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Charles Darwin School

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The latest from Charles Darwin School

January 2025

  • Drama students experience a backstage tour of The National Theatre followed by a performance of The Lion King at The Lyceum Theatre

    Published 24/01/25

    On Wednesday 22nd January, 30 year 9 students attended a Drama/Dance trip to the National Theatre on the South Bank. Here they experienced a backstage tour, which took them behind the scenes to see the various components involved in creating a live performance. They saw the different theatre spaces, including a sneak peek into a technical check for one of the matinee performances. This involved them seeing stage crew and stage management in action, as well as experiencing some of the sound/lighting checks.

    Students then went backstage to see a glimpse of the other departments that help make live performance possible. This included the scenic arts department where flooring was being painted for a new show, a carpentry workshop, a huge prop and set storage area, prop making tables as well walking past the dressing rooms for the actors. The tour ended with students handling some props that had been made for specific National Theatre shows including a very realistic looking meat pie!

    The day finished with a walk across the river to the Lyceum theatre to watch a performance of The Lion King. The year 9's were delightful throughout and asked many brilliant questions during the day.

    We hope the trip broadened their knowledge of the variety of arts careers that exist and inspire them to continue to develop their skills and appreciation of live performance.

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  • French, Belgian and German Christmas Market Trip

    Published 06/01/25

    In December, 47 students who study French or German, had the opportunity to visit French, Belgian and German Christmas markets.

    On the first day of the trip, students got to explore the magical Christmas market in Namur in Belgian where they bought crêpes, hot chocolate and lots of other delicious treats as well as fitting in some Christmas shopping.

    On the second day of the trip, we spent time sightseeing in Aachen, which included visiting the cathedral and a visit to the Lindt outlet shop where students got to buy some delicious chocolate. The remainder of the day was spent enjoying the atmosphere of one of the best Christmas Markets in Europe, before visiting the very picturesque, traditional Christmas market in Monschau in the evening.

    The trip ended with a visit to the Christmas market in Lille in France, followed by the obligatory stop at the hypermarket for last minute shopping before heading home.

    It was a fantastic trip which the students and staff thoroughly enjoyed.

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