I have just been up to Downham High School to watch the A'level Theatre Studies performances. These were both scripted pieces, one about the Soho bombings and one about Rape and child abuse.
There are eight students in the Theatre Studies class, and this evening their dedication and dare I say professionalism really showed through, this was Physical Theatre, and their movement and timing was excellent, as was the quality of acting....they are a credit to their teacher Cate and Shaun, and also to themselves. Now I could be biased because my son Jon is one of the eight students, but because he is one of the eight students I know how hard he has worked and so how hard the others have worked.... I also know how much time and encouragement and sheer hard work and prayer Cate has put into these young peoples lives....
I have been very impressed over the last couple of days by these folk from Downham Sixth form, last night at the twins party they were a pleasure to have around, intelligent conversations and responsible behaviour ruled, those who stayed the night helped me to clear up. It is no small mark of respect to their teachers that two of them dropped around and were included as friends- one of these was Cate!
This evening they turned out to support their friends in the Theatre Studies group, and now they are off to the pub- (Jo and Jon with ID in hand for the first time).... where they will relax and enjoy one another's company...
I wish that someone would write a newspaper article about youth like these, we hear so many bad reports that they all get tarred with the same brush, but what I see with these friends is a level of love, respect and support that should be applauded....
So next time you read a negative newspaper report about young people- remember it is probably only a small minority- the majority are reasonable and caring responsible young adults who deserve our respect.
