The Umpire Strikes Back: Year 6's 'Star Warts' production captivates audiences across the galaxy

Of all the traditions of British Education, one of my personal favorites has to be the year 6 production. As a year 6 team, we spent time talking through why putting on a theatrical extravaganza is such an important part of the primary school experience...

Individual Growth
This year, we chose to split into three separate casts to give every child a meaningful opportunity to perform on stage. It has been incredible to witness how all the children embraced the daunting prospect of standing on stage and performing. Rather than shying away from the challenge of speaking in front of an audience, the pupils seized this opportunity to grow. They demonstrated to themselves and everyone around them that they can achieve things they never imagined possible.

Community
Such a large project requires a huge amount of organisation. We are extremely lucky in year 6 to have an incredibly supportive parent community. It is definitely true to say that without the support of the BSKL community the production could not have been as spectacular as it was. A special mention to the class reps who did an absolutely stunning job of ensuring the home-school link was strong. An even more special mention to Angelia, who suffered me roping her into an increasingly large role in designing and producing the staging - she stitched each one of the sleeves foe the stage blocks. As a teacher, I can say that feeling so supported (both through practical means and through messages of support) really makes us feel like we are part of something special at BSKL. Thank you.

Valuing the Arts
At BSKL, we place a broad and balanced curriculum at the heart of our educational philosophy, and when we say that it is not just lip-service. Our pupils are pushed to thrive and grow into well-rounded humans with a broad set of incredible talents. Watching the year 6s act, dance and sing which such confidence and skill really demonstrates the end result of our investment in 3 performing arts lessons a week: every minute well-spent in empowering our children.

Enjoyment and Camaraderie
Last, but not least, excellence is not mutually exclusive of enjoyment. Star Warts is a play written to be performed joyfully and the children did an excellent job of filling that theatre with happiness. In fact the whole process was one filled with fun and warmth and teamwork. The challenge of learning lines, songs, dances stage directions is not an easy one. The year 6s accepted that challenge, set about it with positivity, and managed to put on an excellent performance that demonstrated how 'the whole' can be more than the sum of its parts.