By Sarah Robinson

Last updated at 11:44, Thursday, 12 July 2012

A HEART-WARMING performance of music and mime put Jericho School pupils in second place at the Junior Rock Challenge.

great team efforT: Jericho School pupils won second place in the Junior Rock Challenge at The Sands Centre

The children joined 12 other schools last week, including Frizington and Moresby School, to showcase their talents at the annual event at the Sands Centre, Carlisle. They just missed out on the first place which was awarded to Flimby School with their version of the popular children’s story Giraffes can’t dance.

Each school’s production had to be eight minutes long, using mime and music to tell a story.

Children at Jericho School performed The Voice Within. Their piece is based on the story of Mulan, a girl who transforms herself to look like a man, in order to fight for her father’s honour in the Chinese army. She finds her voice within – a dragon – to give her the courage to fight. The team won the best set award.

Organiser Natasha Stainton-Stevens said: “It was absolutely amazing. The children were fantastic, they really gave it there all.”

During the day workshops were held for pupils, including a well-being workshop and dancing sessions.

Mrs Stainton-Stevens said: “It’s all about going along and supporting each other. They have a message box so schools can put good luck messages to other schools. We received a number of messages throughout the day. The aim is the taking part that counts, it’s a very positive message.”

Students at Moresby School came fourth in the challenge. Pupils showcased their performance entitled Dance Makes our Hearts Speak of Freedom.

The performance is about how dance provides freedom of expression when a dictator is making people behave or conform.

School business manager Lynn Rodgers said: “The children had a great time. We are absolutely delighted with their performance.”

They received the Cumbria community safety award for drama skills, the vision unlimited award for their video performance and the ‘be your best’ award for healthy lifestyle.

Pupils at Frizington School performed The Wizard who Saved the World, a piece which shows you need courage to save the world, not magic. They won an award for the best lighting.

Janet McNee, teacher, said: “This is the first year we have taken part in Rock Challenge. We didn’t know what to expect. The children had a blast. It was just fantastic.”

First published at 11:08, Thursday, 12 July 2012
Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk