Find out from Miss Hamalis, Head of the Junior School, what the Junior School pupils have been up to.

Recenty, all of the girls and the staff gathered to experience the Year 2 assembly, ‘The Robot and the Bluebird’, a moving testament to the power of storytelling and the transformative impact of oracy and drama. This beautifully crafted retelling of David Lucas’s poignant tale blended narration, music and movement, allowing the girls to immerse themselves in the story and embody its themes of kindness, sacrifice and perseverance. Watching them interpret and express these emotions so authentically was a powerful reminder of the depth and richness that oracy brings to our curriculum. The ability to step into a character’s shoes, communicate their journey and engage an audience is a profound learning experience that builds confidence, self-awareness and emotional intelligence.

We believe that oracy is an essential component of our curriculum, fostering confidence, creativity and communication skills in our pupils. It is not just about performance, although having the courage to stand up in front of an audience from Reception onwards – whether in Fairseat Hall or the Arundel Centre, our purpose-built theatre – is a remarkable experience. More importantly, they empower the girls to express themselves, articulate their thoughts with clarity and engage meaningfully with the world around them.

Through storytelling, role-play and performance, the girls develop an understanding of emotions, cultivating empathy and resilience. This aligns closely with our Character Education Programme, which nurtures qualities such as bravery, resilience and empathy, represented by Bravery Mole, Resilience Robin and Empathy Rabbit. Oracy provides the perfect platform for the girls to explore what it truly means to be brave, to persevere in the face of challenges and to connect with others through understanding and compassion. By engaging in these experiences, the girls develop their voice, build confidence and learn to communicate effectively in a range of contexts.

These experiences instil lifelong skills, teaching the girls to speak with clarity, listen attentively and engage in thoughtful discussions. The ability to express ideas confidently, think critically and communicate effectively will serve them well not only in their education but in all aspects of life. The skills developed through Drama transcend the stage, equipping the girls with the ability to articulate their thoughts with conviction, collaborate effectively and navigate the complexities of human interaction with empathy and understanding.