Headteacher's Blog: Performing Arts Showcase

Last night was, once again, an example of the talent and commitment of our artistically-minded (in the widest possible sense) students. The GCSE Art and Technology pieces were on display. All the work was fabulous; some was simply stunning. A range of materials, genres and interests showed how much imagination and creativity the students have. Technology items ranged from the highly practical - a beautifully proportioned CD case - to the more esoteric - a lovingly constructed table, with an acrylic insert etched with the names of football teams. The photography showed there is considerably more to this art form than mounting holiday or friends' photos on Facebook or in an album: we loved the unusual take on the London bus and the CD Rom case design. In Textiles, we saw a riot of bright colours, beautiful cushions, a scrap-book portfolio "you could sell", dresses, jackets: one Primary child visitor said it was her favourite room. The Art pieces included fine art, portraiture, sculpture, modern and post-modern styles. A particularly striking piece was a wedding cake sculpture, with a slice cut from it through which were scribed statistics about weddings and divorce: clever, thoughful, witty, provocative. Visitors loved it all. I loved the giant eye sculpture,complete with gold eye lashes. Mr Farris was much taken by the sadness in the skilfully sketched face of a student's younger sibling.

PE provided a trampolining performance which included some of our Gold Award students. This was then followed by the Music, Dance and Drama shows. Compositions and songs - there was a particularly sweet three-part harmony arrangement of 'Saving All My Love' - made up the musical element. Dance comprised the Year 11 students own choreographed pieces, which had been highly complimented by the examiner last week for their originality and skill. The Drama tended to the more formal: extracts from Blythe Spirit and Private Lives (Noel Coward), for example. There was a very moving piece about old age from the play Three Tall Women by Edward Albee, which I found compelling and poignant.

Results from Dance and Music practicals show that examiners confirm our views of the talent and skill of the students. Drama practical exams take place next week.

It is hoped to take the art and technology work to the local library or Sheen Lane Centre next week so others can enjoy it too.