Year 7s Dive into the World of Pantomime!

Term 2 is off to a theatrical start for our Year 7 students as they embark on an exciting project: creating and performing a pantomime for a junior class at either Tainui or Musselburgh schools!

The project kicked off in Week 1 with our Year 7s visiting their respective junior classes. Armed with picture books and classic fairy tales, they spent valuable time reading to the younger students. This initial interaction was also a fantastic opportunity for our students to connect with their audience, asking them insightful questions about their favourite fairy tales, characters, likes, dislikes, and other interests to help tailor their upcoming performances.

To further equip them for this creative endeavour, the students have been fortunate to work with Jo, a secondary school drama teacher, during Weeks 1 to 3. These engaging workshops focused on key theatrical elements such as layering, understanding and utilising space, and developing stage presence. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with all classes thoroughly enjoying this enriching experience and learning new skills.

Adding to the expert guidance, Mr. Waters, a seasoned scriptwriter, generously dedicated his time to work with each Year 7 class. He provided invaluable feedback on their initial script ideas, helping them to refine and develop their narratives. The students are now busy making changes and improvements, and we look forward to Mr. Waters revisiting the classrooms later in the term to see their progress.

Beyond the stage, our Year 7 students also had an inspiring trip to the Art Gallery. This trip allowed them to explore different art techniques and even delve into some basic drama concepts from a visual perspective. A highlight of the visit was experiencing the captivating Nom'D exhibition, broadening their artistic horizons.

This multifaceted project is already proving to be a wonderful learning experience, fostering creativity, collaboration, and community connections. We can't wait to see the enchanting pantomimes our Year 7s will bring to life for their young audiences! Stay tuned for updates as the term progresses.