Stage 25

Wednesday 25 June saw Bottisham Village College come alive with energy and creativity as hundreds of pupils from our schools gathered for Stage 25, Anglian Learning’s dance festival.

This vibrant celebration brought together both primary and secondary school pupils, each showcasing their unique dance routines inspired by the theme of Belonging by Design, our long-term strategy to ensure pupils feel they belong to their school.

“Our Pines children absolutely loved it! They were completely mesmerised by the performances, and it was a truly special opportunity” – The Pines Primary School

From contemporary to themed performances, the event highlighted the importance of dance, the arts and physical activity within the curriculum, while also promoting a spirit of collaboration and expression across our Trust.

Louise Pinny, Head of Dance and Drama at Bottisham Village College and co-ordinator of the event, said “A heartfelt thank you goes to everyone behind the scenes, including teachers, backstage technicians and the event team whose efforts made the day a success. It was a wonderful example of what we can achieve when we come together as a Trust.”

It was buzzing with excited kids, ages ranging from around 8-14. Everyone, including me, was really excited to perform because they had been working so hard. We had a really great time, and we hope we can do it again next year! Pupil of Sawston Village College

Ryan Parker, Primary PE Trust System Leader and co-ordinator of the event, said “Stage 25 was more than just a dance event, it was a celebration of belonging, creativity, and wellbeing. It gave pupils a powerful sense of connection to their school community and a platform to express themselves in a meaningful way.

“Dance, as a physical activity, plays a vital role in supporting young people’s mental health, and it was inspiring to see how confidently and creatively our pupils brought their ideas to life on stage.”

“Wow! My son and his class came from one of the newest schools in the trust – Clare Community Primary School and had a wonderful morning. Thank you to all involved!” – Parent and carer of Clare Community Primary School

Jonathan Culpin, CEO of Anglian Learning, said “Congratulations to everyone involved in making Stage 25 an inspiring and memorable event. It perfectly reflects our Belonging by Design strategy by bringing pupils together through shared creative experiences.

“I am incredibly proud of the way our staff continually go above and beyond to create enriching opportunities like Stage 25, which enhance our pupils’ educational journey in meaningful and lasting ways”.