Classically British Pantomime showcases Wellington College’s Triple Threat Performers

  Every December in the UK, theatres are filled with the classic British tradition of Pantomimes; a slapstick play, usually based on a fairytale with bizarre characters and plenty of audience involvement. The year at Wellington College, pupils from Years 8 to 12 are presenting an old English tale - Dick Whittington and His Cat. In a bizarre plot filled with fantastic characters, and a trip from England to Morocco and then back again, Dick - a poor boy from Gloucestershire - ends up becoming Lord Mayor of London. In line with the best specialist training schools around the world, Wellington’s Performing Arts and Music curriculum focuses on developing performers in three streams; Music, Dance and Acting, with the belief that “Triple Threat” (as it is called) performers have a better understanding of themselves and the Arts and that each discipline is intrinsically interlinked with the other. “The Pantomime has given the pupils the opportunity to express themselves, develop confidence, learn vital communication skills, team work, and creative skills, not to mention fine-tuning their acting, singing, and dancing talents. The skills that they develop along the way are transferred to everything they do in their lives.” Michael Larsen-Disney, Director of Performing Arts at Wellington College in Shanghai. The Wellington College Community of schools seek to provide a holistic education for the pupils. At the heart of this, the Wellington College way, is the Eight Aptitudes approach to structuring, developing and reflecting on all the learning, especially focusing largely on 21st Century skills and committing to develop in them in each pupil. The Cultural Aptitude, one of the eight, cultivates the value of The Arts, the confidence it instills in young people, the physical and mental discipline it requires, and the experience of being a valued team member. Wellington’s unique educational approach provides the wisdom to live a positive well rounded life, but also develop skills that are critical for being successful in an ever changing world. “In fact, there are a huge number of aptitudes computers don’t have which, in the digital age, are becoming increasingly valued and important” said Julian Thomas, Master of Wellington College in the UK when he spoke about developing ‘soft skills’ to the Telegraph – one of the most influential media in the UK.” During the whole month of December, Wellingtonians also put on a broad collection of Christmas Concerts and Carol services showcasing the diversity and the strength of Music Department and pupils.