At the end of last week, I enjoyed one of my favourite moments in the school calendar – auditions for the Year 6 musical production. I enjoy this so much because it perfectly epitomises BPS and is, in every way, a truly wonderful thing to witness. Let me explain why:
Firstly, the idea is brilliant. Led by two superb teachers, Mrs Dziedziela and Mrs Lane, the show is kept secret until January, when Year 5 and 6 are gathered for a video launch, which builds up, with hints and clues, until finally revealing the show title. The excitement and inspiration this cleverly delivers sets the tone from the off.
All the Year 6 children are then set the challenge to learn lines and songs, whether they intend to go for a singing or speaking role or not. We set high expectations and encourage everyone to give it a go and do their best regardless.
The children work on their audition pieces independently, before coming together to Audi. Miss Perry, baby Elsie and I were guest panelists, and I don’t mind admitting that we found the whole thing pretty emotional. Watching the confidence and ability and recognising that we have some very talented children in our school was wonderful to see, but at the same time, respecting the bravery of children who give it a go and venture way outside their comfort zone is humbling.
The children do this because they feel safe and supported; the empathy, kindness and support in the room was genuine. It is always a very difficult decision to make when agreeing the final casting and knowing that some children will be disappointed is never nice, but this is another life lesson. We know the children will all do their bit and play their part; they will come together and produce something special that they will all remember.
The summer production will be a truly collaborative performance, the children in Year 5 learn that being part of something bigger is a wonderful experience, and the enjoyment of this is not only reserved for the leading roles. Is this also great practise for them, as their time will come. This is a very valuable life lesson: the whole team celebrates the wins – not just the goal scorer – and they will rely on and support each other.
We saw the same resilience, talent and bravery during our Year 3 Spring concert on Tuesday and Year 1 and 2 will demonstrate this further in their production next week. These are characteristics we fundamentally believe in and nurture at BPS. I am seriously considering videoing next year’s auditions to share with parents, who, like all of us, would burst with pride.
