The Coppers Award, a collaboration between the College and Henry Tyndale School, presented an entrancing performance of, ‘The Disney Adventure’ in the Prospect Theatre at the College, on the evening of 20th March 2014.

'Coppers' is a long standing project and partnership providing an exciting and rewarding opportunity for the students from the College and Henry Tyndale School to work together. Students sign up for an 'Award' or a link scheme in Year 12 for either a lunchtime arts based club, or for a timetabled session, culminating in a dazzling performance at the end of the Spring Term. This year’s show played to a packed house replicating the success of last year’s memorable production of, ‘The Lion King’, which was a sell-out musical extravaganza.

Students work under the direction of Year 13 student 'leaders', who run the whole scheme, providing both lesson content and organisation. Putting together the show has proved hugely beneficial for all involved over the past few years. The students learn invaluable lessons about teamwork, leadership, commitment and often much about themselves.

Lesley Connor, College lead for the Award said, "Every year students from both the College and Henry Tyndale exceed my expectations in terms of their creativity, collaboration and sheer hard work. The Coppers Award provides all involved with a unique opportunity, to grow in confidence and acquire skills which will benefit them in any future endeavour, skills which cannot be gained from the classroom alone. I strongly believe in this partnership and I am as always honoured to be part of this very valuable project."

Lidea Sullivan, second year student and Coppers Award Leader said, “Leading this year's show has provided me with the opportunity to watch everyone build in confidence, whilst strengthening friendships, as well as having an amazing time, which is what this experience is all about.”

Ashleigh Knight, a second year student and Coppers Award Leader added, “Being a leader for this project has been so rewarding. ‘A Disney Adventure’ has been so much fun to create, from choreography to script writing, I have enjoyed every minute I have spent with the teachers, leaders and students themselves. I love being a part of the creative team and I can't wait to see next year's show.”

Andrew Needham, Chair of the Corporation of the College, who was in the audience, was full of admiration and praise for all involved, commenting, “The time and effort invested by teachers and students, dazzled and beamed on the faces of those stars from Henry Tyndale and the warmth and applause of their friends and families.”

Rob Thompson, Head Teacher at Henry Tyndale School said, "The value of the partnership between Farnborough 6th Form College and our own 6th Formers here at Henry Tyndale, is immense. The positive opportunities for social interaction with the bright and enthusiastic Farnborough students is terrific and the outcomes we see year after year include increased confidence and improved communicative ability. Our students get an incredible kick out of performing on a real stage, in a high quality setting and in front of a packed and appreciative audience. It is also wonderful fun for all those involved! Thank you so much to all those supporting this venture”.

Jim Thomson, from Farnborough Rotary Club commented, “Farnborough Rotary Club is delighted to offer financial support to this production, as we know it will make a difference to this group of talented young people, who have got together to make something vibrant and worthwhile happen. We are a group of around 50 men and women who give time for the local community and the disadvantaged in the wider world.”