Top of the Class
SCHOOL NEWS PUDDING FIT FOR A QUEEN
St David’s College and Stacey Oliver Photography
Cai Riley wowed audiences as the Genie
ST DAVID’S COLLEGE CENTRE STAGE
April saw St David’s College eagerly awaited return to the stage with a whole-school production of Disney’s Aladdin Jr at Theatr Clwyd
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at St David’s are something he will really ot to be confused with the traditional miss. “It felt euphoric being up on the stage pantomime, Aladdin Jr is based on with my friends. I felt at home. Mrs Russell the 1992 Academy Award-winning film and and Mrs Appleton did a phenomenal job.” 2014 Broadway show about the ‘diamond in Jenny Appleton, head of faculty for the rough’ street rat who learns that his true Performing Arts praised pupils, saying: “The worth lies deep within. hard work that has been put into rehearsals St David’s College pupils had a chance to has been outstanding. The results showcase their talents over four were plain – they were all magnificent. performances at Theatr Clwyd, Huge thanks to UK Productions for also taking on production roles the set hire, and the backstage team including make-up, sound and lighting. The leads were who took us to Agrabah and beyond!” brilliantly performed by Sion Production director Kate Russell said: “It’s heart-warming to witness Roberts and Charlie Russell how pupils support one another while as Aladdin and Lucie Webster developing stagecraft skills, having and Bella Russell as Jasmine. Cai Riley gave a show-stopping so much fun on the way.” performance as the Genie. Explore the opportunities on offer at St David’s at the Open Day on 21st Cai, who is in his last year at the school, says the productions The lead stars shone May. Register at stdavidscollege.co.uk
Abbey Gate College pupils fundraise for Ukraine humanitarian crisis
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tudents from Abbey Gate College’s advocacy service group are creating badges in the colours of the Ukrainian flag in an ingenious fundraising initiative. Taking their lead from the red poppies sold by the Royal British Legion for Remembrance Day, in support of the Armed Forces community, the college’s DT department, along with pupils from various year groups, devised a way to create paper
sunflowers. Pupils fashion the multiple elements by upcycling the plastic components of the poppies using equipment available in the department. They are creating over A smart initiative 100 badges a day, with proceeds going to the DEC Ukraine Appeal.
In honour of the Royal Jubilee, the Haberdashers’ Company has launched a Platinum Pudding competition for pupils across all the Haberdashers’ The heat is on… schools. The winners will be invited to London to recreate their pudding for the Master Haberdasher to sample. They will also meet pastry chef Claire Clark MBE.
MUSIC FESTIVAL SUCCESS FOR ELLESMERE PUPILS Ellesmere College students and former alumni turned in solid performances at the Oswestry Youth Music Festival. Competing in 34 of the 74 classes, An impressive collection! they won 19, achieving 59 top-three places. Students showcased a range of skills and styles, incorporating pop, musicals and even the first rap in the festival’s history. The Council Cup was won by an Old Ellesmerian with a brilliant performance of The Green-Eyed Dragon.
ISI RATING ‘EXCELLENT’ FOR BIRCHFIELD Birchfield School, near Albrighton, has received a glowing rating of Excellent across the board from the Independent Schools Inspectorate. Inspectors found “enthusiastic and ambitious learners” Delighted head Sarah Morris said: “It is a fitting tribute to the diligence, skill and enthusiasm of our teachers as well as the positive attitude of our pupils and families.” The report referred to the school as “an extremely harmonious and happy community”.
RUN FOR MARMALADE Students undertaking Ruthin School’s annual Hill Fort Run are in with the chance to win a pot of marmalade, as per the tradition of the race. Historically, marmalade from the tuck shop was offered as a prize, which was well received towards the end of term when tuck boxes were almost empty. The school has now partnered with the Marmalade Awards, and the winning runner will be presented by the winner of the Rathbones Next Generation Home of the prestigious marmalade competition. Marmalade Awards
MYDDELTON ACES TENNIS AWARDS After transforming its tennis courts, Myddelton College in Denbigh has gone from zero to hero at the Myddelton players celebrate Tennis Wales National Awards. The college’s outdoor hard courts, restored and with lines repainted, earned Myddelton the School of the Year title from Tennis Wales, and coach John Whitehall, a former Wales tennis international, has been named Coach of the Year. “It’s wonderful to see how Myddelton is supporting the sport,” said John. “We’ve had kids going from not playing at all to playing regularly and taking it really seriously. Tennis is becoming part of the lifeblood of the school.”
May/June 2022 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 125
