When the plans for a major school production of The Lion King at Christmas were first mooted back in the summer, everyone was really enthusiastic. But then the realisation dawned amongst some of our sixth formers that there therefore wouldn’t be the traditional Christmas concert. Consternation!  With a cast, crew and orchestra of over 150 girls, everyone would be too busy rehearsing for the musical. But perhaps not all of our many talented ensembles…? And that’s when the idea of a student-led concert began to take shape. Robyn Saunders and Beth Ayres (both in Year 13) came to see me in September to ask whether this might be a possibility, I cross-examined them on the feasibility (and wisdom!) of doing this in their Year 13 autumn term, they reassured me that the ensembles would be rehearsing pieces through the autumn term anyway and would welcome a showcase, I encouraged them, we identified a possible date, Dr Jones and Mr Atkins agreed to support them… and the rest is history!

The outcome on Thursday 3 December was an extremely polished and professional concert – and a real tribute to the strength of student leadership in the school. Never underestimate these girls and what they can achieve when they put their minds and talents to it and work together! I was one very proud Headteacher, and I’m sure there were very many proud parents in the audience too.

Alice Harvey and Beth Ayres were our hosts for the evening, and there was a large supporting team of sound, light and stage crews, led by Grace Duff (sound) and Lily Butcher (lighting) as well as help from the sixth form Events and Charities Committees, but the main credit must go to Robyn for being the mastermind of the whole show.

The groups we heard from were:

• Jazz Band, currently preparing for a tour to New York in October 2016
• Violin Quartet: a Year 8 group who organise their own rehearsals
• Year 7 Choir, run by Beth Ayres
• Tutti Fluti: a group of advanced flautists led by Eleanor Hodgson
• Georgina Cherry and Robyn Saunders playing Poulenc’s Piano Sonata for Four Hands
• Songbirds: a Year 13 close harmony quartet
• Junior Jazz Band, directed by Robyn Saunders
• Issy Hardy and Lucy Harwood who sang a duet, accompanied by Beth Whitwell
• Sax Quartet: a student-led group
• Daiya Dhillon, supported by Robyn on piano, Megan on sax and Sofia on drums
• Chamber Choir, our prize-winning premier choir.

Well done, all of you, and thank you: it was a fantastic evening!

Ms Kate Barnett, Headteacher