Page 13 - Androvian2021

PERFORMING ARTS | 11
A forward-thinking seaside prep school in an enviable location with a focus on bringing out the best in all children and developing creativity, thinking skills and self-expression.”
Muddy Stilettos, the online guide
Years 5 to 8, the Pre-Prep and Nursery stepped up to the plate with their Nativities at Christmas, with a naughty sheep, a story about a grumpy camel
and a big star! Meanwhile the Juniors performed a spectacular toe-tapping nativity‘It’s a Party’with theYear 4 actors in full costume on the Durlacher stage supported by the colourfulYear 3 chorus. All nativities were filmed for parents to watch at home.
The Drama Masterclass was wonderfully active again this year. Seventeen pupils took on the challenge of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Owing to COVID restrictions, we converted a theatre performance into a film - an interesting and educational experience for the performers and a
great opportunity to try an alternative medium with its different demands
and advantages.The pupils rose to the challenge very well and the resulting film was produced to an extraordinary quality.
Yes, there’s a global pandemic, but we have still been running external exams with 65 music and 78 LAMDA entries ranging from entry to Grade 6 level.The pupils achieved an outstanding pass rate and results included an impressive Grade 6 bronze medal class inYear 8 LAMDA and a Music Grade
5 distinction in Year 6. Both of these accomplishments carry UCAS points.
We are also very proud of our
Year 8 pupils who gained scholarships
to Eastbourne College (Poppy Campion, Dominic Muschialli and Apple van der
Meer for drama and Jasmine Andrade- Lee for music) and King’s Bruton (Olive Evans for drama).
Within the Performing Arts department we were sorry to say goodbye to Gaby Taylor who taught
guitar with us for many years and we
wish her well and thank you to Kris Jones’ contribution as our cover trumpet teacher.
Above all I would like to thank all the pupils and staff who worked tirelessly all year to keep performing.We had some truly wonderful moments and I am looking forward to the year ahead with, hopefully, a return to more live performance for our audiences.
Robert Cousins, Director of Music and the Performing Arts