Students from Shireland CBSO Academy have progressed to the semi-finals of a regional performing arts competition after winning their category at the SHAPE Your Talent auditions in West Bromwich.
Year 9 students Zac, Kieran and Ella were awarded first place in the 8-13 category following their performance of Bastille’s Pompeii at West Bromwich Town Hall, securing their place in the semi-final stage of the competition.
School Principal, David Green, said: “We are extremely proud of Zac, Keiran and Ella for their fantastic achievement. They represented the Academy with exceptional skill, confidence and professionalism, and did themselves and the school proud. We are delighted they have progressed to the semi-final stage, and we will be cheering them on as they take this exciting next step in the competition.”
Opportunities such as SHAPE Your Talent form an important part of the Academy’s wider offer, providing students with regular opportunities to apply and develop their musical skills beyond the classroom. Performing in meaningful, real-world settings helps students build confidence, teamwork and resilience, while encouraging them to take pride in their creativity and musical development.
SHAPE Your Talent is a talent competition for young people aged 8 to 19, and up to 25 for participants with special educational needs and disabilities, who live, work or are educated in Sandwell. The competition forms part of Sandwell Council’s SHAPE programme, which was developed in response to feedback from young people about the activities and opportunities they wanted to see in their local area.
The SHAPE programme is centred on five key outcomes for children and young people: staying safe, being healthy, achieving and enjoying, making a positive contribution and economic wellbeing. It includes a series of events designed to give young people opportunities to showcase their talents in music, dance and performance.
Winners of the semi-finals will progress to the finals in June, where participants with compete for the prize of £500 in their category.
