Cultural delights for academy pupils

Students at an academy have welcomed the summer with a host of cultural activities both abroad and at home.

Last week, pupils from the National Church of England Academy, in Hucknall, showcased the fabulous array of musical talent within the school as their Summer Soirée took place.

The main focus of the evening was to highlight the skills of the year ten GCSE musicians, with each student performing either a solo or ensemble piece. Performances ranged in style from tuba solos, to piano duets, to vocal pop arrangements, highlighting the variety of musical talent and teaching within the Academy.

The soirée also showcased the many ensembles on offer at the academy. The popular concert was opened by the Glee Club, followed by musicians from key stages three and four. Vocal harmony group Cadence closed an entertaining show, performing two beautiful and emotional pieces, ‘Amazing Grace’ and ‘Hail Holy Queen’, leaving the packed audience enthralled.

National Church of England Academy summer soireeNational Church of England Academy summer soiree
National Church of England Academy summer soiree

Music teacher Amy Thornton said: “Our Summer Soirée is one of the highlights of the National Church of England Academy calendar, and brings out the very best in our students’ musical talents. Their hard work and dedicated practice definitely paid off with a series of superb individual and ensemble performances. The look of delight on the faces of the audience which included parents, students, staff, Governors and members of the community was a joy to see. I am proud of every single student for their professional performance and the support they provided to their peers.”

Also this month, a group of students visited Northern France on an educational visit. The purpose of the visit was to extend students’ cultural knowledge of the country alongside providing an ideal opportunity to test out the language skills they have been learning during their studies.

More than 30 year seven students and supporting staff members made the journey to Boulogne Sur Mer in the northern part of France, travelling by coach and experiencing a ferry ride across the English Channel.

In a packed schedule, the students spent their first day exploring the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of the local market, sampling local pastries and using their French skills to purchase souvenirs for family and friends. The group then moved on to the Nausicaa Sea-Life Centre, seeing a variety of sea creatures including sharks, rays and penguins, before being given a tour of a rustic bakery run by a local family.

Related topics: