THE HELEN FOUNDATION CELEBRATES YOUNG PEOPLE SHINING IN THE ARTS
The Helen Foundation has had a wonderfully busy summer term, celebrating the creativity, talent and dedication of young people across Teignbridge schools. Many schools presented The Helen Foundation Award, recognising the young person who has shown the “best endeavour in the arts” during their time at school. We are delighted to share some of their inspiring achievements.
In addition, 12 schools staged musical theatre productions with the help of grants of up to £600 per school from The Helen Foundation and its associated Ella Philp Fund. The funding helped schools with performance rights, and costs including staging, lighting, room hire, props and publicity.
Here are just some of the fantastic performances and achievements we have been proud to support.
A STAR PERFORMANCE IN MATILDA - KINGSKERSWELL C OF E PRIMARY SCHOOL
Kingskerswell Primary School Drama Club enjoyed great success with its production of Matilda, with pupils impressing audiences through their confidence, enthusiasm and fantastic performances. The school's Helen Foundation Award went to Gracie Murray Coller, who also took the lead role of Matilda.
Teacher Wendy Williams explained that the award recognised not only Gracie's outstanding performance this year, but also her commitment to drama and music since joining Drama Club in Year 3. As well as showing impressive singing and acting ability, Gracie has demonstrated a particular talent for dance and has generously supported other pupils in learning routines.
The production also helped many children overcome their fears and grow in confidence. They said:
“This year I was delighted to perform in Matilda. I took strong enjoyment in playing the mean but excellent Agatha Trunchbull. I wouldn’t have been able to do it without an outstanding directorial team. I learned that my nerves mean I care.”
“I was very proud to receive the role of Matilda. This was a big step for me as I’ve never had a main part in a show before, but I was determined to overcome my fear and fulfil the role. I loved doing the performance. I enjoyed it so much that I wish I could do it again! I did struggle to learn my lines, but I learned them just in time. Being the main role was such a big step, but I did it and all my years of drama have helped me get more confident.”
“I’ve learned to face my fear, and it also helped me step out of my comfort zone. I just love singing and dancing and acting. I’m really glad my school has a drama club. Before doing drama, I didn’t want even to say things in front of the class, but now I can sing a really hard song in front of 200 strangers.”
CREATING CONFIDENCE WITH KONFLUX THEATRE - ALL SAINTS MARSH PRIMARY SCHOOL
Year 6 pupils at All Saints Marsh Primary School enjoyed an exciting “Play in a Day” workshop with Konflux Theatre. During the day, pupils worked together to create and perform their own production, All Change, before presenting it to friends and families. The project encouraged children to think positively about their move to secondary school while exploring issues that mattered to them. Most importantly, they were able to develop their own ideas and take real ownership of the performance.
The school was delighted to see pupils take to the stage with confidence, courage and pride.
Feedback from the children:
“I was nervous at first, but by the end of the day I felt really confident performing in front of everyone. It was so much fun creating our own play and working as a team.”
“The best part was coming up with our own ideas and seeing them become part of the performance. It made me feel excited about moving to secondary school.”
“I loved performing for my family and friends. We all helped each other, and it felt amazing when everyone clapped at the end.”
"I felt nervous at first, but as soon as it started, I loved it".
"I loved the fact we could make up jokes about the teachers!"
The school thanked The Helen Foundation and the Ella Philp Fund for making this valuable opportunity possible.
A SPECTACULAR JOSEPH AT COCKWOOD PRIMARY SCHOOL
The school wrote:
“What a wonderful way to end such a busy term! Our pupils have truly excelled, and we are delighted to share news of an absolutely spectacular performance. Last night, our Year 6 pupils, supported by Year 4 and 5s, treated us all to a brilliant performance of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Joseph and his Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat at Teignmouth School Auditorium. The pupils performed an impressive 23 songs, telling the story of Joseph and his brothers with fabulous dance routines and a wonderful array of colourful costumes. It was a real showcase of talent and hard work.
None of this would have been possible without the generosity and support of so many people. We are very grateful to Crediton Operatic and Drama Society for lending us the wonderful drapes for the foyer and material to drape at the side of the stage. We must also extend our thanks to Roger and Annie Kirk from the Helen Foundation and its Ella Philp Fund for their continued support in helping us to fund shows of this calibre – the generosity of this charity truly makes a difference."
"A special mention must go to Mrs Mitchell, who has worked tirelessly to pull the entire show together. Her dedication and vision have been instrumental in creating such a memorable experience for our pupils. This performance was a real moment for our Year 6s to step up and take the limelight, and they did so brilliantly. Well done to all involved.”
COCKWOOD'S THF AWARD WINNER: ROSIE HOLMES
Rosie’s mum, Carley writes: “Rosie was incredibly proud and honoured to receive The Helen Foundation Award following her performance as the Narrator in Joseph after a wonderful year of singing, acting and performing in every opportunity available at Cockwood Primary School. A perfect way to celebrate the end of primary. Receiving an award from The Helen Foundation makes this even more special. To receive an award that carries Helen's name is a tremendous honour, and one Rosie will treasure forever.”
SUPPORTING YOUNG PEOPLE TO SHINE
These are just a few examples of the remarkable achievements we have celebrated this summer. Whether through a leading role in a musical, creating an original performance in a single day, overcoming nerves to step onto the stage, or receiving recognition for years of dedication to the arts, these young people have demonstrated the power of creativity to build confidence and transform lives.
Congratulations to every pupil, teacher, volunteer and school involved.
The Helen Foundation is proud to continue supporting opportunities that allow young people to discover their talents, develop their confidence and experience the joy and magic of the arts.
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