After a busy Autumn term, our Senior School students fully deserved a day of excitement and entertainment at Enrichment Day 2! Here's a snapshot of what they got up to: 

• Year 7 welcomed minibeast specialists Animal Zoo, followed by a fantastic performance of A Christmas Carol by visiting theatre company, The Globe Players 

• Year 8 travelled to St Albans to explore the fascinating Roman town of Verulamium, the third largest city in Roman Britain, and its museum which houses intact mosaics, hypocausts and everyday artefacts 

• Year 9 embarked on a Humanities adventure – a walking tour of Spitalfields Market and historic Shoreditch, then an exploration of the Docklands Museum 

• Year 10 took part in a series of RSE curriculum workshops, before experiencing the timeless magic of Starlight Express at the theatre 

• Year 11 took on the role of detectives in the Crime Scene Investigation challenge, hugely anticipated after a term of mock exams 

• Year 12 focused on effective study practices to support their A-level journey, then travelled to the bowling lanes for an afternoon of fun and laughter  

• Year 13 immersed themselves in culture at the MOCO Museum before heading to Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland for some festive fun 

Check out the day in photos. Plus read on for: 

• a look back at Enrichment Day from Year 7 

• a review of the A-level English Literature evening at the Barbican: Twelfth Night 

Year 7 A Christmas Carol  

Year 7 enjoyed a wonderfully festive experience with a live performance of A Christmas Carol performed by visiting theatre troupe The Globe Players. This classic Dickensian story, which we had recently studied in class, was brought to life through exciting imagery, sound and brilliant character portrayals. The performance was filled with laughter and joy, and it also encouraged us to think deeply and empathise with the characters. At the end, students had the exciting opportunity to ask the actors questions about their roles and lines, which made the experience even more memorable. It was an unforgettable and thoroughly enjoyable event.

One particularly amusing moment in the play was when Scrooge’s door knocker suddenly transformed into Marley’s face! Scrooge was stunned, but when he looked again, it was just an ordinary knocker. His repeated questioning of reality was both funny and entertaining, as it softened his stern demeanour.  

A Christmas Carol is quite rightly one of the most celebrated books ever written – and it offers a lot of valuable lessons. Watching Ebenezer Scrooge's transformation as he confronts the consequences of his actions teaches us that it is never too late to make the right choices; and that forgiveness is essential, because you never know what struggles someone is facing. Scrooge’s childhood hardships, for example, influenced his outlook on life. From his story, we learned that anyone can change for the better, no matter what they were like before. 

Written by Emily, Charlotte and Maria, Year 7 

A literary evening at the Barbican: Twelfth Night 

To round off Enrichment day, our group of A-level English Literature students headed to the Barbican Theatre to watch the Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of Twelfth Night. This was an exciting opportunity, not only because we were able to enjoy a performance of our Shakespeare set text, but also because it allowed us to compare this interpretation with the Globe Theatre adaptation we saw earlier in the term. The RSC production featured the brilliant Sam West as Malvolio, and the stage was dominated by an enormous pipe organ, which created both sombre and comical musical undertones. A particularly memorable moment saw the yellow-stockinged Malvolio slide down a five-metre organ pipe in his haste to reach the startled Lady Olivia. 

Seeing the play at the Barbican rather than the Globe offered a fascinating insight into how Shakespeare can be reimagined for a modern audience. One of the most striking contrasts was the interpretation of Feste’s character. While the Globe production presented Feste in a light-hearted, comedic manner, the RSC’s portrayal highlighted the darker, more cruel aspects of his personality. Another notable difference was the dynamic between Antonio and Sebastian. The RSC production placed less emphasis on the complexity of their relationship and even provided a resolution between the characters, whereas the Globe’s version explored queer undertones and underscored the tragedy of their ending. These choices demonstrated how directorial decisions can dramatically alter the tone and themes of the play. 

Overall, the trip was an enlightening experience that allowed students to immerse themselves in Shakespearean theatre and appreciate the complexity of dramatic interpretation. Having studied Twelfth Night throughout the term, students were eager to debate the contrasting interpretations, leading to lively and insightful discussions in class the following day. 

Written by Evelyn, Year 13