Events

Forget the X Factor, Dane Court had talent in abundance at the end of the Christmas Term!

The traditional climax to the term did not disappoint, with two stunning showcases of junior and senior singers, dancers and musicians. Back in the 'old' East Hall in the nick of time, the Tech Team also did a brilliant job of lighting and providing special effects (and possible heart attacks for staff who were worried that the smoke machine would set of those fire alarms we all love so much!)

The House Captains had auditioned acts from the middle of November, and those selected had a couple of weeks to practise and perfect. For the Juniors 2 of the winning acts came from Tallinn, further inching them to their eventual victory in the House Cup. Pharic Kerr and Jack Pook from 9T sang and played 'The Only Exception' brilliantly and were awarded 3rd place. The runner up was Maxine Scott in 7T, who showed huge confidence and a great voice, performing 'Listen'. Popular winner Izzy Duffy from 8S awed everyone with her fabulous version of 'Your Song' – eat your heart out Ellie Goulding! The audience of years 7 to 9 had a great afternoon, so a big well done to all the competitors who entertained us all so brilliantly: Alicia Swaby 9D, Hannah Keenan 8S, Grace Offen and Rochella Fletcher 9H, Lilia Grossmith and Chloe Hayter 9N, Jack Tracey 7H, Fraser Hoenes 7N, Ellese James and Hannah Knox 9D, and Heather Chen, Elise Rolf and Josie Clark 9B. Thanks also must go to Miss Thompson who fronted the show.

10 acts competed in the Key Stage 4 show on the last day of term and the standard of performance was outstanding this year. Luke Humphries and Rob Evans in 11D were hugely entertaining and the overall winners on piano and vocals with 'Your Song', followed by Nicola Roberts in 10D whose operatic rendition of 'Panis Angelicas' certainly impressed audience and judges. Sienna Holihan 11S accompanied herself on guitar singing the haunting 'Wires' and was a very popular third place. A special mention must go to the dancers of 11T – Rhiannon Pitt, Abby Ryan and David White – who had perfected the routine from 'You Can't stop the Beat' and who managed to keep going for the full 5 minutes 38 seconds! Thanks also must go to all the competitors who entertained with great confidence; Sam Field 11T, Etta Williams 10H, Daisy Cotton 10B, Maxine Campbell and Frankie Amato 10B, Sean Whittle-Darrock and Adam Brown 11S, and Kathryn Solly 10N. Many of these are veterans of several talent shows now and we look forward to them singing, dancing and playing into the Sixth Form Revues of the future! A final thanks to Mrs Gallantree for her work as M.C (and also the jokes??!!)

The House Captains finished off the proceedings with their version of Snow White and 7 very tall gnomes. Who said you can't produce a pantomime in a week? They have had a brilliant time organising House events this year and the talent shows were a fitting climax to a great year of events.

Our judges, Miss Riley, Miss Williams, Ms Hale, Mr Sunderland and Doc Long (who have seen all the shows since they started in 2005) were unanimous over one thing – these were the best shows so far. Can they get better in 2011?