On Monday 15th September, Chantry Hall in Morpeth came alive with colour, energy, and song as the Pearl of Africa Children’s Choir visited Newminster Middle School (NMS) and Chantry Middle School (CMS) for a day of unforgettable cultural exchange.
The day began with two performances by the Pearl of Africa Choir – first to Key Stage 2 pupils from NMS and then to CMS. With vibrant costumes and energetic dance routines the choir brought the spirit of Uganda to the heart of Northumberland. Children in the audience were enthralled, clapping along and responding with enthusiasm.
In the afternoon, the visiting choir joined forces with pupils from both NMS and CMS choirs for a joint workshop. This session proved to be a true highlight of the day, offering all the children a chance to connect, collaborate, and learn from one another. Together, they shared songs from their own cultures.
The celebrations culminated in a stunning evening concert, open to families and the wider community, where the Pearl of Africa Choir and the NMS/CMS joint choir performed side by side. The programme showcased not only the incredible musical talents of the children but also the strong bonds formed throughout the day.
“This was more than just a concert,” said Ms Jones. “It was a true celebration of cultural understanding and the power of music to bring people together.”
The Pearl of Africa Children’s Choir is part of the UK outreach work of the Molly and Paul Child Care Foundation, which supports education and welfare for children in Uganda. Thanks to the generosity of all involved, the event raised an outstanding £4,616.82 to support the foundation’s vital work.
In order to help you make the decision about which school to apply to, we warmly invite you to attend our Open Evenings on Wednesday 1st October from 4.00 pm – 6.00 pm where you will be able to visit Newminster and/or Chantry Middle School.
The evening will give you the opportunity to have a look around the school(s), meet staff and students, and see examples of students’ work. There will also be demonstration activities taking place in each school and a presentation by each of the Headteachers at the following times:
4.15pm – Mrs Kinninment at Newminster (in Newminster school hall)
5.00pm – Mr Whitehead at Chantry (in Chantry school hall)
Click below to see details of upcoming events:
Year 5 – Wednesday, 3rd September 2025 8.50 am
Years 6, 7 and 8 – Thursday, 4th September 2025 8.50 am
We are very much looking forward to welcoming all our students back and are excited for the year ahead.
Please click here for further information.
Please click on the following links for further information:
Over 9’s Summer Group, Bedlington
Summer After School Club at Playzone, Ashington
Summer Programme, Bedlington, Ashington, Newbiggin
The stage came alive this week as students from Newminster and Chantry Middle Schools transported audiences to the heart of Agrabah in a dazzling production of Aladdin Jr., performed to packed houses.
From the opening moments, it was clear this was no ordinary school production. With colourful costumes, clever choreography, and confident performances, the young cast brought Disney’s beloved tale to life with energy, humour, and heart. The entire show was a vibrant celebration of creativity and joy – a true feast for the senses.
One audience member described the performance as “just lovely, thoughtful, creative, and full of surprises! The organising, singing, dancing, acting… wonderful. The children were a real credit to you all. It was lovely to see past pupils – but even more lovely to see everyone supporting each other and having fun! I wanted to shout encore!”
From the cheeky charm of Aladdin to the grace and determination of Princess Jasmine, and the larger-than-life antics of the Genie, each role was performed with passion and polish. Everything was created by the students themselves including props and scenery, with a full student tech and backstage crew supported by Mr Hughes. Behind the scenes, the crew ensured smooth scene changes and impressive special effects, all contributing to the show’s professional feel.
Following a special performance for local first schools, audience members were full of praise. One teacher commented, “It was absolutely fantastic – a real showcase of talent and teamwork.” Another added, “One pupil told me it was better than the West End – and I have to agree, it was that good!”
The cast and crew had been rehearsing for weeks, even through intense summer heat, and their hard work and dedication paid off. The show not only celebrated individual talent but also demonstrated the power of collaboration, creativity, and confidence-building through the arts.
On the last night, there was a clear sense of pride from everyone involved and the feeling that this is just the beginning for these young performers.
With Shrek the Musical already in the pipeline and a visit from the Pearl of Africa Children’s Choir scheduled for September, the school’s performing arts calendar promises to be as exciting and inspiring as ever.
