Headlines - 3 May 2024

HEADLINES 3rd May 2024

By James Saunders

‘GENIUS IS ONE PERCENT INSPIRATION AND NINETY-NINE PERCENT PERSPIRATION’.

It has been an amazing week of talent; a real reminder of the payoffs and rewards on offer when you commit yourself and work really hard. It is also an example of what young people can really achieve when they throw themselves fully into something.

Our C9 and C10 Brilliant Club learners have received their results and an invitation to a graduation event at Selwyn College, Cambridge. They will have an opportunity to tour the college, view the ancient buildings and traditions that date back centuries and eat in the Harry Potteresque dining hall. The day will culminate in them receiving their graduation certificates. Everyone did a fantastic job and six of them received a 1st - a fantastic achievement. The graduation day is a recognition of the additional work these learners have completed over the last few months. This work has been on top of their regular studies and commitments and has required discipline and dedication to complete. I have learnt a great deal about the impact of climate change on biodiversity and ecosystems around the world.

This week has also been our production week. I hope that you had a chance to see our learners perform in Little Shop of Horrors. Little Shop has always been a favourite of mine; I can only describe it as imaginative and bonkers. The performance was fantastic and didn’t disappoint. But I knew that coming in because our learners always deliver on creativity. What was not seen on the night, a bit like the Brilliant Club, was the hard work that led up to the performance. I know that many learners have been giving up their evenings and weekends to prepare. Staff have been doing the same. I am sure that some families have had to support hours of

rehearsals. It is again another example of dedication, discipline, commitment and sheer hard work above and beyond the school day.

This type of work ethic is what breeds success. It is easy for us to focus on talent and think that we can’t measure up. If we just look at the end product we miss out all of the hard work that goes into creating that. If we think that it is only about talent we will never achieve. There is a much quoted phrase that ‘genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration’. Perspiration comes as a result of hard work, of not giving up. The talent then follows.

I wish you all a great weekend

James Saunders

HONYWOOD SCHOOL’S “LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS”

Honywood School’s rendition of “Little Shop of Horrors” proved to be an unforgettable theatrical experience, showcasing an impressive display of talent, creativity, and dedication from both the cast and crew.

The audience were transported into the quirky and mysterious world of Skid Row. The set design was a standout feature, seamlessly blending urban grit with a touch of whimsy, effectively setting the stage for the unfolding drama.

The cast delivered stellar performances across the board, bringing the beloved characters to life with gusto and authenticity. Seymour, performed by Nathan Humphreys, portrayed with endearing awkwardness and charm, captured the audience’s

hearts with his journey from humble florist to reluctant hero. Audrey, performed by Tilly Moxham, with her sweet demeanor and poignant vulnerability, was equally captivating, evoking both laughter and empathy from the audience.

Otti Cousins’ fabulous man-eating plant, Audrey II, was a true highlight of the show. Through impressive puppetry and vocal prowess, Audrey II commanded the stage with an ominous presence, adding a thrilling sense of danger and excitement to the production. Freya Hutchinson’s performance of Mushnik was another fantastic example of great characterisation and powerful singing. The Ronnette’s beautiful harmonies and storytelling throughout the show were provided by Tiffany Turner, Beth Whitehead, Charley Omondi, Lacey Fitzpatrick, Jazzmin Goold and Scarlet Burks. Will Lebaga portrayed the evil dentist Orin with a cool, laid back approach and had the audience laughing aloud.

The musical numbers were a highlight of the show, accompanied by a live band and expertly performed with infectious energy and enthusiasm. From the catchy tunes of “Skid Row” to the soulful ballad of “Suddenly Seymour,” each song was delivered with passion and enthusiasm, leaving the audience tapping their feet and humming along.

Overall, Honywood School’s production of “Little Shop of Horrors” was a resounding success, showcasing the immense talent and creativity of the performers and the creative team behind the scenes. With its infectious energy, memorable performances, and stunning production values, it left audiences eagerly anticipating the next theatrical endeavor from Honywood School. A huge well done to everyone involved in the production, you should be extremely proud of yourself and the efforts you have all put in.

Mr Philpott Subject Leader for Expressive Arts

THE CAST

Alex Gray

Alice Condron

Beth Whitehead

Charley Omondi

Charlotte Pritchard

Chloe Dumbrell

Elvie Foster

Freya Hutchinson

Ivy Murkowski

Jack Hill

Jazzmin Goold

Kaebreyan Flahrerty-Webb

Kelly Chenery

Lacey Fitzpatrick

Lexi Jones

Liam Haylock

Liam Smith

Lily Davies

Mary McLeod

Micah Melvin

Nathan Humphries

Otti Cousens

Riley Gould

Rowan Glenister

Scarlett Burks

Sophie Nichol

Summer Morgan- Brooks

Tiffany Turner

Tilly Moxham

Will Lebaga

Stage crew

Amarissa Bilbeisi

Charlie Engelbrecht

Calan Argent

Theo Last

Sophie Collard

Well done to Phoebe Fairbairn! Phoebe went to Geneva last weekend to compete in an international dance competition. She was invited to take part in the competition squad whilst recently in France. The group won first place and best choreography for their routine and their dance school won the overall Grand Prix prize. A fantastic event and outcome. Well done Phoebe!

Congratulations to Liam Haylock and Riley Gould, whose team Braintree Town Irons won the Blackwater and Dengie U12 Cup Final on Sunday.

Braintree came back from two nil down to take the game to extra time and won 3-2, a deserved win and a strong performance in defence from Liam and Riley. Well done to both.

Congratulations to Thomas Smy (C8). Thomas attending the UKTMA Majorette Nationals Championships at the Weekend. He qualified for 5 routines via a number of Regional Competitions held between September 23 and March 24. Thomas went out on the floor and competed for his routines. He was feeling very nervous. However, when it was time for the presentation Thomas was delighted to get a place in the top 3. He placed 1st in all of his routines bringing home 5 trophies plus a Runner Up Trophy for a special routine he took part in. Well Done Thomas.

Well done to Owen and Lucas in C11! This season, Owen Johnson (captain) and Lucas Steele have been playing for Ipswich Town in the Junior Premier League. They won their league with 2 games to go, which meant 2 weeks ago they travelled to Oxford for a Regional play off final. Again they won, and were crowned the Midlands Regional Champions. Last weekend they travelled to Warwick University to compete in the National Finals Day, competing against the 11 other top teams in the country. Although they finished in 7th place, it was a great achievement for them in the teams 1st season together. Well done to both boys!

THANKS

To the following learners for suppoorting the Safeguarding Audit last week:

Roman Hague, Amelia Marshall, Margaret Tierney, Francesca Salmon , Stanley Pyne, Oliver Turfkruyer, Recep Almas, Freddie Brooks, Samuel Colairo, Max Ewers, Alfie Foster, Jonathan Hardington, Vasile Rusu, Zane Sargent, Daniel Viljoen, Darcie Berry, Phoebe Hazell-Young, Emily Henrici-Fernandez, Evelyn Lagdon, Soha Malek, Isabella Owen, Amelie Rees, Olivia Shardlow.

Dates for the Diary