BARNSLEY Academy students created a moving performance about the plight of refugees which helped them win four awards.

The team of 66 won the awards of excellence at the northern final of Rock Challenge UK, which is a series of performing arts events promoting healthy life choices.

The Barnsley team’s performance was called ‘The Lost Children’ and told the story of a family of refugees and their perilous journey.

It faced ten other schools, each tasked with giving a five to eight minute performance which they had to choreograph themselves, create their own sets and costumes and select and record the medley of music for their soundtrack.

While narrowly missing out on the title of overall winners, the Barnsley Academy students, from years seven to 10, won The Tribune Trust Award for Excellence for Concept, the Andrew Marr International Award for Excellence for Drama, the BAE Systems Award of Excellence for Lighting and the ACRO Criminal Records Office Award of Excellence for Entertainment.

Stephen Dixon, principal of Barnsley Academy, said: “Congratulations to all of our students and staff who took part in the competition, which was the perfect showcase for our team’s skill and creativity. It’s another fine example of what can be achieved through dedication, determination and hard work.”

Read more in this weeks Barnsley Chronicle