Arts Award Spotlight: Student Reviews

As part of the Silver Arts Award, our students have been exploring a wide range of artistic experiences—from theatre productions and live music to exhibitions and film. A key part of the award involves reflecting critically on the arts, and sharing their opinions with others.

In this newsletter segment, you’ll find a collection of thoughtful reviews written by our students. Sharing these reviews helps them develop their communication skills, build confidence, and engage more deeply with the arts. It also gives them the opportunity to inspire others in the school community to get involved in creative activities.

The Silver Arts Award is a nationally recognised qualification that celebrates young people’s creative achievements and supports them in becoming arts leaders. We’re proud to showcase their voices and talents here—enjoy reading their insight! 

-Ms Vail, Music Teacher and Arts Award Advisor

 

 

 

Daaniya at ‘Jason and The Adventure of 254’

I really enjoyed my time at the ‘Jason and the Adventure of 254’ event because it was very colourful, so realistic and the texture of the astronaut was very detailed.

My favourite part of the art was that it had a lot of colourful textures and a lot of creative details on the astronaut’s clothes.

I learnt that colour can contribute to the overall creativity of a piece. It inspired my work by using a bigger variety of colors. 

Overall, I really enjoyed the event because it was fun and very colourful and also very realistic.

The texture of the astronaut  was so creative. My favourite part of the event was that it had a wide range of colours to make it feel more real.

-Daaniya

 

Eric at ‘Can’t Rush Greatness’ (Central Cee) 

I attended the event with my Dad. The event was at the O2 arena. I was nervous at first but when it started i felt happy and excited

The best part was when he first came out onto the stage and Central Cee sang my favourite songs

 

I was inspired by Central Cee because he is one of my favourite artists and I like his style of music 

 

I learnt how big, famous artists perform live in front of thousands of people and this helped me with ideas on how to make my own songs in the future

 

-Eric 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Andrew at the HS2 Construction site. 

HS2 viaduct was a big construction place where they make all the part needed to build the tunnel/bridge it was also where the largest crane that is running in the the uk as we was there they showed us around including the factory that built all the bridge slabs and the process on how they made all the slabs we had to know all the safeties around the site one thing they showed was a little safety place where they had some cars/vehicles sitting they where they sed that they was in an extent which made a clear reminder of how dangerous it can be.

If what I think of that place they can do some more safety training as they was a extent win we was they but of that i would say it’s a good place and it’s the best way for the uk to fix up they train problems

-Andrew 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lennon at ‘Wicked’ 

On the 3rd of December, I went to the cinema to go see Wicked, here’s my review:

This and Joker really made me realise just how much we need more movies about a good person turning evil. I really like the concept of this origin story and makes Disney look like an embarrassment. The visuals are top notch and some of the best acting performances of 2024. Jeff Goldblum did feel a bit out of nowhere, but i also don’t mind his “extended cameo”, and while Peter Dinklage wasn’t in the movie much, i did like his character, I didn’t even realise that was Peter Dinklage’s voice coming out of a CGI talking goat. And the songs are really solid. I haven’t seen the original musical but I still got a lot from the songs, especially Defying Gravity. Lastly, I know this is a part one of two but the ending genuinely made it feel like a complete story, which I was not expecting.

9/10

-Lennon 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jaydan’s Take on Kendrick Lamar’s Halftime Show. 

I watched Kendricks halftime show and had to write down my thoughts. 

The dance had a very coordinated feel to it, it was obvious from first watch that it was heavily choreographed and rehearsed. There are theories, or rather conspiracy theories, about the choreography and what it meant. The whole show was a message to the voters of the United States. I know this because Kendrick Lamar said, ‘You picked the right time but the wrong man.’ This means they should not have picked Donald Trump. Kendrick knows this because we’ve seen the impact of Trump’s views, which can be racist. In my opinion, this statement may be true because Kendrick’s songs are often political. The dancers all wore different colors and were segregated, and when Uncle Sam said, ‘Are you ready to play the game?’ this likely refers to Black Americans. In other words, it’s asking, ‘Are you ready to struggle because of your race?’

Kendrick’s choice of songs were controversial as many believed he should have played more well known songs from his earlier career, as is typical in a super bowl halftime show. Rihanna, who performed at the previous halftime show, selected a variety of her most popular songs including ‘Bitch Better Have My Money’, ‘Umbrella’, and ‘Where Have You Been’ which was typical for a half time show. Many believe the set list for a halftime show should be a full encompassing look into the artists career, not like a typical concert in a usual tour where the artist would play their more recent music as promotion for it. Many felt as though Kendrick did just this. However, I really enjoyed his choice of songs, I think they were relevant for the political message he was trying to get across and ‘All the Stars’ is one of my favorite songs of all time.

 

What’s also really cool is that Kendrick brought SZA into the fold for ‘All the Stars.’ The combination of his sharp, thought-provoking verses and her soulful, smooth vocals was such a great move. SZA’s voice has this effortless quality that complements Kendrick’s energy perfectly, creating this beautiful dynamic between the two. It wasn’t just about putting a hit song together; it was about blending two unique styles and creating something that felt more special because of it. Seeing them collaborate on such a massive track, especially for something as iconic as the Black Panther soundtrack, was a powerful moment in music. Their chemistry was undeniable, and the way they bounced off each other added so much depth to the song.

 

 

And then Mustard, the music producer. His production on All the Stars added a whole other layer to the track. Mustard is known for his ability to create beats that feel both fresh and timeless, and you can definitely hear his signature touch here. The way he crafted the soundscapes for the song made it feel epic and cinematic, perfectly matching the tone of the Black Panther film. The combination of Kendrick’s lyrical prowess, SZA’s emotive vocals, and Mustard’s production made All the Stars one of those tracks that’s not just a song—it’s an experience.

The way they all came together for this track shows how much thought and care went into it. Kendrick didn’t just make a song; he brought together the right voices and producers to elevate the message and the energy of the entire project. That collaborative effort is what made it such a standout piece.

In conclusion, I think the show was well rehearsed, thought out and impactful. I look forward to hearing more from Kendrick, hopefully we don’t have to wait years for new work!

-Jaydan 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jack at ‘Hitler on Trial’ 

 

I went to Abbey Theatre on a School trip to watch ‘Hilter on Trial’ on January 1st , it was a stage play by School History Scene Productions . I was on the front row 2nd from the left. 

The performance was mimicking a trial room. So it helped me visualize what it looked like. It also helped me with how to present arguments. I enjoyed how some of the actors had to change clothing every time.

 

It inspired me to write debates, the logic behind some characters and reasons to why they would believe it, how intense it could get. It was hard to remember that some of it was fiction. 

This was important to me as I am working on something that would require a courtroom-like setting to the story.. As i haven’t seen one.

-Jack