Kings Ash Academy recently had the privilege of joining forces with the Royal Opera House and UNICEF for a truly transformative occasion: The Royal Opera House Create Day.
This nationwide event recently brought together more than 50,000 pupils from 500 schools across the UK to celebrate the UN convention on the rights of the child.
Focused on the theme of hope, Kings Ash Year 5 pupils enthusiastically immersed themselves in various artistic disciplines, including dance, movement, music, and design.
What made this event particularly special was its live video broadcast format, allowing pupils to not only display their talents but also see the collective efforts of peers from schools across the UK.
Through this live video stream, they experienced a keen sense of unity and common purpose as they worked with and saw other pupils across the UK contributing to the theme of hope.
At the heart of the event were distinguished artists from the Royal Ballet and Royal Opera Companies, who shared their expertise and passion with schools. This collaboration enabled pupils to learn from professionals and express their own interpretations of hope through artistic expression.
Renowned illustrator Imogen Harvey-Lewis collaborated closely with the Royal Opera House to create visually captivating artworks, which were displayed throughout the Kings Ash Academy school hall, enriching the ambiance, and sparking imagination.
The final highlight of the day occurred as families gathered to watch pupils perform together via the live video stream. This moment not only celebrated their artistic achievements but also provided families with the opportunity to witness firsthand the collaborative spirit and creativity of their children as they performed alongside peers from schools across the UK.
“I felt excited. People at the Royal Opera House do not know who I am but now know who Kings Ash Academy are,” said one pupil, reflecting on their experience.
Another pupil shared their perspective: “I have never done something with so many schools before. I feel happy to be doing it, because we are trying to show that everyone has the right to play.”
Reflecting on this experience, Moira Devonport, Head of Arts at Kings Ash Academy, and proud member of The Thinking Schools Academy Trust expressed profound pride:
"The Royal Opera House Create Day has been a monumental opportunity for our students to engage deeply with the arts and explore themes of hope and unity. Seeing our pupils collaborate with peers from across the UK under the guidance of world-class artists, and experiencing this through a live video stream, has been incredibly inspiring.
“This event not only celebrates their creativity but also emphasises the critical role of arts education in fostering empathy, collaboration, and a profound understanding of global issues.
“As our pupils continue to grow and flourish, we look forward to future opportunities to enrich their educational journey through innovative collaborations and creative expression.”
