Prestfelde School case studies (7)

Impact of partnership work done in 2023 (ISC annual Census 2024)

• 7 state schools involved
• 101-200 state school pupils involved
• 50 staff hours given

Impact Statement

One of the important elements of any Woodard school is the concentration on arts, music and drama. Prestfelde is involved in all different aspects of these activities with a number providing the training necessary to pass graded exams set by national institutions.

The Performing Arts during the last year have again benefited greatly from the use of the Blackburn Chapel and Theatre and an excellent Director of Music and Head of Drama. The Theatre hosted a Senior School Shakespeare Festival performance in the Autumn as well as numerous concerts (House Music, Annual Concert, etc) throughout the year.

Chorally, the school’s junior and senior choir are active and the Chamber Choir is in demand to sing both within and outside the school. The Prestfelde Choir were recently involved in the world premiere of a new choral work ‘Move Him Into The Sun’ by internationally renowned composer Bob Chilcott, which formed part of a ‘Pity of War’ concert. This marked the 100th anniversary of the death of First World War poet Wilfred Owen.

It has been another great year for drama, with many talented pupils treading the boards in school and across Shrewsbury. One pupil gained a drama scholarship to Shrewsbury School. The school took part in The Shakespeare Schools Festival at Theatre Severn which was a great success and enabled the cast to perform on a professional stage, as well as take part in a workshop run by professional actors. The pupils have also benefitted from professional actors running different workshops at the School. Dance also continues to develop at the School with increasing opportunities particularly in Little Prestfelde.
Art continues to be an integral part of school life at Prestfelde, with many opportunities to celebrate our pupils' achievements. There has been a huge variety of work produced in the Art room, encompassing a very wide range of processes, skills and experiences, both 2D and 3D.

Pupils have taken part in art workshops working alongside professional artists. The children also fully interacted and engaged with a local artist and his work when creating works around the School enhancing the learning environment.
We provided opportunities for 12 work experience places for pupils from our local comprehensive schools.

The Woodard Corporation is involved in the development of academies as part of the government’s initiative. In support of this project all Woodard schools have provided support, where asked, through provision of educational expertise, participation in governance, direct curriculum support etc. In particular, the Head is a Governor at King Solomons School. The school is also supported academically by teaching staff at Prestfelde, especially through the Deputy Head (Academic). Prestfelde has also hosted events to share best practice in staff appraisal and tracking amongst Woodard Schools.