Northern Chamber Orchestra Masterclass
Talented musicians from Blacon and King's had the incredible opportunity to take part in a Masterclass with members of the Northern Chamber Orchestra at Storyhouse on January 15.
The composition and performance workshop took place in the studio space at the city centre theatre, and was part of a new collaboration for 2024 between Chester Schools Together and Storyhouse which will see partnership schools take part in a diverse range of creative events and projects.
The students, who play a mixture of brass and wind instruments, warmed up with some fun games based on percussion and rhythm, before hearing from members of the orchestra and playing alongside them in smaller ensembles.
The group then reconvened and had the opportunity to perform for each other.
Students make a splash with lifeguard qualification
Ten students from partnership schools came together at Cambrian Aquatics to complete their Royal Life Saving Society, National Pool Lifeguard Qualification, over the October half-term.
Students from Bishop’s Blue Coat C of E High School, Catholic High School Chester, Queens Park High School and Upton High School successfully completed the six day, physically demanding course which included swimming to set times, lifting casualties and diving to the deepest part of the pool.
Students then worked in groups to demonstrate pool rescue techniques, first aid and CPR skills, along with completing a lifeguard theory test paper, in order to pass the course and gain their qualification.
His Grace meets CST pupils and headteachers
His Grace The Duke of Westminster DL met pupils and headteachers from the Chester School Together partnership, which is a unique Independent State School Partnership (ISSP) between King’s, Bishops’ Blue Coat School and Blacon High School, Catholic High School Chester and Upton High School.
Originally established in 2018 with two partnership schools, the partnership identifies areas of mutual need or challenge across all five schools and creates a programme of events, projects and initiatives to improve outcomes and broaden the cultural and education horizons of pupils and staff.
The partnership receives generous funding from The Westminster Foundation and The Duke was delighted to speak to pupils who had directly benefitted from recent Chester School Together events.
Members are passionate about removing barriers to an enriched educational experience through an ambitious 5-year-development plan, which will eventually see all state secondary schools in Chester joining Chester Schools Together.
The partnership was delighted to be awarded the title of Highly Commended at The Independent School of the Year Awards for Outstanding Educational Partnerships in recognition of our innovative programme.