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Pupils from four local schools - Folkestone Primary School, Martello Primary School, Turner Free School and Folkestone Academy - took to the stage to demonstrate their dancing talent in the Turner Schools Dance Show 2025.

The young dancers performed a range of different dance styles, including contemporary, street, and musical theatre, in a matinee and evening performance last week at Folkestone Academy Theatre.

The performances of the young talent featured an exciting blend of group dances, duets and solo pieces, highlighting their creativity and passion for dance.

The aim of this cross-trust event was to promote dance and inspire dancers of all ages across the Turner Schools family of schools.

The event gave the young dancers the opportunity to celebrate and share their dance talent, while giving parents the chance to experience the creativity, dedication and passion that they bring to the stage.

Jasmin, one of the pupils who took part, said: “Thank you so much for this opportunity you have given me. I feel so grateful to be a part of such an amazing performance and be surrounded by such talented dancers. I really enjoyed it and had the best time so thank you again for this opportunity.”

Following the show, one parent commented: “Thank you for going above and beyond for all the pupils and for creating such a supportive, uplifting environment. It means the world to know people like you bring out the best in pupils and make them shine.”

Jade Goldfinch, the PE teacher at Folkestone Academy who organised the event, said: “Our Turner Dance Show 2025 was a great success and we were incredibly proud of all our pupils who took part.

“Their dedication and commitment to dance shone through all of their performances and we hope that this experience will empower them to achieve their full potential. 

“We are very grateful to everyone in the audience who came along to support our young people.”

Year 6 pupils at Chartham Primary School, part of Turner Schools, had a hands-on day of learning what it was like to be a child in the Victorian era. 

As part of the school’s Victorian school day, the pupils had to pay a Victorian penny for attending school and they had to follow the strict school rules of that era.

For example, the Year 6s had to stand when an adult entered the room, they could not ask questions, nor speak unless they were spoken to; boys and girls were also separated in class.

The children took part in elocution lessons, handwriting practice on chalkboards, finding out about the British Empire and singing the national anthem.

They also found out about jobs that children may have done in factories and workhouses and they made Victorian toys such as cup-and-ball and thaumatrope, an optical toy popular in the 19th Century. 

Chartham Primary School organised the day as part of the children’s history learning on the Victorians.

Pupils thoroughly enjoyed the day, which helped to spark their imaginations.

One pupil said: “I really really enjoyed Victorian day because it felt like we were in a Victorian classroom. I particularly enjoyed the writing on the chalkboards and making toys. I also enjoyed seeing everybody's outfits. The teachers were in character and we found the dunce cap very funny."

Another added: "It was fantastic! We got to make Victorian toys!"

Vicki Copeman, Assistant Headteacher of Chartham Primary School, said: “Our Victorian Day was a great day with the children really getting into their Victorian roles.

“The day helped to build on their history learning for this term and it was a wonderful way for them to connect with history in a hands-on, memorable way.”