The ultimate challenge: Ferndown students compose musical in one day

Student Jonathan Gracie (pictured), and many others from Ferndown Upper School, wrote and performed a mini-musical in one day, expertly led by Ferndown Upper School Director of Music, Sarah Dymond.

The students took the story of ‘The Cucumber King’, an ancient Burmese legend, and used it to create a musical masterpiece, swapping the story’s original characters with the school’s two deputy heads, Mr John Evans and Mr Nigel Harris. The students wrote all the lyrics themselves, as well as all the musical parts, which then culminated in the recording of the entire piece. Jonathan said, “I had so much fun and never realised I would be able to write so many songs in one day!”

Students were treated to many other activities during the activities day, including trying their hand at writing a play in a day, performing the result to a group of Ferndown First School students, who enjoyed the comedy offering.

There was also an opportunity to make pizzas from scratch, as well as soaps and bath bombs with personalised gift tags. There was a community litter pick, and students and staff cleared the pond in Harmont Community Woods to optimise the habitat for the flourishing flora and fauna.

As if that weren’t enough, students braved the chill at Rockley Water Sports complex to try all manner of water sports, and others spent an exciting day at Silverstone on an F1 Track.

There was also an “own a pony for the day” session, which allowed pupils to have a riding lesson, and time in a livery yard. With flamenco fancing, tennis, face-painting and magazine-making also on offer, Ferndown Upper Students were spoilt for choice.

Head teacher Philip Jones commented, “Days like today are invaluable. It is important that students have an opportunity for social development while at school, and the relationships that are built and developed on days like this one help to build our students into the young adults that they then become.”