A wardrobe door opened and a world of wonder stepped out for pupils from St Andrew’s CofE Academy as they watched a stage adaptation of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
Children from the school, based in Buckland Monachorum and part of the Learning Academy Partnership, visited the Theatre Royal Plymouth to see C.S. Lewis’s classic fantasy brought to life.
The trip, supported by staff and volunteers, was made possible with transport funded by the school’s PTFA. All four classes attended the performance and were described as captivated from start to finish.
The visit forms part of the school’s wider approach to English, which aims to help children develop confidence as communicators, explore high-quality texts and practise their writing skills. School leaders said experiences outside the classroom help make learning more tangible for pupils.
In addition to its curriculum, St Andrew’s offers a range of creative clubs including library, art, music, drama, Shakespeare, tech, outdoor games and cooking. The activities are designed to give children opportunities to explore new interests and develop their talents in different settings.
Debbie Nunn, headteacher at St Andrew’s CofE Academy, said: “Watching our pupils step into the world of Narnia was truly magical.
“They were captivated and came away buzzing.
“Experiences like this bring our English curriculum to life and give children memories they will treasure.
“A huge thank you to Mrs Bucknell for organising the trip, to all staff and volunteers who supported the day, and to our PTFA for funding the transport.”
Tracey Cleverly, chief executive of Learning Academy Partnership, said: “Nothing beats the theatre for bringing a story to life.
“Children can explore new ideas, develop confidence, and discover passions they might never have known they had.
“It’s fantastic to see our pupils inspired, creative, and enjoying learning together.”
