The Downside team at Junior Rock Challenge. Picture by Nick Scott Photography.
A GREEK story about Medusa helped Downside Middle School achieve triple success at the Southampton Junior Rock Challenge.
As well as winning the event, the Newport school also won best choreography and best costume design.
It was the fifth time the school had competed in the Junior Rock Challenge, which aims to encourage young people to live active and healthy lifestyles through music and drama.
Fifty-five students from the Furrlongs and Kitbridge campuses at Downside Middle School featured in the performance, as well as five pupils from Hunnyhill Primary School, Newport.
Dance teacher Jane Bridle was in charge of the choreography during rehearsals, which took place in extra-curricular sessions and at an after-school club.
During the performance, some pupils wore traditional Greek costumes, while others dressed up as trees and rivers to act as part of the scenery.
“We didn’t enter with any expectations and we were shocked but very pleased to win,” said Laura Groves, teacher at Downside Middle School.
Meanwhile, Love Lane Primary School, Cowes, which had the youngest set of pupils in the competition, finished third overall.
It also won best hair and make-up design and the award for school community support, after involving pupils from Somerton Middle School and Cowes High School in the lead-up to the event.
Pupils in Years 3 and 4 performed a Romans-themed story, based around gladiators and slavery.
“Parents came along to support us and we had a great day, and we were delighted to finish third,” said David Cooper, deputy headteacher at Love Lane.
Reporter: mattw@iwcpmail.co.uk