We would like to congratulate those who participated in our first ever Bar Mock Trial Competition for Independent Schools last week.

Organised by the Citizenship Foundation, the Bar Mock Trial Competition sees students assume the roles of barristers and witnesses, presenting their case against teams of students from other schools. After having time to familiarise themselves with the case, they are expected to battle it out in real courtrooms, in front of real judges.

Our students worked together as a team, with each individual responsible for a specific role, including prosecution/defence barrister, prosecution/defence witness, court clerk and usher. At Birmingham Crown Court this weekend, five judges generously gave up their time to preside over the trials.

Our team was announced as regional finalists and we are excited to participate in the London Final in April.

When selecting a musical for the joint school’s production this year, the main aim was to choose something fun, uplifting and appealing to the students in order to have as many involved as possible.  With a cast of 158 in roles on stage, in the band and behind the scenes, this has certainly proved to be a popular choice and quite the undertaking! But, despite the many challenges involved in organising and directing such a large group, it has also been an absolute pleasure to work with such a committed and amazing cast of young people.

The original movie, ‘Hairspray’ starring Ricki Lake, Debbie Harry and Devine had always been a guilty pleasure of mine. The story was updated and made into a Broadway Musical in 2000 by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman and the Hollywood movie followed in 2007 starring John Travolta and Zac Efron. It charts the story of ‘Tracy Turnblad’ who is transformed from a social outcast to a sudden star when she is selected to dance on the popular ‘Corny Collins Show.’ She uses her newfound power not only to dethrone the reigning Teen Queen and win the affections of heartthrob Link Larkin, but more importantly, she manages to integrate a TV network, all without denting her ‘do!’  Despite being set in the 1960’s, I feel the overriding message of acceptance and equality for all is still just as prevalent today.

The cast performed to four sold out audiences from the 27th to the 30th November, receiving rave reviews!