Showcase for pupils’ art efforts

PUPILS from four primary schools presented dance, music, drama and artwork as part of an end of term showcase at Toot Hill Arts Academy, Bingham.

Sixty pupils, aged nine to 11, from Archbishop Cranmer Primary School, Aslockton; Elston Primary School, Flintham Primary School and Orston Primary School visited the junior academy for nine weeks.

They took part in a range of workshops taught by professional artists and at the showcase last week performed their dance, music and drama pieces to each other.

These included a creative game show led by the Samanya Drama Company, drumming led by Mr Chris Lewis-Jones and street dancing choreographed by professional street dancer Mr Leo Jordan.

There was also an exhibition and slide show of artwork created with the help of artist Miss Rachel Scanlon and the graffiti artist, Mr Nathan Bainbridge.

A video was shown of the group’s visit to the Lakeside International Children’s Theatre and Dance Festival in Nottingham where they took part in drumming and visual art workshops, a treasure hunt and a performance of Thrice Upon A Time by Dynamo Theatre Group from Quebec.

Once the showcase had finished, there was a disco led by Mr Jordan.

The junior arts academy co-ordinator, Mrs Jude Wills, said: “To see it with lights and music was very exciting for them. It was fantastic.”

The academy’s second summer school, offering courses for ages four to 16, will be held at the school from July 22-25.

There will be a family art day on the theme of folk art and fairy tales for children aged four to 11.

There will also be workshops throughout the week including jewellery making, film making, graffiti art, cookery, dance, drama and science.

A new programme of adult courses will start at the academy from September.

For more information go to www.toothill.notts.sch.uk