All primary schools who took part in the Xmas CD project have received a copy of the master so they can reproduce copies for sale for their own school if desired. This was driven by Andre Pysanczyn and Nick Weaver. Tracks are:-

Robert le King 'Take a little snow'
Robert le King 'Our Christmas list'
King William Street 'Peace and Tranquility'
Even Swindon 'The Christmas Spirit'
Even Swindon 'In our Christmas stocking'
Even Swindon choir 'Ring Ring', 'Down the chimney,' 'Like a candle flame.'
Commonweal choir 'The First Noel'

Community Objective 1. Commonweal School is supplying lights and sound equipment for King William Primary Christmas Production of Scrooge on 19 th and 20 th December, one afternoon and two evening performances. "This will really develop the quality of our production. We could operate the lights ourselves and the music, or if you have students and technicians who would like the experience of working on a primary production, they would be more than welcome to help. We had envisaged having the lights and sound for the whole week before (11 th December) onwards so that our Y6 children could get used to working with the lights and music." Said Simon Burrell Headteacher

Performing Arts Technician Nick Weaver: "Having nearly completed a year in this position, I hope I have been useful and added to students experience of the arts, and supportive to teachers. The role has created itself as I discover the needs of a school, and enhance the work that is done by the teachers by using my skills and acquired knowledge to help them attain their goals.

Through Rock School, the school CD project and my work with the primary schools, I have been able encourage the students creativity.

With the changing of staff in the music department, I am now being kept busy recording students GCSE work and special projects (ie Adverts and Film music). I work closely with Mrs Sutcliffe and Miss Clements to support their goals for the music department.

I have also begun making connections with our feeder schools by supplying and operating equipment, and working with pupils on creative projects (eg writing a Christmas song).

Rock School: With approximately 40 students using Rock School, dinnertimes and after school sessions are busy. The younger bands are finding their feet and there has been some rearranging of members as they try to work together.

The more experienced students have been able to create some original material which they are performing at our regular concerts at Riffs Bar, which is a very supportive local music venue, and also through the Swindon Rock School gigs at the Furnace Public House. These have been very popular with both the musicians and school audiences that attend.

Special needs gig: 4 students from the PI unit signed up for Rock School, so we created a band and have been working on songs that they suggested. We were approached by the Swindon Rock School to participate in a special needs concert at the Citifaith building in the centre of town. The evening was a fantastic success and our pupils performed 4 pieces, solo and as a group.

Dinnertime concerts: We have had a number of concerts which included school rock bands, vocalist/soloists and the jazz band. These are to give the pupils who show promise, the opportunity to experience performing to an audience, and to encourage those watching to see what can be done with dedication and focus.

Lights/ sound in main hall:To help with making the main hall more user friendly for not only myself but those that hire the space, it was agreed for me to upgrade access to the sound and lights. We now have speaker points and digital DMX light input from a position at the rear of the hall (allowing us to use the new lighting desk instead of the older analogue model).

Further improvements for the Drama rooms 016 and 017 have been agreed in principle and equipment is currently on order. "