A Night At The Movies
Brookfield recently hosted its charity dance show, A Night at the Movies, to raise money for Sands, which helps families who have been affected by stillbirth and also helps to reduce the number of neonatal deaths. The process of preparing the show started in July, when ideas about which charity to support were discussed, eventually leading to the students selecting Sands. Dancer Sarah Dave, one of the organisers, said: "The dance show went really well. We chose Sands because we felt as a group of young women it was important to us and we have family connection with the charity. Sands also has a Peter Pan memorial in Chesterfield which inspired the theme of a Night at the Movies. It's a part of the community that we wanted to honour."
The Year 13 A-Level Dance Group independently organised the choreography, music and costumes to pull off the tremendous event, as well as co-ordinating rehearsals in their free time to work with members of lower school. A Night at the Movies featured an array of dances and songs from films such as Moulin Rouge, Guardians of the Galaxy and Pitch Perfect, as well as a tribute to the charity, and involved students right through from the year 7 Dance Club to the Sixth Form boys’ dance. Sarah reflected: “We aimed to include both dancers and non-dancers, particularly the boys’ group who worked really hard to pick up the dances, as well as learning how to dance with a partner.”
Alison Leigh, dance teacher, added: “I am extremely proud of the hard work of every one of the Y13 students, and a total of £1350 is the highest ever amount raised by a charity dance show. Well done to them all and bring on next year!”
Text: Victoria Ruck
Brookfield Presents
Guys and Dolls
4th to 8th February 2020
Brookfield’s yearly performance is just around the corner, and from the 4th to the 8th of February, the performing arts department will be bringing “Guys and Dolls” to the school stage. The cast has been working hard since September to put together this amazing show, featuring stunning dance numbers and amazing songs, including Sit Down, You’re Rocking the Boat, as performed in the school’s summer showcase last June. “Guys and Dolls” truly is a classic not to be missed. The story follows gambler Nathan Detroit who is looking to relocate his game and bets that his rival, Sky Masterson, can’t go on a date with Evangelist Sarah Brown; Sky eventually negotiates with her to bring people to her mission in exchange for a date. Each Brookfield production has been a huge success, and “Guys and Dolls” certainly won’t disappoint. Tickets are available to be purchased online at:
Text: Victoria Ruck
Young Citizens
One way in which Brookfield encourages active citizenship and participation is in the Parliament trip for Year 13 politics students, including a fascinating tour of Westminster where we strengthened our political knowledge as well as taking part in a legislation workshop.
However, the trip took a surprising turn when we discovered after exiting parliament that there had been a terrorist attack on London Bridge, a very sad turn of events but expertly accommodated by the staff in charge who quickly adjusted our schedule.
We also saw democracy in action when Brookfield hosted an “Any Questions” debate that all students of politics were able to attend. This debate, chaired by Chris Mason and produced by Lisa Jenkinson, had a panel including Richard Burgon, Sir Patrick McLoughlin, Wera Hobhouse and Tommy Sheppard.
A thrilling insight into the different views regarding pressing issues was further beneficial for politics students when, after the debate, students were able to meet the politicians and ask their own questions.
Text: Amelia Hardwick
Christmas at Brookfield:
Some things new,
established and re-cycled
As all schools should, Brookfield’s community enjoyed celebrating the festive season. The “new” angle – a huge success but not likely to be repeated – was when the crew and presenters of BBC radio’s “Any Questions” took over the hall for its pre-election edition.
On the same evening, the Brookfield Parent and Friends Association held its annual Christmas market - and once again it was a resounding success. Relocating to the sports hall this year, all involved agreed that it was a better venue. More than 30 stall-holders, both external providers and students, offered items ranging from jams to jewellery, snapped up by the 300 visitors. The Christmas mood was assured by the school’s performing arts choir, who sang a range of carols. The money raised - £2,300 - will go directly back to the school, to help provide students with ‘extras’ that perhaps the school budget can’t. If you would be interested in supporting the BPFA in any way, please email: bpfa@brookfield.derbyshire.sch.uk. They would love to hear from you!
The re-cycled part of proceedings saw the (generally!) welcome return of the staff pantomime, enjoyed by the whole school community on the last day of term. Led and directed by Head of Maths Kevin Styles, a team of willing volunteers recreated the Chesterfield of 1019 in “Jack and the Beanstalk”, the giant’s tumble providing the perfect explanation for our beloved crooked spire. Costumes, lines and jokes were tweaked for new audiences but most of the show was borrowed from panto’s long tradition.
Thanks to Cathi Thacker of the BPFA.