School News

Earlier this month, Year 6 pupils at Great Abington Primary School presented a performance of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, bringing to a close a series of drama workshops led by The Leys. Among those supporting the programme was Upper Sixth pupil Alex K.

For Alex, assisting with the workshops provided a unique opportunity to experience the programme from a different perspective and marked a fitting full-circle moment. Having first taken part in the workshops as a primary school pupil, he has appeared in productions every year since joining the School and, earlier this year, achieved a LAMDA Grade 8 Gold Medal with Distinction, recognising his commitment to developing both his performance and communication skills.

The workshops also demonstrate the value of drama in building confidence, collaboration and creativity among young people, while strengthening links between The Leys and local primary schools.

Commenting on the impact of the programme, Ms Pulman-Jones said: “From my perspective, running this outreach programme of workshops on a Shakespeare play with Year 6 pupils every autumn is one of the most rewarding experiences.

“Seeing a cohort of pupils with limited knowledge of Shakespeare begin to engage with Romeo and Juliet across three one-hour workshops, before taking ownership of a short performance for their school and parents at the end of the process, is both exciting and heartwarming. The benefits of exploring Shakespeare through drama and play, and seeing pupils grow in confidence and freedom of expression, are inspirational.”

Alex’s return to Great Abington Primary School was more than a visit to his former school. It reflected the lasting impact of opportunities such as these, which encourage young people to develop confidence, creativity and a love of performance. His story also highlights the enduring value of The Leys’ partnerships with local schools, creating experiences that can inspire pupils long after the final curtain falls.