Bournville All-Through School has added dance to the curriculum, with two after-school clubs offering students the chance to explore a wide range of styles, including street, Bollywood, contemporary and African dance.
Dance and PE Teacher Miss Robbins, who joined the school at the start of this academic year, said she was thrilled to get the job and is enjoying having the freedom to plan her own lessons and clubs.
Alongside curriculum lessons for Years 7, 8 and 9, Miss Robbins runs two free after-school dance clubs on Mondays and Wednesdays for Years 5, 6 and 7 and Years 8, 9 and 10. Spaces are currently available in both groups, and students of all abilities are welcome.
Miss Robbins said: “The response has been majority positive across both genders. Students have shown enthusiasm and enjoyment throughout the lessons, with many commenting on how much fun they have had. They particularly seem to appreciate the opportunity to be active and move around during the school day.”
“We’re learning street dance at the moment before moving on to other styles including the Haka, African, Bollywood and many more. I want students to experience lots of different styles and discover what they enjoy.”
Beyond the lessons themselves, students are also developing confidence, performance skills and teamwork, with exciting opportunities to showcase their talents throughout the year.
Miss Robbins, who has a degree in Dance from the University of Lincoln, said: “I’m really keen to build up our after-school dance clubs. They’re completely free and open to everyone, whether students already love dance or simply want to try something new.
“There are opportunities to perform, but there’s no pressure. Some students join because they want to build confidence, make friends, learn new skills and be part of a positive, supportive environment.”
Students already have several performance opportunities in the diary, including the Fairfax Multi-Academy Trust show later this month, a ticketed end of year dance showcase, and a primary school dance festival that will be hosted at Bournville All-Through School next May.
“I’m always looking for more opportunities for our students,” said Miss Robbins.
“Having a performance to work towards gives students a real sense of purpose and achievement. It’s a chance for them to celebrate everything they’ve learned and share their talents with friends and family. I can’t wait to see what they accomplish.”
If you’re interested in the after-school dance clubs for your child, which run between 3:10-4:00pm on Mondays and Wednesdays please call the school on 0121-475-3881, or email [email protected]