March 2017
St. Benedict’s Catholic High School from Whitehaven is taking part in the national Rock Challenge; a dance and drama competition presented by the ‘Be Your Best Foundation thanks to support from Story Homes.
Rock Challenge is a competition which takes place annually, with the vision of inspiring teenagers to lead healthy lifestyles and ‘be their best’ without the need for tobacco, alcohol or other drugs.
Each school entering the Rock Challenge creates an eight-minute dance-drama based performance on a theme of their choice creating the set, props, costumes, hair and make-up, lighting, choreography, drama, and soundtrack that they want to use to put their theme across.
We have made a donation towards set design and construction, costumes and props as the overall trip is going to cost in the region of £7,500.
This year’s 110 strong team are being supported by us to deliver their eight minute dance production titled ‘Exodus’, based on the story of Moses and the Plagues of Egypt.
Helen Scott from the schools performing arts department said; “Fundamentally, Rock Challenge is an initiative to encourage young people to lead healthy lifestyles and to be their best without the need for tobacco, alcohol or other drugs.
“Everyone gets involved, we have dancers, technical and backstage crew who rehearse on a weekly basis. It’s such a fantastic experience and we wouldn’t be able to do without the support of businesses such as Story Homes.
“We have recently qualified for the Northern Premier Final and we’re dreaming of placing 1st and becoming the best team in the North of England! “
Hundreds of schools and tens of thousands of students compete in Rock Challenge shows across the UK. Last year, St. Benedict’s Rock Challenge team placed 1st in the regional heat at Carlisle, taking away 16 out of 17 excellence awards and gaining qualification for the Northern Final, alongside 11 of the best schools in the north of England. The team are hoping to make a big impact in the 2017 Final at Grimsby Auditorium on Saturday 1st July.
Managing Director Ian Storey said; “Initiatives such as The Rock Challenge are great for creating a sense of pride, teamwork, and unity from the experience as teachers and students work together.
“As well as successfully promoting the value of discipline, hard work, and good citizenship.
“West Cumbria is often limited with regard to the range of arts opportunities that are provided for teenagers, however, this has provided a fantastic opportunity for all secondary students and we are delighted to be involved.”
For almost 30 years Story Homes has built up a reputation for supporting the communities in the areas surrounding its developments across Cumbria. We are proud to continue this as we further expand and are working to build up stronger relationships with charities and community groups as we grow.
