MUSICALLY-MINDED children have proven they are definitely not revolting after their schools were selected to be part of a nationwide Matilda project.

Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School in Whitecross and St Oswald’s Catholic Primary School in Padgate will enter a two-year partnership with the Royal Shakespeare Company, Manchester Palace and Opera House and Liverpool Empire Theatre to become Matilda Champion Schools as part of the award-winning musical’s new education programme Change My Story.

It will see teaching staff work alongside professional theatre directors, choreographers and musical directors to produce a special edit of Matilda the Musical as their school plays this Christmas. 

In the second year of the partnership, the schools will continue developing skills learnt from the programme to maintain a culture of creative engagement with the arts.

Only five schools in the north west were chosen to be part of the scheme, with all year five and six pupils in both schools taking part. 

Colleen Everett, head teacher at Sacred Heart, said: “We are delighted to be a Matilda Champion School and to have had the unbelievable opportunity to learn from a team of professionals. 

“This has been the most exciting and incredible project I have had the pleasure to be involved with during my 23 years of teaching. 

“The children have given their heart and soul to their performances and literally lived and breathed Matilda for the past two months – not to mention the teachers. 

“I have loved watching the children grow in confidence and passion and been totally overwhelmed with their raw talent.”

Helen Lennon, head teacher at St Oswald’s, said: “We place great emphasis on ensuring the arts remain central to our curriculum to ensure all children are immersed in a rich, creative learning experience. 

“By giving our children a love of dance, drama, music, performance and theatre at an early age we hope to develop an appreciation and love of the arts which will stay with them throughout their lives.

“This project has been able to bring out the very best in our year five children.

“It has challenged them, giving them wonderful learning opportunities, allowed them to shine and given us all hours of fun.”

Fiona Ingram, from the RSC, added: “Change My Story gives schools a brilliant opportunity to share the story with a new audience. It is a perfect example of the power of the arts in the curriculum and gives students and teachers the chance to build skills and confidence.”