The Salopian - Winter 2021

SCHOOL NEWS 15
young singer commented, “I just can’t wait for Thursday...
Benedict makes singing really fun and we get to do funny
actions with our singing too.” At the time of writing, we are
planning to host a performance later in the term for parents,
governors and friends of The Grange Primary, with songs
from Hosannah Rock.
Harmony, and hope to fundraise for charity by performing in
the town centre later in the term. At Christmas they plan to
provide some musical accompaniment to the annual delivery
of festive gifts to those in hospital or in care.
New this year is the opportunity to sing in a scratch choir.
We are working in partnership with The Grange Primary
School, with the whole of Year 5. With our Head of Chapel
Choir Benedict Wilson
taking the lead in
characteristically
energetic and
enthusiastic fashion,
the group is gaining
proficiency and shape,
and, most importantly of
all, the children are all
thoroughly enjoying their
weekly visits. As one
DANCE
No sooner had we opened our new Dance Studio, part
of the Barnes Theatre, than we were looking to share
the facility with the wider community. Contacts with The
Grange Primary School, part of the Marches Academy
Trust, led to a group of young Year 4 pupils coming across
town every Thursday for fun dance sessions with our Head
of Dance, Sian Archer, accompanied by brilliant students
Charlotte and James, who together have conveyed their
passion and expertise. One visitor commented: “Dance
is great! I’m enjoying having a dance teacher to show me
new moves.” Clearly the feeling is mutual, as Sian notes:
“It has been brilliant having the dance studio full of young
and energetic children. Each week they show me their best
dance moves and do it all with a big smile on their faces.”
The group is practising jazz dance and building towards a
showcase performance next term of excerpts from ‘A Night
at the Movies’.
We will also be holding our first ever Dance Workshop Day
later in the Michaelmas Term, bringing together children from
Years 5 - 8 from both independent and maintained schools.
They will have workshops in various dance styles and
choreography, leading to a performance for their parents at
the end of the day.
All of our partnership work in art, dance and music is
designed to share opportunity and to spark new passions.
It has been made possible thanks to the dedication and
generosity of staff and pupils at the School who are giving
freely of their time around their already busy routines. The
same is true for the teachers at our partner schools. Their
hard work each week (and behind the scenes inbetween
times) has helped make this happen. We look forward to
more fun and creativity into the future.