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Week 1 - Sunday 7th 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 Sunday'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. Ben 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!
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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, Stage 1 practised technique such as kicks, leaps and stage walks before working in groups to strike bold poses and experiment with new choreography ideas. They were then introduced to the first section of choreography for How Ya Doin’?, with a focus on musicality, timing and tone.
In Drama, students participated in creative ensemble and improvisation activities which helped them to understand how feelings like happiness, anger and surprise can be communicated without words. Following this, they then discussed the themes of How Ya Doin' and how they could create narrative sections for the Music Video! It was an energetic and imaginative start that set the tone for a confident and expressive term ahead!
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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, Stage 2 refined their standard technique with exercises in kicks, leaps and turns, and then incorporated these skills into features such as stage walks, group poses and canon formations, all of which will contribute to their Music Video choreography.
In Drama, students explored imaginative teambuilding and improvisation activities which helped them to understand how feelings like happiness, anger and surprise can be communicated without words. Following this, they then discussed the themes of The Lazy Song and how they could create narrative sections for the Music Video! 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, Stage 3 focused on refreshing their technique, developing stage presence and experimenting with group poses/canon work. Following this, they began the first section of choreography for A Night to Remember.
In Drama, Stage 3 delved into physical theatre using activities 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!