Pupils at Abbey Gate College have continued their fine tradition of excelling in the field of speech and drama.

Each year the Examining Board of New Era Academy of Speech and Drama awards a certificate of excellence to the student who obtains the highest mark nationally in their chosen subject and in 2014/5 two pupils from Abbey Gate College received this accolade.

Head Girl, Ellie Parker, achieved the highest mark in acting throughout the country and received The Roger Moore Award following the completion of her Grade 8 in which she achieved a Distinction.

Year 7 pupil, Jessica Hindley, who has continued her participation in Speech and Drama lessons from the Junior to the Senior School, has been awarded the Ellen Ismay Trophy and Certificate of Excellence for Mime after completing her grade 3 examination.

Ellie and Jess

In addition to this a number of pupils had success earlier this month at the Shropshire Speech and Drama Festival

Twenty one pupils from Year 6 to Year 10 represented the College with the following pupils producing some excellent performances:

Verity Burton, Carmen Kilgannon, Annabel Kirk, Grace Ryan and Maisie Watkins from Year 6 competed in poetry speaking, reading and solo drama classes.

Annabel was awarded with the trophy for winning the Solo Drama class, with Verity placed second and Maisie third, and Carmen came 3rd in her Reading class.

Jessica Hindley from Year 7 won the 1st place trophy for Solo Drama Years 7 and 8 and Isabel Reid gained 2nd place. Amy Clayton and Clara Carson were awarded with the trophy for winning the Duologue class for Years 7, 8 and 9.

Pupils at Abbey Gate College have continued in their fine tradition of excelling in the field of Speech and Drama

Fia McDonnell and Jemima McDonnell, and Mimi Jayaram and Jessica Mills tied for second place in the same class.

Alfie MacDonald-Brown was awarded third place in his reading class.

Heather Churchill-Evans, Jack Green, Gabby Parker, Grace Patton, Abbie Platts and Harry Tomlins all competed in the senior classes held the previous evening.

Harry was placed first in Prepared Reading and also won the trophy for Solo Drama. He and Jack were awarded second place in the Duologue class which was won by Gabby Parker and Grace Patton, with Heather and Abbie placed third.