Spotlight On: Building partnerships through performance

Fostering a love for the arts and building meaningful connections within the local community are the cornerstones of two recent initiatives at King Edward VI School in Southampton (KES). By collaborating with local schools, KES has created impactful events that benefit both its pupils and those from partner schools. The Partnerships School Matinee Performance Event and the Choral Partnership Day are just two examples of the activities that have taken place during the autumn term and highlight how such collaborations can inspire young people, elevate artistic standards, and forge lasting relationships. 

Partnerships School Matinee Performance Event 

The Partnerships School Matinee Performance Event provided a unique opportunity for KES pupils to showcase their interpretation of Macbeth to an audience of Year 8 students from St Anne’s Catholic School. The matinee offered a dual benefit: KES performers experienced the challenges of live theatre, while visiting pupils deepened their understanding of the play as part of their studies. 

The event demonstrated how shared activities create powerful learning experiences. KES students gained invaluable insights into audience engagement. As one performer noted, the audience's enthusiastic reactions “really made an impact” and heightened the realism of their preparation. This experience bolstered their confidence and prepared them for opening night. For St Anne’s pupils, seeing the Shakespearean text brought to life enhanced their understanding of its staging, performance, and costuming in a peer context, making the material more relatable and accessible. 

Feedback from both schools underscored the event’s success. A teacher from St Anne’s remarked: “Thank you so much again for giving our Year 8 girls the opportunity to see such a wonderful production.” This positive reception strengthens the case for continuing such partnerships, where mutual benefits are clearly evident. 

Choral Partnership Day 

The Choral Partnership Day brought together six primary schools and KES choral singers for a day of workshops and a culminating concert. Led by the Genesis Sixteen alumni choir, this event provided high-quality training and inspiration for all participants. 

The day was structured to inspire participants and hone their skills through practical, hands-on learning. Younger pupils expressed excitement about improving their confidence, with one Year 6 participant saying: “I want to be proud of myself, and I think this will help with stage fright.” 

The workshops also had a profound impact on KES students. They gained technical insights into advanced singing techniques, such as how to emphasise specific words and use dynamic contrasts effectively. For one pupil, the day reinforced the importance of dedication, as they realised that “even the smallest details, like a crescendo or facial expression, make a significant difference.” 

Broader benefits of partnership events 

Both events illustrate the immense value of collaboration between schools. These initiatives offer pupils exposure to new environments, different perspectives, and expert guidance that might not otherwise be available. For visiting schools, such as St Anne’s and the participating primaries, these experiences broaden horizons and encourage engagement with the arts. 

For KES, hosting these events strengthens its ties with the local community and provides its pupils with invaluable real-world experience. Events like the matinee give performers an authentic taste of live theatre, while workshops like those on Choral Partnership Day expose students to the expertise of professional artists, fostering a deeper appreciation for their craft. 

Resourcefulness and Impact 

Both events demonstrated excellent use of school resources. The Dobson Theatre provided a professional setting for performances and workshops, while the involvement of external experts, such as the Genesis Sixteen alumni choir, brought added depth to the learning experience. KES staff, including visiting music teachers and accompanists, played a vital role in ensuring the success of these events. 

The impact of these efforts is clear. From the laughter and gasps during Macbeth to the transformative feedback from choral participants, it is evident that such events resonate deeply with young people. They inspire not only an appreciation for the arts but also a desire to actively engage with them. 

Moving forward 

The success of these events signals a bright future for partnerships between KES and local schools. By continuing to host shared activities, KES can further its mission of promoting the arts while fostering strong community connections. For the students involved, these experiences are more than educational; they are transformative. As one Year 10 pupil put it, “I learned that dedication is what a choral singer requires every day.” 

Through initiatives like these, KES is not only spotlighting the arts but also ensuring they thrive in the next generation.