The Grand Gala Performance

In the picture, a school performance is taking place on a large stage. A group of students is performing in costume under bright coloured lights, and I can see musicians or a choir at the side. The hall is full, and the audience appears to include parents and teachers. What I also noticed is that the performers are all looking towards one person at the front, who is probably conducting or leading them, so they have clearly rehearsed this many times.

I had to give a speech at my school's assembly last year as part of a class presentation. I remember standing behind the curtain and feeling my hands shaking, and I was convinced I would forget everything the moment I stepped out. Once I started speaking and heard my own voice through the microphone, it became easier, and by the middle I had almost forgotten the crowd was there. Afterwards my friends said they could not tell I was nervous at all, which surprised me.

I do not agree. CCAs like music and drama do take time, but they teach things that no amount of revision can, such as confidence in front of people, discipline in rehearsal and how to work with others towards one performance. Many students also study better when they have something they enjoy in the week, because it gives them a break rather than draining them. I understand that during examination years time is very tight, however I feel cutting away everything except studying often leaves students exhausted rather than better prepared.