THE QATAR SHIRBURNIAN
SHERBORNE SENIOR SCHOOL
Performing Arts The Performing Arts Department has been delighted to return to some more practical elements of Music and Drama and we have seen a real creative mindset from pupils when approached with challenges and tasks. Pupils have explored the different elements of Performing Arts, effectively using technology to support their learning which has resulted in some excellent pieces of music and theatre.
Drama In Key Stage 3 Drama, pupils have had the opportunity to work collaboratively to develop and perform pieces of theatre. Year 7 developed a number of skills, including vocal techniques and physical movement, and these were demonstrated in the storytelling of ‘Adventure Island’ in which they used soundscapes, physical theatre and dialogue to captivate and engage an audience. Year 8 delighted audiences with their puppetry where we saw some outstanding puppets and puppet theatres which were designed to communicate children’s stories. Year 9 engaged in physical theatre, stage combat and expressionism, learning about different ways to tell the story of Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth’ on our beautiful new theatre stage. Our i/GCSE and A Level pupils have devised and performed original pieces alongside extracts of the plays ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’ and i/GCSE scripted ‘The 39 Steps’ There has been some excellent and thoughtprovoking work emerging from the groups as they establish their creative process and unique performance styles. The enrichment programme has allowed pupils to take part in an online performance of ‘Bad Auditions’ in which pupils from Year 7-13 collaborated to perform a series of terrible auditions from a variety of challenging characters. This was rehearsed and performed over teams and zoom. The characters were great fun to explore, and actors experienced creating their own costumes and settings for their scenes. We ended the year watching a showcase of previous school performances and celebrating the contribution of all pupils who have taken part over the past years. Sherborne Qatar Radio has gone from strength to strength. Run entirely by pupils, the team have published engaging podcasts which highlight significant events in Qatar and across the world such as the ‘International Women’s Day’, the ‘Ramadan Diaries’ and an interview with renowned musician, Maya Azucena – the team has even been featured in Marhaba magazine! The pupils were delighted to take part in a Q&A session with the lead presenter of Al Jazeera, Kamahl Santamaria, where they were given a fascinating insight into the world of professional broadcasting. We are excited to see where our pupils’ creative journey takes them next!
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