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NewsFlash
Week 1 - Friday 5th September
Welcome back to NewsFlash – the very first edition of Autumn Term 2025! 🎉
If you’re new to Stagecoach, NewsFlash is where we share regular snapshots from inside the classroom so you can follow your child’s journey each week. For a bigger picture of this term’s themes and goals, take a look at our Pre-Term Newsletter.
This week’s NewsFlash gives you a quick rundown of last Friday’s lessons plus a gallery of photos at the end. We had such a fantastic start to the term – we hope your children enjoyed it just as much as Andy, Laura and the team did!
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Early Stages
Early Stages’ imaginations soared as we welcomed them to this term’s Show Term theme – Toy Box Universe! This exciting mash-up brings together everybody’s toy-themed favourites with material inspired by Toy Story, Barbie, PAW Patrol, Super Mario Bros and more. In Drama, our students were introduced to the first ensemble piece for the performance – the Toy Box Poem. They focused on memorisation, clarity of speech, projection and rhythm – building confidence in delivering their lines as a group. Martha also introduced them to the plot of Toy Box Universe; they explored character relationships and physicality through a range of creative activities.
In Singing, Early Stages began learning the opening section of You’ve Got a Friend in Me, with emphasis on projection, diction, timing, pitch-matching and expressive delivery. In Dance, our students listened to the exciting medleys created for Toy Box Universe (Mix 1 and Mix 2) and, after practising key technique, started to learn choreography for the Woody’s Roundup section of Mix 1. Alongside these introductions, the class enjoyed welcoming new friends to the group, creating a supportive and enthusiastic start to the term.
To support their learning, all students received a Student Support Pack for Toy Box Universe (alongside, for new students, their Early Stages Passports). Please ensure students bring these booklets back each week, as we will be writing in their individual lines throughout the term. It was a fantastic first session and we cannot wait to see how our youngest performers grow in confidence as the term progresses!
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Stage 1
Stage 1 were introduced to this term’s theme – Music Videos – last Friday, welcoming them to How Ya Doin’? from Little Mix & Missy Elliott. In Singing, our students warmed up with a variety of activities that emphasised technique and vocal confidence before beginning work on their new song. They explored how facial expressions and physicality can enhance their performance, with a focus on energy and character. In Drama, Stage 1 enjoyed activities designed to strengthen their listening and teamwork skills, which will be crucial as they collaborate to create their Music Video narrative.
Alongside this, they began to explore characterisation, improvisation, comedy and mime – all of which will play a part in their final project. The session ended with a lively brainstorming activity, giving students a chance to begin shaping ideas for their Music Video storyline. In Dance, Stage 1 practised technique such as kicks, leaps and stage walks before working in groups to strike bold poses and experiment with new choreography ideas. They were then introduced to the first section of choreography for How Ya Doin’?, with a focus on musicality, timing and tone – an exciting start to their journey this term!
Stage 2
Stage 2 had an excellent start to the term with an introduction to our Skills Term Music Video Project and a first look at the range of Drama Modules that will be explored over the next eleven weeks. In Singing, they began learning The Lazy Song, with a focus on developing expressive performance, characterisation and emotion. They looked closely at how to bring out humour and personality through both their voices and movement. In Drama, Stage 2 took part in rhythm-based ensemble activities such as Pass the Pulse to sharpen focus and awareness, before moving on to character building exercises. They then enjoyed small-group improvisation, encouraging them to refresh their creativity and teamwork skills.
In Dance, Stage 2 refined their standard technique with exercises in kicks, leaps and turns, and then incorporated these skills into features such as stage walks, group poses and canon formations, all of which will contribute to their Music Video choreography. It was a varied and productive set of lessons that refreshed key performance skills, prepared them for the term ahead, and gave a first taste of the exciting challenges this project will bring!
Stage 3
Stage 3 brought in the new term with energy, motivation and focus – teachers were very impressed with their positive attitude to learning and creativity – we are excited to see what they will achieve both in Music Videos and beyond. In Singing, Stage 3 were introduced to A Night to Remember from High School Musical 3. They worked on identifying the characters/emotions behind each lyric and deepening their understanding of the song’s story to enhance their performance. In Drama, the class started with ensemble rhythm activities such as 'Pass the Pulse' and then moved into more in-depth character work with improvisation activities.
This balance of ensemble skills and creativity will be vital in preparing them for building the narrative sections of their Music Video later this term. In Dance, Stage 3 focused on refreshing their technique, developing stage presence and experimenting with group poses/canon work. Following this, they began the first section of choreography for A Night to Remember. It was an ambitious and varied first week that set a strong foundation for the exciting term to come!
Further Stages
Further Stages were welcomed into the Autumn Term with a series of refreshers and ensemble-based activities before moving into a deeper exploration of Frozen Jr. The class discussed the synopsis, cast of characters and overall themes of the show, while also reflecting on the performance skills and techniques needed to bring the production to life. In Drama, they explored their characters further through Freeze Frames and Hot-Seating activities, which challenged them to consider each role’s motivations and place within the wider story.
Claudia was particularly impressed with the creativity and confidence shown – especially by our new students who made a fantastic first impression. In Singing, the group began learning Do You Want to Build a Snowman? and were also introduced to the opening number, Let the Sun Shine On. These rehearsals gave them a chance to begin tackling ensemble harmonies and storytelling through song. Both Andy & Claudia were thrilled with the start made by Further Stages and are excited to see how this talented group bring Frozen Jr to life over the course of the term.
Thank you for reading this week's edition of NewsFlash! Contact Andy on 07470132253 if you have any questions. See you next week!