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NewsFlash
Week 1 - Saturday 6th 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 Saturday'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 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!
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, following a thorough warm up and practise of key technique, Stage 1 brainstormed a variety of choreographic ideas for our Music Video – encouraging teamwork and creativity as young choreographers. They then experimented with body language and facial expression to show different emotions before beginning the first section of their music video choreography. 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, following an intensive warm up and technique work (including footwork, balance and safe leaps), Stage 2 shared their own tricks and favourite moves – many of which will be incorporated into the final choreography! This encouraged creativity, individuality and pride in their work while also building ensemble spirit. 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 launched into their Frozen Jr. project with energy, focus and creativity! In Drama, our students discussed the plot, characters and relationships within the story before auditioning for roles using key excerpts from the show, including scenes between Elsa and Anna & Hans and Anna. They focused on characterisation, rehearsal etiquette and ensemble work – casting will be revealed this Saturday! In Singing, Stage 3 explored Acting Through Song techniques, using tone and expression to bring different magical characters – such as Olaf, Elsa and Anna – to life!
They began learning In Summer and Let the Sun Shine On, while also being introduced to their group numbers; Stage 3 are encouraged to use their Lyric Sheets (with QR codes linking to rehearsal tracks) to practise at home. In Dance, Stage 3 refined their technique through corner work – with an emphasis on leaps, kicks and turns. They then began work on Fixer Upper (inspired by tribal dancing!) which encouraged strong and dynamic movement to match the show’s contrasting styles. It was a confident and ambitious start that set the tone for an exciting term ahead!
Thank you for reading this week's edition of NewsFlash! Contact Andy on 07470132253 if you have any questions. See you next week!