PUPILS LOOK TO THE FUTURE WITH PERFORMANCES OF ‘THE NEXT BIG STEP’
19 Mar 2014
Junior pupils from Jesmond based independent school Church High, have been looking forward to the future as pupils of Newcastle High School for Girls, as they performed popular play ‘The Next Big Step’ which covers the transition to a new school.
The year three and four pupils have been busy rehearsing for the play which was performed to packed audiences of parents, staff and fellow pupils. They have adapted the classic play to meet their own experiences, as Church High prepares to join with neighbouring independent school Central Newcastle High School this coming September.
Performing songs such as ‘The Next Big Step’, ‘Born to Make a Mess’ and ‘We’ll Shine’, the pupils have been reflecting on the fantastic time they have had at Church High whilst looking forward to an exciting future as part of Newcastle High School for Girls. Learning about the merger and its many opportunities through the medium of song and dance has helped deepen the pupils’ understanding of the transition.
Mrs Jill Brown, head of Church High junior school, said: “The girls have been full of enthusiasm about the play – it has been a memorable experience and everyone involved has had lots of fun. I’ve been overwhelmed by the feedback we’ve had from proud parents and staff who watched the performances.
“I think teaching the girls in this way about the changes they will undergo when we become Newcastle High School for Girls has been an excellent way of helping them understand the journey they will go on. All of the girls are very excited for the future and all they have to look forward to as part of the innovative new school which will offer outstanding facilities and an inspiring curriculum. Church High has given them a fantastic start in their young lives and they should all be very proud of what they have achieved; each and every one of our girls has a very bright future to look forward to.”
During the play, the girls even adapted some of the characters to take on the role of their own teachers. Nine-year-old Katie Atkinson from Prudhoe, took on a starring role as junior head, Mrs. Brown. She said: “There are lots of funny bits to the play, one of my favourite parts is when the infants are trying to scare people! I have really enjoyed playing Mrs. Brown, I even got to try on some of the great accessories she wears.
“It’s been lots of hard work practising for the play – we’ve had quite a few rehearsals this term but it was really good performing to our mums and dads. It has been good to think about moving to Newcastle High School for Girls too, I’m really excited and looking forward to making lots of new friends.”