21st December 2012 - Sir John Lawes School

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Year 13 went to see The Curious Incident of the dog in the night time as part of the NT Live programme at Hatfieldcinema an experience which fed their unit 3 devised project “fixation” which was performed with intensity andmenace at the end of term. Year 12 endured a five hour theatre practitioners’ conference at the National Theatreand then were treated to One Man Two Guvnors at The Royal Haymarket with one of the funniest set pieces Ihave ever seen involving a fire extinguisher!All in all 2012 was an incredible year for Drama and Performance that would impress even the hardest heartededucation policy maker and modern-day scrooge!? Thank you to all our supportive staff and parents who helpmake productions happen – you know who you are!Mr T Armitage / Head of DramaA CHRISTMAS CAROL REVIEWMarley might have been dead tobegin with, but the Sir John Lawesschool hall was alive and well withthe spirit of Christmas on Friday 7 thDecember, as Melody Britton’slavish production of ‘A ChristmasCarol’ led us through a winter’s talecharged with familiarity and festivecheer, in its swan song outing of athree night run.Powering the story’s trajectory withmasterful ease, Jack Pannamanproved a perfect choice forScrooge, traversing Ebenezer’semotional rollercoaster withconfidence and style, and elicitingfrom the audience the mostbewildering blend of sympathy andloathing.Rory Glass, who delightedaudiences in ‘Hairspray’ and‘Adrian Mole’ last year with his impeccable comic timing, was barely recognisable in the role of Jacob Marley,trading mirth for melancholy as Scrooge’s recently deceased partner. Sophie Caplan and Kirsty Dolby made aformidable deathly duo in the role of Ghosts of Christmas Past, appearing in unflinching, unnerving silhouettebefore taking Scrooge on a journey of reflection and self-discovery.The clock struck two, and shadows of the past made way for a decidedly different spectre, as Ellie Lewis appearedas the Ghost of Christmas Present, determined to educate Scrooge in the true spirit of Christmas. Those whoremember Ellie’s portrayal of the frighteningly foul Amber Von Tussle in ‘Hairspray’ last year were doubtlessrelieved to see her taking centre stage, full of smiles and season’s greetings.Just as Scrooge seemed to be warming to the idea of parlour games and turkey dinners, we were swept into thefuture, as Alex Button took to the stage as the menacingly mute Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. With his slow,sinister gesturing and ominous head nodding, Alex delivered a terrifying performance without uttering a singleword, showing Scrooge the consequences of a life misspent.Of course, what Dickens story would be complete without a host of memorable characters played by a talentedgroup of young actors? Aidan Alexander blurred the line between exasperated employee and doting dad withcharm and ease, in the role of Bob Cratchit. Ben Douglas, last seen as the bad-tempered Bert Baxter in ‘AdrianMole’, trod the boards once more in the roles of the effervescent Mr. Fezziwig and the disreputable dealer, OldJoe. In a nod to an audition process that saw our talented female cohort come out in droves, Scrooge’s nephewbecame his niece, ably navigated by Claire Leith, while Scrooge’s love interest, Belle, was played with realcompassion and sensitivity by Hannah Sweeney. Chorus lines and walk on parts were expertly brought to life by anumber of talented Year 8, 9, 10 and 11 students, while the courageous Harvey Mihill (Year 7), made his Sir JohnLawes acting debut in the coveted role of Tiny Tim.And yes, even in the most traditional of tales, there’s always room for laughs. Andrew David, who also playedScrooge’s niece’s partner, turned in a hilariously hard-boiled performance as Scrooge’s old headmaster, MikeyHayes enjoyed several scene-stealing moments in various guises, while Ryan Ginger and Ella Green played forlaughs in an altogether audacious party scene. Uproarious laughter was reserved, however, for Sir John Lawes’newest comedy duo, Adam Wilmshurst and Patrick Brine. Fresh from their father and son antics in ‘Adrian Mole’,the hilarious pair were back on form as the two portly gentlemen, who make the mistake of calling upon the not-socharitableEbenezer Scrooge on Christmas Eve.
Mark Farrar and his team of technical wizards were on hand, yet again, to transform the hall into the streets ofVictorian London, while music was provided by the enchanting harmonies of Ellie Lewis, Anna Stevens, SarahHunt, Rebecca Skillman and Emily Wright. A magical night of theatre was enjoyed by all, proving that sometimesthe hottest ticket in town is often found on your own doorstep. Merry Christmas, everyone!Mr. MacCannYOUNG ENTERPRISE IN THE 6 TH FORMThis year there are 3 Young Enterprise Companies in the 6 th form. They haveattended workshops at PWC St Albans. They have all been busy selling theirproduce in the run up to Christmas. Unfortunately due to the Farmers marketbeing cancelled in November, when they each had a stall, they lost out on agood day .They have however made the most of other opportunities such asWheathampstead ‘Lights’ and you may have seen all 3 groups at the school play ‘Christmas Carol’. One of thecompanies ‘La Lettre’ will be at the Farmers market on Sunday 23 rd December. Do have a look out for them andmaybe purchase some last minute Christmas presents!We look forward to an ‘Enterprising’ New Year.With grateful thanks to our business advisors whom give up their time to help, Andrew Marr, Alison McLaughlinand Yolanda Rugg.Mrs Susan Griffiths Link TeacherLIBRARY NEWSBig Challenge – how many books have you read this year?This has been a busy term, especially with a big push for the Big Challenge. We have 18 people who havecompleted 52 books already! Remember, you have until the end of December to read as many as you can – 26gets bronze, 39 gets silver and 52 gets gold! The last 2012 Big Challenge party was Wednesday 19 December.Please hand in your sheets with the books you have read, immediately after the holidays.Red House Children’s book award.We have 30 students who have been reading one of the shortlists for the Red House annual children’s bookaward, which is an award based entirely on young people’s votes. There is a shortlist of three books for each of 3age groups. At Sir John Lawes, we have groups reading and voting for books in the older two categories. Studentshave until 25 January to read a shortlist of three books. For further information about the award, see:http://www.redhousechildrensbookaward.co.uk/shortlist/indexAnd for anyone who is doing the Big Challenge, these books may also be counted towards your Big Challengetotal, until the end of the year!Blood Red RoadThis is the first of a trilogy by Moira Young, a new author who strides the border in fantasy fiction between teenand adult fiction. The publishers, Scholastic, are running a book review competition, for which the prize will be anauthor visit to the winner’s school. So, if you are looking for a good read, why not try this, and write a review?ChristmasAs usual, we had a mix of Christmas activities in the library, from a chain of favourite books/authors/characters, toMystery Santas to an Advent quiz, based on Christmas themed books and poems.The Advent quiz has a closing date of 7 January and is open to individuals, groups, forms and families. Link hereto the quiz and answer sheet, which also includes a list of books and poems, which may help you. Edible prize!Mrs Johnson, LibrarianSPORTS ROUND UPAs always it has been a long, busy and successful term in the world of Sport and PE for the students at SJL. Ourteams and individual sporting stars have been committed and passionate in all sports including cross country,football, rugby, netball, hockey and basketball playing in competitions and a range of friendly matches againstlocal schools.
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21st December 2012 - Sir John Lawes School

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