Ms Stephens writes...

Music Lessons

It’s never too late to start learning an instrument! We are now taking applications for students wishing to start music lessons in school from January 2018 – application forms can be downloaded from here.

If your child is already having lessons, there is no need to reapply. Invoices for next term’s lessons will be posted out shortly.

Music Tour Paris 2019

Concert Orchestra and Concert Choir will be going on a residential tour to Paris in July 2019. Places on the tour are mostly full but we are accepting applications for the waiting list, should a place become available. Letters can be collected from the Music Office.

Graded Music Exam Results

Congratulations to the following students on their success in graded music exams.

This autumn, Year 8 studied the first Shakespearean play of their APS career: the ever-gory, truly terrifying Macbeth (aka ‘The Scottish Play’ to any superstitious thespians reading!) More horrifying than the ruthless Lady Macbeth, was the challenge the English Department set the whole year group in their very first lesson. With next to no knowledge of the play, every single student was made to choose a speech, which they were then given 2 weeks to comprehend, memorise and rehearse, ready to perform in a cross-year competition which (after class heats and a gruelling semi-final) had its glorious grand final on the 11th of October 2018.

This was the second annual Performing Shakespeare Final held at APS and it was an inspiring and humbling experience for all teachers, parents/carers and supportive friends who attended, as the selected students performed gripping interpretations of their chosen Macbeth speeches. Five incredibly brave students (Lucas, Kezia, Sameer, Poppy and Lucie W) even learnt a second speech with only one week’s notice, from a selection of Shakespeare child characters, compiled by guest judge (‘Skins’ writer and Shakespeare ‘buff’) Holly Hughes. Holly was joined by Ms Vasey and Ms Jobling to judge this very close competition and after MUCH deliberation agreed on the following awards:

Winners

Poppy Burnham for: Boy from ‘Henry V’, Act 3 Scene 2 (‘As young as I am…’)
Elsie Hunter-Rawlings for: Macbeth, from ‘Macbeth’, Act 2 Scene 1 (‘Is this a dagger…’)

Highly Commended:

Kezia for: Arthur from ‘King John’, Act 4, Scene 1 (‘have you the heart?’)
Lucas for: Bottom from Midsummer Night’s Dream, Act 4 Scene 1 (‘When my cue comes…’)
Lucie for: Macbeth, from ‘Macbeth’, Act 2 Scene 1 (‘Is this a dagger…’)
Our other (very worthy!) finalists were: James, Leo, Jodie, Sameer and Freddy.

The winners will be going through to the regional finals of this national competition in the Spring – so we have our fingers crossed for an APS national champion!

As if that wasn’t enough Shakespeare for one year group, 30 lucky year 8 students also won a lottery to attend the RSC’s critically acclaimed production of Macbeth at the Barbican, starring Dr Who’s Christopher Eccleston.
What a term - Shakespeare would be proud!

Ms. Peleties Writes...

We were very fortunate to secure thirty seats for Year 12 to see this prestigious production, starring Mark Rylance as Iago and Andre Holland as Othello, which has just finished its hugely successful run at the Globe.

Our sixth formers proved themselves worthy ambassadors of Alexandra Park School; their conduct was exemplary and their appreciation, engagement and enthusiasm for the performance and the venue were impressive. It was an absolute pleasure to accompany Year 12 on this trip and students’ responses are a testament to their enjoyment and enhanced understanding of their set text ‘Othello:

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Ms. Vasey Writes...

A group of Year 9 students have been working on a production of Romeo and Juliet in association with the Shakespeare Schools Festival. They have been extremely committed, attending rehearsals on Mondays and Fridays each week, and have also attended a cast workshop at the Arts Depot Theatre. The students really enjoyed the workshop and here are a few of their comments:

“I had a great time and learnt how to develop my character in more depth.’’ - Madi (9K)

“I had a really fun time and I liked learning new acting techniques and doing different exercises to improve the understanding of my character - Imogen (9K)
The festival has not only allowed APS students to pursue their interest in acting but has also allowed those students interested in lighting and sound design to explore their talents and perform a valued role in the production process.

The pupils will be performing Romeo and Juliet on Friday 23rd November, along with 3 other schools who are involved in the festival.

We hope to see you on the 23rd November to support these talented and hardworking students!

Ticket info:

Full price: £9.75 - Concession: £7.75

Box office contact number: 020 8369 5454

Mr Short and Mr Bonham-Carter recently took Year 11 classics students on a very successful trip to Pompeii. Below are comments from some of the students involved:

The trip was relaxing but yet fast paced and energetic at the same time. We wasted no time in the beautiful ruins of Herculaneum and Pompeii and saw everything we could have hoped to have seen in the time we had. We also got an educational commentary on the sights from Mr Bonham-Carter and Mr Short who I’m sure had an insightful time also. Not just educational but also highly enjoyable as Naples provided us with the best pizza that we have ever tasted and a picturesque view from the Bay.Daniel, 11X