Uganda Project

On 12 December, in front of almost 200 Year 10 students, 17 Students put forward their presentation as to why they should be chosen to be Woodlands representative for the Uganda Project.
It was no mean feat for them to stand up in front of so many students and staff and speak for two minutes. All of the candidates did really well but unfortunately only two could be chosen — James Whelan and Rebecca Jepson.

Below is a brief note from Rebecca.

“I have been given a great opportunity to go out to Uganda and help two schools that we are paired with, by raising money and funding some of their education. We will be visiting these two schools and also an AIDS CLINIC. For the next six months we will be fundraising by various different means for example, we have already done bag packing at Somerfield (we raised £451) If possible, I would like to host a karaoke night at school for both pupils and teachers. Also I would like to do sponsored sports for pupils to get involved with.

When I found out that I had been given this chance to make this difference I was so shocked but also grateful to my Year Group for voting for me—Thank You. As my friends know, it took a few days to sink in but when it did I was so excited and raring to go.

I ‘m looking forward to going to Uganda but also to fundraise which I feel will help me meet new people and obviously help the children in Uganda, who I am excited to meet this coming July.”

“I sang Opera with the Ellen Kent International Opera Company!”

Earlier this year, I was chosen by my drama school to sing at the Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham in the famous opera “Tosca”. The show was performed by the Ellen Kent International Opera Company. The show is all sung in Italian and Latin, (there are subtitles in English for the audience!)

I was with a group of friends singing together in Act 1, (as choristers in a church scene), but then I had to sing a solo in the role of the shepherd boy, which opened up Act 3.

The storyline is very complex, but here it is briefly. A painter and his wife are hiding a prisoner from the bad guy, Scarpia. Scarpia finds out that they are hiding him, so he tortures and eventually kills the painter. Tosca, (the painter’s wife) is upset with this and murders Scarpia. The play ends with Tosca’s crime being found out and as a result she dramatically takes her own life!

I am looking forward to performing in the show again at Buxton Opera House on Sunday 30 November 2008.
Matthew Powell (8M2)

AWARDS CEREMONY — DERBY IN BLOOM 2008

Woodlands School won First Prize in the ‘School Green Fingers’ category for its Jubilee Meadow. Many congratulations went to Mrs Pearson, Mr Sandars and the staff and students who developed an excellent range of wildlife resources for the school.
The Award Ceremony took place on Wednesday 29 October at Derby Garden Centre at Little Eaton. Woodlands School were awarded a cheque for £125.

Pictured (from left to right) are:
Abigail Dobson (8M1), Sean Marshall the Deputy Mayor of Derby, Matthew Powell (8M2) Chris Butler the Derbyshire Building Society Sponsor of the Greenfingers Competiton and Euan Crispin (8C2)

WELL DONE TO ALL INVOLVED