This year, a dedicated group of our Year 9 students will be working closely with a professional playwright commissioned by the National Theatre. Over the coming months, this expert will mentor our students, guiding them through the entire process of developing, writing, and redrafting their own original short plays. 'New Views' provides a powerful platform for our young people to explore important current social issues and express their creativity through drama. You can find out more about the programme here: New Views Programme

This initiative truly sits at the heart of our commitment to offering rich and inspiring arts experiences. It naturally builds on the confidence and skills our students developed during the Speak Up Programme. We also want to give a huge thanks to Ms Leighton for her dedicated work in organising and coordinating our school's involvement in this valuable programme.

"We genuinely believe the Arts are absolutely vital to a well-rounded education," said Ms Williamson, Assistant Headteacher for Personal Development. "Programmes like 'New Views' do so much more than teach creative writing; they empower our students to find their voice, think critically about the world, and communicate complex ideas effectively. The chance to work directly with the National Theatre and a professional playwright is an invaluable experience that will boost their confidence and open doors to future creative pathways."

We can’t wait to see the powerful and imaginative plays our Year 9 students create and will share updates on their progress soon!