To Create and to Perform is a Gift
“All the world’s a stage and all the men and women merely players. They have their exits and their entrances; and one man in his time plays many parts.” William Shakespear (As You like It).
Continuing the theme of introducing the four new Heads of Faculty, this week I would like to take the opportunity to welcome our new Head of Creative and Performing Arts, Hannah Cotton. Hannah has joined us at a wonderful time as these areas have already been flourishing; she can now build on strong foundations to further student interest and passion. So much is already going on that it is almost impossible to mention everything, but here goes; across the Prep Department, they have been focusing on Music, Drama and Dance, working through themes of outer space, the season and animals with each rotation, culminating in a mini performance shown to their peers to increase confidence, awareness and their skill set. In addition, they are working towards their Winter Musical Showcase, on November 27th, and Christmas Carol services (including both the Southwold and Reydon Christmas Lights switch-on, in conjunction with the Senior Department) in preparation for a busy second half of term.
In the Senior Department, Years 7-9 have been focusing on an introduction to devising, the myths and legends of King Arthur, the works of Bertolt Brecht, and Agamemnon by Euripides. What a wonderfully wide and varied introduction into the world of drama! Meanwhile, the GCSE and A Level students have continued in this theme of diversity of study with a focus on devising miniature performances, the fantastic A Taste of Honey and the works of George Buchner. Through these different genres, they are also exploring lighting, set, costume, props and characterisation, in tandem with reflecting on the social, cultural and political aspects of works studied. There is an academic richness to all of the subjects that fall under the creative and performing banner that can be underestimated at times.
With the Music Department now having nine Apple Macs, Music Technology can begin in its infant stages. A subject that can deepen their understanding of the scientific element of Music, whilst also developing their knowledge of sound engineering, is an exciting proposition and as this area grows, we will consider introducing it as an option at either GCSE or A Level (or both). With the Senior Music Recital on the 4th December and the House Shout next week, there is much to look forward to as the subject goes from strength to strength.
Across all three areas of artistic study (Art, Photography and Textiles), students have been thoroughly engaged in a variety of projects, such as self-portraits (see the image of the work of a Year 9 student), development of thread, batique drawing, and learning new Photoshop editing techniques whilst exploring themes and ideas, such as colour theory, symbolism and the works of Edward Weston. Meanwhile, and as part of the Saint Felix Diploma, Year 5 have thrown themselves into the ISA Art Competition where they chose their favourite subjects to draw. You can see some of their amazing work here and we wish them all the best in the competition.
Art has also taken greater prominence within the co-curricular programme where students have passionately engaged with life-drawing, exploring themes of structure and the anatomy. Dance has also been welcomed into this programme and, in due course, I would like to see us put in place a Dance Studio as well as introducing it as a potential option at both GCSE and A Level. Overall, the
Creative and Performing Arts are playing a central role in the lives of our students, helping them to grow their skills and areas of expertise.
In other news, I was thrilled to welcome my alma mater (The Perse School) on site this week to play Badminton against Saint Felix (U14 and U16 Girls). I was even more delighted with the score; 4-2 victories across both ages against a school with five times as many students. That is a wonderful success, and our thanks go to our amazing badminton coach, Mrs Copestake! You may also have seen our resplendent new flags at the front of school enhancing the welcome journey; our own students have also devised house flags which will appear soon! The Open Morning was a huge success with double the numbers attending compared to last year; as the good word spreads (and thank you for your help), the future looks very positive indeed.
A reminder of our Fireworks Evening on Friday 8th November, and for our students to wear an item of pink on Friday 18th October to raise awareness for Breast Cancer.
With House Shout on Thursday and half-term now just around the corner, it is scarcely believable that we have already completed six weeks.
Thank you for your ongoing support as we continue to introduce so many changes and new initiatives.
Yours sincerely,
Matthew Oakman
Head
