Pupils step into the ring as circus comes to town

Pupils and staff at Westwood Primary School in Lowestoft swapped classrooms for the Big Top last week when a circus came to their school.

Circus Ferrel brought the magic of the circus to the school this week, setting up its big top on the school field and running workshops with the pupils.

Westwood Primary was also delighted to welcome BBC Radio Suffolk’s breakfast show presenter Wayne Bavin who spoke to the children about the week’s events.

The circus visit has given the children a unique chance to develop new skills, build confidence and enjoy an unforgettable week of learning through performance.

The week began with pupils from Years 1 to 6 watching the Big Top being raised before the whole school gathered for a special assembly, where circus performers Marty, Delia and Marissa gave everyone a taste of what was to come. 

The school’s headteacher Lauraine Barnes and teaching assistant Maria Bow even stepped into the ring to try their hand at hula hooping and plate spinning.

Throughout the week, every class has taken part in circus workshops, learning skills including juggling scarves, plate spinning, diablo, poi and tightrope walking under the guidance of professional performers. 

Assistant headteacher Danielle Gillings also impressed pupils by showing off her own diablo skills.

The circus has inspired learning across the curriculum, with pupils taking their lessons into the Big Top. 

Pupils in Years 3 and 4 have welcomed parents to the Big Top to hear them perform poems they have written during the week.

The celebrations culminated on Friday with a whole-school spectacular, where every class performed something they had been working on throughout the week, alongside members of staff revealing some unexpected circus talents of their own.

Then over the weekend, Circus Ferrel opened its doors to the wider community with public performances. During the shows, pupils had the opportunity to demonstrate the circus skills they have learned throughout the week.

"Having Circus Ferrel with us this week is proving to be a fantastic experience for our pupils. The workshops have encouraged them to challenge themselves, work together and build confidence, while bringing so much fun and excitement into school life.

 

The enthusiasm of the children, staff and families has been so encouraging  We hope the members of our local community will come along to enjoy the weekend performances, where the children will be invited to demonstrate some of the skills they learnt in the workshops.”
Lauraine Barnes, Headteacher of Westwood Primary School