This term began with some training for staff in the creative use of digital media in the classroom to encourage creative learning. Film is increasingly accessible as technology improves and in addition to celebrating students’ work via digital photography we have been pioneering work with the moving image across the curriculum. You should notice more of this at various presentations. The Curriculum Committee is considering offering accredited courses on this art form in the near future and we are exploring the possibility of cinema as an extra-curricular opportunity. I would welcome any thoughts you may have regarding this development which complements our specialist arts status.

Those of you who prefer fine art may like to support Mr Sofroniou’s artistic venture offered on a forthcoming separate flyer. Over the next few weeks Michael is planning to produce 100 portraits of students, staff, governors and parents of AGS for a collective exhibition entitled The Bigger Picture. The quality of Michael’s work is remarkable and we are fortunate to have a teacher with such skills who is prepared to give his time and effort to this venture. Please support this if you can and look out for the flyer and the

exhibition which will follow.

Congratulations to the winners of this year’s Sound and Vision competition. We showed their films in assembly and the contest attracted a high standard of highly imaginative and creative entries. Digital cameras were won by George Collum (6th Form) and Amy Chambers, Jessica Fardouly and Alicia Evans (joint Y7-Y11 entry). Thanks to Mr Smith for organising this special event.

Elsewhere in Performing Arts please be aware that our showcase of joint Alcester

Schools planned for February 8 th has been postponed and a new date will be announced shortly. Meanwhile the Community Commedia Group continues to meet every Tuesday 4.15 – 5.30pm in The Pit. All aspiring performers from across the Alcester area are

welcome.

We will officially re-launch the Arts Award for the lower school (at Bronze level) and Sixth Form (Silver level) after Half-term. This award is an accreditation which supports young artists and arts leaders to qualifications at levels 1, 2, and 3. Stay tuned or see Mr Steinhaus for more information.

On Friday 9 th February seventeen members of Year Ten will be performing a shortened version of Shakespeare’s “The Winter’s Tale” at the Artrix Theatre in Bromsgrove. This is part of the national Shakespeare Schools Festival. The students have been working hard since November. If you wish to support them, tickets are available from the Artrix (telephone 01527 577330). The performance begins at 7 p.m. Further details of the

Festival are on http://www.ssf.uk.com/ .

Students studying for their AS and A2 Theatre Studies will be staging public

performances of their assessed work on March 5/6 th and 19 th at 7.00 p.m. in the Theatre. The content may be more suitable for 14+. All supporters welcome.

We are very proud to be associated with Oscar Powell and Michael Hood who have been playing parts in this year’s RSC production of Richard III having auditioned successfully.

This production forms part of the Complete Works season and the boys will be playing alongside top names. Oscar has battled through rehearsals despite appendicitis and we wish both students every success.