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NewsFlash
Week 1 - Friday 5th September
Welcome to the very first edition of Stagecoach NewsFlash! 🎉 Every two weeks, you’ll find snapshots from inside the classroom right here on the Parent Portal, giving you a chance to follow your child’s journey step by step. For a bigger picture of this term’s themes and goals, don’t forget to check out our Pre-Term Newsletter.
In this week’s NewsFlash, you’ll find a quick recap of last Friday’s lessons along with a photo gallery at the end. It’s been a fantastic start to the term – we hope your children enjoyed it every bit as much as we did!
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Early Stages
Early Stages’ imaginations soared as we welcomed them to this term’s Show Term theme – Toy Box Universe! This exciting mash-up brings together everybody’s toy-themed favourites with material inspired by Toy Story, Barbie, PAW Patrol, Super Mario Bros and more. In Drama, our students were introduced to the first ensemble piece for the performance – the Toy Box Poem. They focused on memorisation, clarity of speech, projection and rhythm – building confidence in delivering their lines as a group. Amie also introduced them to the plot of Toy Box Universe; they explored character relationships and physicality through a range of creative activities.
In Singing, Early Stages began learning the opening section of You’ve Got a Friend in Me, with emphasis on projection, diction, timing, pitch-matching and expressive delivery. In Dance, our students listened to the exciting medleys created for Toy Box Universe (Mix 1 and Mix 2) and, after practising key technique, started to learn choreography for the Woody’s Roundup section of Mix 1. Alongside these introductions, the class enjoyed welcoming new friends to the group, creating a supportive and enthusiastic start to the term.
To support their learning, all students received a Student Support Pack for Toy Box Universe (alongside, for new students, their Early Stages Passports). Please ensure students bring these booklets back each week, as we will be writing in their individual lines throughout the term. It was a fantastic first session and we cannot wait to see how our youngest performers grow in confidence as the term progresses!
Stage 1
Stage 1 began their Music Video project with a lively and creative session that introduced them to the skills they’ll need throughout the term! In Singing, our students explored key 'Acting Through Song' techniques including how expression can be used to transform performances. Stage 1 then began learning the first verse and chorus of their new song – How Ya Doin? – practising in pairs to bring character and storytelling into their delivery. In Dance, following a thorough warm up and practise of key technique, Stage 1 brainstormed a variety of choreographic ideas for our Music Video – encouraging teamwork and creativity as young choreographers.
They then experimented with body language and facial expression to show different emotions before beginning the first section of their music video choreography. In Drama, students participated in activities such as 'Emotion Mirrors' and 'The Emotion Walk' which helped them to understand how feelings like happiness, anger and surprise can be communicated without words. It was an energetic and imaginative start that set the tone for a confident and expressive term ahead!
Stage 2
Stage 2 began their Music Video project with an energetic and creative session that introduced them to key performance skills for the term ahead! In Singing, our students explored Acting Through Song, thinking about what their character motivations, before beginning work on The Lazy Song. Stage 2 learnt the first verse and chorus – focusing on expression, projection and timing. In Dance, following an intensive warm up and technique work (including footwork, balance and safe leaps), Stage 2 shared their own tricks and favourite moves – many of which will be incorporated into the final choreography!
This encouraged creativity, individuality and pride in their work while also building ensemble spirit. In Drama, students participated in activities such as ‘Status Walks’ and the ‘Human Machine’ before immersing themselves in a ‘Character Hot Seat’ exercise. This challenged them to explore imagination and empathy while developing confidence in performance. It was a dynamic and positive start that set the tone for a collaborative term ahead!
Stage 3
Stage 3 began their Music Video project with focus, creativity and an excellent sense of teamwork! In Singing, our students explored characterisation and projection, considering what their characters are thinking and feeling and how this influences expression through both voice and body. They experimented with performing a verse of their Music Video Song – A Night To Remember – in different emotions, learning that even when portraying sadness, projection is vital for clarity. In Dance, following introductions and a thorough warm up, the group worked on the opening section of choreography for A Night To Remember with particular focus on formations.
They explored the importance of camera presence, filming their work and reflecting as a class on how precision and timing impact the overall effect on screen – a vital skill for their Music Video. In Drama, Stage 3 delved into physical theatre, using activities such as partner mirroring to strengthen ensemble awareness. They then created group tableaux to tell short stories through still images – exploring how body language, levels and staging can powerfully communicate meaning without words. It was a confident and ambitious start that set the stage for an exciting term ahead!
Thank you for reading this week's edition of NewsFlash! Contact Andy on 07470132253 if you have any questions. See you next week!