This week the School took over 30 pupils from across Years 7 to 12, to compete at the Mid Somerset Festival in the City of Bath.

The Festival was founded in 1902 and is one of the oldest festivals in the country. It runs for a full fortnight each March allowing both children and adults to showcase their talents in Creative Writing, Speech and Drama, Dance, Music and Musical Theatre. Classes are held across a variety of venues in Bath, and schools attend from as far away as Taunton and North Gloucestershire.

Westonbirt pupils competed in a number of classes including: Solo and Duo Acting; Storytelling; Reading Aloud; Public Speaking and Shakespeare. This was also the first year that boys competed for the School.

Pupils secured a high number of second and third placings, achieving particularly well in the Solo and Duo Acting classes. First and second places were also won by pupils in the Solo Shakespeare for Years 7-9. However, it was in the Duo Acting Class for Year 8s and under where Westonbirt pupils really excelled; sweeping the board with first, second AND third places out of eighteen duos. Massive congratulations to Ottilie and Tilly (pictured) who took first place. Special mention also goes to Year 11 student Charlton, who also did well, entering three categories; coming first in two, second in the other and receiving a distinction in each one.

Sally Gould, Dorchester Housemistress, said

“It was really fantastic to see such success for the School at this prestigious event, where the standard of performances is always so high. The pupils really enjoyed the day. All of the pupils acquitted themselves really well and were a credit to the the drama department.”