Roll in to act up for summer school (From Echo)

Roll in to act up for summer school

11:00pm Friday 30th July 2010 in

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SCHOOL is no doubt one of the last things youngsters have on their minds during the summer holidays.

However, if the break is offering more boredom than bedlam, there’s a chance for them to engage in the arts and pick up a qualification.

Southend Youth Arts is hosting a five-day performing and creative arts summer school, from Monday, August 9.

Youngsters aged between ten and 17 can take part in a number of activities such as drama, dance, singing, film-making, art and even journalism.

The theme of this year’s school is summer by the seaside, which focuses on Southend as a seaside town during its Fifties heyday.

While the children can pick and choose which activities they get involved in, they will work towards a summer-themed theatrical performance on the Friday evening called Life’s a Beach!

During the week they can achieve the arts award, a student-led qualification which is equivalent to a GCSE at D to E pass level.

“The main thing is getting the children to try out new things,” says Kimberley Skehan, project manager and drama tutor. “They get a taster of activities that they wouldn’t get elsewhere. As part of the arts award qualification, they can see what they can do to take these to the next level.

“It’s all about having fun and learning a few skills along the way.”

The summer school, which is Lottery funded, costs £100 per child for the whole week, and includes Arts Award folders and certificates, tuition fees and a visit to an art exhibition.

It runs at Shoeburyness High School, in Caulfield Road, Shoebury, from 10am to 3.30pm, between August 9-13.

To book a place call Kimberley on 07929 308739.