Thurso High School win Highland Rock Challenge
THURSO High School proved they truly “rocked” when they were crowned the winners of a regional drama competition to stake their place in the national finals.
Thurso took first place in heat one of the Safer Highland Rock Challenge in Inverness beating off competition from six other schools.
Rock Challenge, which has become one of the biggest school events in the Highlands, challenges pupils to come up with a short theatre piece which promotes pro-active lifestyles, free of alcohol, drugs and tobacco.
Thurso High’s performance of The Island was inspired by William Golding’s Lord of the Flies. The performance is set in Great Britain during a nuclear war and school children are forced to evacuate to The Island.
It charts how they survive in a paradise without adult leadership and rules. The school now goes forward to the Scottish final in Dundee in June.
Teacher Kathryn Shanks said the pupils were ecstatic to receive the top award, adding: “All of the performances were outstanding and highlighted the talent there is across the Highlands. We are stunned and delighted to have achieved first overall and a place in the Scottish final.
“This success simply would not have been possible without the support of the school, parents, community, parent teachers’ association and funding from across Caithness and Scotland.
“We have been astounded at the friendly and supportive atmosphere of Rock Challenge and would like to thank the other schools for their words of congratulations and encouragement.
“We cannot wait to take part in the Scottish final in June and look forward to rehearsing and perfecting our performance for Dundee’s Caird Hall.”