Cambridge House ‘rock’ UK Challenge

PUPILS from Cambridge House Grammar School are on a roll after winning the open UK Northern Final of Rock Challenge and being given the title of ‘Premier Showcase School’.

The Ballymena school entered Rock Challenge this year for the fourth year in a row having won the Northern Ireland Regional competition in 2010.

Back in March of this year the Cambridge House cast and crew competed once again against a host of prestigious schools at Belfast’s Waterfront Hall.

They were placed first in Northern Ireland and a range of Northern Ireland awards were gained including: the PSNI Award for Performers’ Choice 2011, PSNI Award for Staging 2011, PSNI Award for Costume Design 2011, Belfast City Council Award for Hair Design and also Set Design 2011 and Overall Winner of the 2011 Downtown Radio Be Your Best Rock Challenge.

And when they performed at the UK final in Grimsby on June 3 on the theme of Shakespeare’s ‘Seven Ages of Man’, they absolutely nailed it.

Not only were they awarded first place, they were promoted to the Premier Division and given the title of ‘Premier Showcase School for 2012’ which Cambridge House will retain by competing next year.

A spokesperson said that when the announcement was made: “There was screaming, cheering, hugging and lots and lots of happy tears from elated children, teachers and parents. All of the hard work and commitment had been worth it.

“The cast and crew could not believe how much had been achieved. To be made a Premier Showcase School after four years is an honour that has not been achieved before by any Northern Ireland School”.

They were delighted to also receive the maximum amount of three major awards - The Janome Award for Costume Design, The Grampian Police Award for Set Design, and Cumbria County Council Award for Lighting Design (won by Matthew Greer Year 10); and also to receive such comments from the judges as ‘Stunning from beginning to end’, ‘Superb set design, used in highly effective ways throughout’ and, ‘The students obviously enjoy going to school every day’ The Rock Challenge event, which originated in Australia in 1980, is an annual competition in the UK and involves an eight minute dance and drama production promoting the dangers of drugs and alcohol.

The World Health Organisation has cited it as “possibly the best drug prevention concept that we have seen in the world to date”.

Each school in the Rock Challenge competition creates an eight minute dance-drama based performance on a theme of its choice, creating the set, props, costumes, hair and make-up, lighting, choreography, drama and soundtrack. The climax of sustained involvement comes at a final showcase competition event in a professional venue culminating in a spellbinding evening performance in front of a packed audience of family members, friends, peers, VIPs and a panel of esteemed judges.

Hundreds of schools and tens of thousands of students compete in Rock Challenge shows across the UK. The benefits of a school’s involvement in Rock Challenge for schools and students are numerous: community links, teacher-student relations, increased self-esteem, curriculum connections and enjoyment of school.

Two of the Cambridge House pupils involved this year commented: “I loved every minute of Rock Challenge. I can’t wait until next year for Rock Challenge 2012. I really think that it has really helped to develop my confidence and character. When I was told that we had won the Award for my Lighting Design, I was amazed.’ - M Greer Year 10

“Rock Challenge has been a great experience. I am delighted that I was part of the winning team. It has been the highlight of my life so far”. - C McAleese Year 10

Congratulations have been extended to everyone who helped in any way with the 2011 participation by Cambridge House, not least the principal, staff, students, parents and friends of the school, Miss Benson, Production Manager and the Teacher Liaison Officer, as well as Mrs O’Kane, Creative Director, supported by students, the Board of Governors, Senior Staff, Teaching and Support staff, and the very committed and dedicated parents who form the CHGS Dance Drama Parent Teacher Development Group, many other parents who work behind the scenes, the local Business Community and Ballymena Borough Council.

Special thanks have been extended by the school to student choreographers: Sarah McIntosh, Kirstie McClintock, Nicola Montgomery, Amy Graham and Megan Graham and to the business partners for their substantial sponsorship: McBurneys Transport, Ballymena Borough Council, Wright Group, Michelin, Antrim Printers, McAfee and Son and Wilsons of Rathkenny.

The school’s Rock Challenge participants are now looking forward to a Mayor’s Reception at The Braid on June 23 and also a Celebration Gala Dinner at the Leighinmohr Hotel on June 28.

School principal, Mrs Lisk said: “Congratulations to everyone involved who have committed so much pride, energy and loyalty to our school and taken us to new heights”.