AN ‘awesome’ musical interpretation of a much-loved children’s book led to three major awards for a school.
Youngsters from Riders Junior School, in Leigh Park took part in the national Rock Challenge – an annual show where schools get to show off their talent for singing and drama.
It was awesome .... I felt like a star
Skylar Walsh
They put together a fantastic eight-minute performance of Aliens Love Underpants, with songs including the smash hit Uptown Funk by Mark Ronson and Our House by Madness.
More than 50 pupils from Year 3 to Year 6 took part in the performance in the grand final at Portsmouth Guildhall.
And although they didn’t win, they scooped three prizes – Most Entertaining School, Spirit of Rock Challenge and top in a Facebook video poll of the top 12 schools for Best Moment with more than 1,500 votes.
Teacher Claire Tunnicliffe, who organised the performance with fellow teacher Anna Jones, said: ‘We are immensely proud of our little school in Leigh Park. It’s only the second year we have entered.
‘It’s amazing how much Rock Challenge has impacted our school. Everyone has pulled together.
‘The relationship with parents has improved, the children are proud of their school.
‘We’ve had amazing teamwork from the staff – they’ve given up hours and hours of their own time to put the show together.’
Ten-year-old Jem Jeffery said: ‘It was a fun experience. I loved it and so did everyone else.
‘My favourite bit was all the costume changes. I wore a chequered black-and- white bodysuit – that was the best one.’
And Skylar Walsh, also 10, was just as enthusiastic.
She said: ‘It was awesome. It was a chance to dance and have fun. I felt like a star.’
