As part of their AS Performing Arts, the year 13 class have to plan a performance event. This year’s group decided that they would like to raise money for the relief of the Haiti earthquake disaster. They all wanted the opportunity to perform in this event, in order to continue developing their practical skills, but they also wanted others in the school to have the opportunity to display their hidden talents! The year 13 had to take control of every aspect of the planning of this event, as it is this area that they are assessed on, rather than the final performance. This meant that they had to be very well organised, with a fully developed action plan of how they would carry out their tasks. They were split into teams, and each assigned a number of tasks to carry out. So began a busy time of action planning, research, costume design, budgeting, rehearsal schedules, marketing and lots of singing and dancing in every area available in the music department.

The final performance took place on Monday 22nd March 2010. There were two separate programmes drawn up, to accommodate performers who were only free one of the lunch times, but both featured a wide variety of acts. Ms Simpson was our hostess for the performance, and kept the audience giggling, while Hollie and her stage crew frantically changed scenes and moved equipment back stage.

Performance acts included:
Mr McCoo singing, ‘Beauty School Dropout’
Jedward AKA Mr Hance and Mr Braniff
Bad Boys dance complete with some teachers, classroom assistants and a nurse
Caroline Cochrane singing, ‘The Climb’
Courtney Hayes singing, ‘I feel like a woman’
Staff rock band performing, ‘Send it on’
A drama featuring Katie Myers, Allison Gray and guest stars Mrs Dalzell and Mrs Thomas
Broken Heels dance

This was the first time that we had put to full use our new sound and lighting equipment in the multi purpose hall. Aaron Evans, from the year 14 Performing Arts class was being assessed on his use of the PA system and Mrs Cruise was our lighting technician. Both did an excellent job, (although both claimed to have lost weight with the pressure of getting everything right for the performance).

Although a little rushed, the performance was a big success and we raised £258.53 for Haiti, which will be sent via Tearfund. Mrs Ashe and the Year 13 class would like to thank everyone involved for sacrificing their time and willingly offering their talents.