Fujairah Private Academy had its annual school production in April. This was another brilliant script from the pen of Mrs Carolyn Grainger our Head of Senior English. A play that was intended both to showcase the talents of the students but also to reflect the diversity of culture in the school and help with an understanding of Emirati traditions. Fundamental to our school philosophy is the understanding and respect for different cultures and this was the message behind this play. The story involved a friendship between an English and an Emirati sea captain and how their families became great friends.
As usual our students blossomed during the rehearsals, such an increase in self confidence and stage presence was impressive. There were many notable performers but the Captains Abdullah ( Mohamed Al Naqbi) and Captain Stirling (Oscar Krol) and their families played by Samira Hammoud, Samatha Moss, Ali Al Zaabi and Ian Armour/Thomas Moss were outstanding. Bunyan ( Yaseen Aziz) and Sly ( Shahin Badrenejad) took time out of an intensive revision schedule to lighten the play with a very amusing interlude. They are both seasoned actors having had parts in a number of previous productions. The dancing was outstanding with special mention of the Pearl Dancers-Junior Section - Catherine and Molly who supported Samantha’s superb dancing, dancing sailors lead by Summer Haan, and the traditional Arabic dancers who gave a stunning performance. Our first live musical performance from Edwina and Annabel gave a lively and lifting accompaniment to the dance. We also had a very good input from some of the six year olds from Year 2, with a superb performance by Shadia Sharifi, of a poem about the Falcon, which she recited in Arabic and then in its English translation helped by some of her classmates acting out the poem. A wonderful performance by such young children in front of a large adult audience. This helps to show what we at FPA are about, creating this self confidence from a very early age. Behind the stage much of the support was provided by the students with only supervision by their teachers and many of them learned new skills as a result, with the sound system being operated by the all female team of Muzna, Hessah and Eman.
As always the final performances are the result of many months of hard work, up to 7 hours of rehearsal a week after school and at week-ends, with the staff giving freely of their time. Special mention must be given of Ms Carolyn –Writer & Director, Ms Debbie- Director, Ms Tina – Stage Manager and Mr Geoffrey-light and sound. Plus all the staff that spent hours back stage and helped in many areas. This was, as always, a team effort.
Well done Fujairah Private Academy!
MS CAROLYN GRAINGER Unfortunately Ms Carolyn leaves us at the end of this academic year with a resoundingly successful record behind her. As Head of English she has worked unstintingly to improve the standard of her department, their examination results are impressive. Also the exacting standards that she sets have benefitted the students tremendously. It is not however, just as Head of English that we will remember her, but also as a colleague of professional standing with an excellent sense of humour. She has made a huge contribution to the school and the lives of those she has come into contact with. We wish her well as she returns to her family in Australia.
Jan Brettingham,
Principal,
Fujairah Private Academy
