Success at Woodley Festival
Aishani in Upper I participated in the Woodley Festival of Music and Arts and Public Speaking competitions in recent weekends.
In the ‘String Solo,’ she secured third position amongst a very competent field of participants. She secured a ‘Honors’ rating with just 2 points separating her from other winners. She then took part in the ‘Grade 2 and Grade 3 – Any Instrument category ‘ where she secured a second position with judges rating her performance as ‘Exceptional.’ She had to rush out after her performance to be in time for the Kensington Choir at a separate venue. It was impressive to see our Abbey students perform and secure a First place in the category for the choir performance.
Aishani reflected that ‘she loved hearing the diversity of instruments and pieces being played.’
For public speaking, she secured another Gold Medal. She spoke about Roman Bath and its history/importance etc. She is incredibly happy and proud of this as this is the first time ever she spoke in an external forum.
Maryam in Lower I represented The Abbey at the Woodley Festival of music and drama last weekend. She competed in the Prose Reading , Own Composition Poem and Verse Speaking. Across all 3 categories she swooped up 1st position and was awarded 3 gold medals with distinction. She demonstrated great confidence with public speaking, lots of expressive vocal flexibility, powerful pitch play and firm articulation throughout all her performances. Well done Maryam!
Sixth Former, Aurelia achieves 2 successes in Drama and Sport!
Aurelia has just passed her Grade 8 LAMDA Gold Medal exam with a score of 97/100, earning a distinction. As this is her final LAMDA exam I would like to express my thanks to the wonderful drama team who have supported and encouraged Aurelia throughout her years at the Abbey. She has absolutely loved being part of the drama department as a Drama Scholar and GCSE student and speaks so highly of all the inspiring and nurturing teachers. She performed extracts from Shakespeare – Richard III, Alan Ayckbourn – Absent friends, Claire Daniels – Gut Girls. (I have got some videos but I’m not brave enough to share those without her consent – you can ask her to see them!)
Examiner’s feedback:
“Aurelia, what an enchanting and powerful performer you are. There is truth and passion in your work, which is a pleasure to behold. You apply careful thought to exploring imaginary characters, the style of a piece, and the intentions beneath the words as well as what is spoken. You are able to find detail and depth in your work and to transport an audience from moments of high drama to light comedy as required. You have a command of stagecraft, including vocal modulation, timing, and matching vocal tone to character and period. Bold use of staging and inventive use of gestures add further impact to your work. Going forward, take care to support the voice right to the ends of lines so that end syllables are completed and the ends of phrases can be fully appreciated. Continue to enjoy challenging yourself with different styles and characters to further build your repertoire and experience. Well done, and thank you for sharing your fearless work with me today.”
Aurelia was also training early mornings last week before school as she was really proud to be selected to row with Marlow Rowing Club’s Senior A boat, competing in the WEHORR (Women’s Eights Head of the River Race) last weekend. This is a major national event, with around 370 all women boats competing — including top clubs and university crews from across the country. Aurelia, at 17, was racing up several age groups in an open event against some of the strongest crews in the UK.
It was an incredible experience for her, rowing alongside and learning from several senior GB and U23 GB athletes, as well as an Olympic medallist. The boat had a brilliant, supportive atmosphere and she gained a huge amount from the experience. The crew finished 12th overall, having been seeded 32nd which was a fantastic result. Aurelia always finishes on the podium in her Junior competitions so initially wasn’t sure if this was a success however, the team and coaches were absolutely delighted so she was pleased to learn just how strong a result it was. She also enjoyed the teams champagne spraying celebrations afterwards as they’re not allowed at her Junior level!
