A dream became a reality this year, when the Artistic Education Project between Lille and Leeds happened. Because of this partnership, nine pupils were able to visit Lille and join their French peers in dance workshops that culminated in an exciting collaborative performance at a hip hop centre called Flow to an audience of over a hundred.

Under the tuition of Mustafa and his colleague, our boys -along with pupils from Year 6 and Year 7 cohorts in Lille schools -created two ambitious dances. The choreography was impressive, and all our nine students learnt so much. This included the history of hip hop, translated by Titus –the International Relations Officer for Leeds City Council- new dance steps as well as counting in French…cinq, six, sept, huit!

The final performance incorporated the dances worked on and choreographed by Gee (an amazing dance teacher who works week on week with a group of our boys in Key Stage 2) as well as our very own talented dance teacher Mrs Lynch.

New friendships were made, precious memories created  and aspirations raised. A new city, a different language and an exciting dance venue and stage has certainly impacted the lives of nine hardworking students. Well done boys for being brilliant and embracing your learning in France.

Hopefully, we will be hosting our French friends next year with an itinerary that will inspire and educate all the young people involved.