Flintshire students puts on a show with theatre’s expressive arts takeover

A Flintshire high school experienced a full range of creative arts activities during a week long ‘takeover’ by Theatr Clwyd.

Staff and students at Ysgol Treffynnon were immersed in the specially curated expressive arts event led by the theatre with professional musicians and dancers taking over some lessons, and break/lunchtime spaces.

Each form was given one subject lesson during the week that was delivered by Theatr Clwyd.

Students in year 10 English lessons who are studying ‘A View From The Bridge’, participated in a practical lesson with activities aimed at performing scenes from the book and characterisation.While in Maths, students learned how to budget and plan their own event.

As well as a host of other subject themed activities, students had the opportunity to participate in arts and crafts workshops, as well as karaoke and open mic sessions.

A group of 47 students from years 7 to 9 also worked with the professionals and created pieces of art work, a dance, and even wrote a song, all of which was showcased in a special performance for their year groups on the final afternoon.

Professional singer and songwriter Mared helped the young budding songwriters, and performed for students on Friday as well as during the week at break and lunch times, and professional dancer, Yandass, delivered dance sessions to several classes throughout the week.

Cathy Rees, head of faculty for expressive arts, helped coordinate the project. She said: “Staff and students thoroughly enjoyed this unique expressive arts week, and many staff made particular mention to the positive vibes during breaks and lunches.

“It has been a wonderful project to be involved with and it has enabled so many students to try activities that they wouldn’t otherwise do. We hope the collaboration with the wonderful Theatr Clwyd will continue in the future.”

Hester Evans, community producer, Theatr Clwyd said: “The Pilot School Take Over project’s aim was to test imbedding Arts, culture and creativity throughout a normal school week; focusing on how the Arts can help support Wellbeing, critical thinking, change behaviours and broaden young people’s horizons.

“We had an amazing week working with Ysgol Treffynnon.

“The students were incredibly supportive and receptive to any challenges or new activates that we asked of them, from singing with professional musicians at lunch time to dancing in the dinner hall, crafting and screen printing in the sunshine to budgeting their own mini festival, everything was met with enthusiasm.

“Our relationship with Ysgol Treffynnon continues to grow and we can’t wait to see what our next steps will be!

“We’d like to say a huge thank you to the staff and pupils for making us feel so welcome!”