Spreading the Christmas joy at NBA

Our Christmas Extravaganza showcased a fabulous array of performing arts from our academy students who entertained a packed hall.

Our creative Year 9 students gave the room a professional look with centre pieces and decorations. Stalls were run by academy staff, along with guests from Hawthorn Traders. All proceeds from the event went to Macmillan Cancer Research; a fantastic cause.

Entertainment was provided in the form of drama and music, with our students showcasing their skills.
A comical spin on the Nativity play was narrated, directed and performed by Year 10 BTEC Drama students, with the supportive help of the Round Midnight Theatre Company. This was an assessed piece of work which they had worked hard on throughout the autumn term. We also enjoyed a display of dance from our Year 10 GCSE Dance and KS5 Dance groups. They had been working with a contemporary dance artist to choreograph and perfect their routines. These performances were also assessed and we have already seen dramatic improvement in their grades.

Students weren’t the only ones to get up on stage – staff did two performances, one revealing their best street dance, the other a contemporary quartet alongside two Year 10 students; wowing the audience.

Vocals were supplied by a group of students who had worked with a specialist artist;they ended their set with famous Mariah Carey hit, ‘All I want for Christmas’ which had everyone singing along! Additional entertainment came from our choir and guitar students.

Pupils from Hawthorn Primary School came along to enjoy our extravaganza. Their work with resident Hayley Wenlock was showcased in a group street dance ‘mash up’.

The evening was a great success and it was wonderful to see so many of our talented students performing up on stage. Well done to everyone who took part, it was a pleasure to watch and really got us in the Christmas spirit!