MIDDLE SCHOOL
Ms. Daphne Said - Head of Arts
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Verdala’s attendance at ISTA festivals is now becoming a regular occurrence in our calendar. We are very pleased that this year this opportunity has been extended to Middle School once again.
At the start of May, 18 Middle School students set off for Cornwall to the EDEN PROJECT - a global garden that houses two large biodomes. One shelters a Mediterranean climate and the other feels as if you are walking through the tropical rainforest. The theme of this festival was PARADISE LOST, which kicked off with Greta Thunberg’s speech at the UN summit.
“Our house (our earth) is on fire, but we still have water!” Greta Thunberg
Through workshops and devising exercises the 102 students participating in the festival created a 40 minute promenade performance that engaged the general public who was visiting the Eden at that moment. The performance gave the students the opportunity to voice their opinions about the environment and make them all feel that they too are now part of this movement to make a difference.
The students had the opportunity to work with different artists who all shared their expertise and worked with them to create the final piece of theatre. Some students took a masterclass in sign language which they learnt through song, whereas others explored the archetypes in Shakespeare's plays. These unique experiences left a very positive mark on all the participants and gave them a new found confidence that helps them develop their personal and social skills further.
ISTA is an experience that every student should have. It is an adventure and a great learning opportunity. During the 4 days the Middle School students made friends with other middle schoolers from around the world. They met students from 7 different schools and they worked with them during workshops, socialized during lunch and dinner and made connections beyond their world at Verdala.
These photos are evidence of the fantastic work that they created in such a perfect place!
ISTA EDEN PROJECT - MIDDLE SCHOOL FESTIVAL
"This ISTA 2019 experience really changed my view on the meaning of what drama can express, how important it is to take action for climate change, and it gave me the chance of making amazing friendships. Thank you for this extraordinary experience." - Nora Jolie Eckermann, Grade 8
"ISTA was definitely a life changing experience. Not only did I make lifelong friendships but I also learnt so much about acting, being more confident on stage and most importantly climate change. Thank you for the amazing experience, ISTA 2019, I will never forget you."
- Filippa Luisa Schulze-Doring, Grade 8