This week, our Year 4 and Year 5 children were delighted to take part in a very special live event that brought together Key Stage 2 pupils from schools across the UK.

Inspired by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, the workshop was delivered by the Royal Ballet Company and led in school by Laura Andrews. Through movement, creativity and participation, the children explored what their rights mean and why they matter. Best of all, everyone was able to take part, regardless of their previous dance experience.

Throughout the session, the children worked together to create a beautiful piece of dance that celebrated unity, expression and belonging. For some, it meant stepping outside their comfort zone, but they embraced the challenge brilliantly, showing confidence, teamwork and creativity every step of the way.

Mrs Allison said:

"It was wonderful to see the children embrace this opportunity so enthusiastically. Some were challenged to step outside their comfort zones, but they supported one another brilliantly and created a collective ballet that told a powerful story of unity. It was a privilege to share the experience with them. Thank you to all of the children, and to Laura for leading such an inspiring session."

The children had plenty to say about the experience too.

Finn reflected on how important children's rights are:

"I think we are super lucky to have our own rights and to be listened to. Without these rights, people like Greta Thunberg would have been told that she is just a child and does not know what she is talking about. Our rights are super important and the chance to dance was a great way to celebrate these rights as children."

Millie enjoyed learning in a different way:

"It was nice to learn about children's rights in the form of a dance and I am glad I did it."

Safia said:

"The dance was exciting. I feel lucky to have a name, to have food to eat and a house."

Ella described the feeling of performing together:

"Whilst doing the dance, I felt like a small puzzle piece in a bigger picture."

Vinelysia added:

"I think it is fair that not only parents have rights but children too."

Our Year 4 pupils were equally enthusiastic.

Sadie said:

"I liked the dance because it made other children across the country and us feel free."

Fearne enjoyed feeling connected with others:

"I liked the dance as we all felt that we were part of it with other children."

Livia explained:

"I liked the dance because we were representing the rights of children. It made me feel happy."

Esme and Henry said:

"I liked the dance as this was a new opportunity to explore the rights of a child, such as the right to an education and being able to play."

Carson enjoyed knowing that other schools were taking part too:

"The dance made me feel happy as different schools were doing it too."

Jack summed up how dance can make us feel:

"It made me feel calm and dancing can show people's personalities."

The workshop was a fantastic opportunity for our children to reflect on the importance of children's rights while expressing themselves through dance. We are incredibly proud of how they represented our school with such enthusiasm, kindness and confidence.