[S]t Benedict’s School have this weekend stormed the stage at the Northern Premier Finals of Rock Challenge, gaining their highest ever placing, coming in fifth overall.
St Benedict’s along with Whitehaven Academy and West Lakes Academy all retained their status as premier teams and therefore automatically qualified for the Northern Premier Final which was held at Grimsby Auditorium on Saturday 30th June.
As well as coming fifth overall, St Benedict’s received awards for excellence in the following categories:
- Choreography
- Entertainment
- Performance Skill
- Lighting
- Drama
- Stage Crew
- Stage Use
- Video
- Soundtrack
- Concept
The team, which consists of 95 students, 7 members of staff, and 10 volunteers, have been rehearsing for months. They showcased their performance earlier in the year at Carlisle Sands Centre, as well as having a full dress rehearsal last week in front of St Benedict’s staff.
Their performance, entitled Outbreak, tells the story of a rare monkey, captured in an African rainforest, and sold to a London zoo keeper… Unbeknown, the monkey carries a deadly virus!
Within hours, an outbreak sweeps rapidly across the city, and the government threaten to destroy the capital to avoid a pandemic. In the race against time, can Dr Richards find a cure before the city is destroyed?
Helen Scott, Performing Arts Teacher at St Benedict’s manages the Rock Challenge team, and comments:
“I am absolutely delighted with the outcome of this year’s Rock Challenge. The whole team have overcome a number of obstacles to receive their highest ever placing in a Premier Final.”
“I am extremely proud of all of our students who have worked phenomenally hard since October and showed real determination and spirit. I could not ask for a better group of students. Their overall effort, commitment and enthusiasm is really something special.”
Mr Smith, Headteacher at St Benedict’s said:
“Once again I am pleased that our students have done so well in Rock Challenge. I continue to be impressed by the team spirit both students and staff have shown & congratulate everyone who has taken part in this year’s event.”
The results this year, now means that St Benedict’s have retained their Premier status for 2019 when they go on to compete again.
