Students learn education rights by song and dance

Children at Heathcote Primary School in Warwick had an exciting opportunity to learn about their education rights through song and dance. Fifty schools across the West Midlands participated in a special event to understand education rights with the help of music and dance. The Royal Opera House and Unicef's Create Day involved tens of thousands of students across the UK. They engaged in educational, fun, and interactive lessons and performances, both in person and virtually.

The workshops were led by singers, musicians, and dancers from the Royal Opera House. The Royal Opera House partnered with Unicef to use the day to teach students about the importance of the UN Convention, particularly focusing on the right to education. Jillian Barker, director of learning and participation, said: 'The Royal Opera House wants to inspire creativity through ballet and opera. This first national Create Day brings the Royal Opera House into classrooms all over the country, connecting tens of thousands of children to our artists and artistry in a day of mass singing, dancing, and design celebrating the creativity of the next generation.

Pupils from Heathcote Primary School in Warwick embraced the events as their teacher Helen Parashar guided them through the sessions. Ms. Parashar said: 'Taking part in Create Day has enabled our children to understand topics like the rights of the child and feelings of hope in a creative way. They have blown us away with how they have taken on these difficult themes and expressed themselves through dance, song, and art. We feel very lucky and privileged that we can work on topics like this with professionals from the Royal Opera House, and the children have risen to the occasion because they know they are part of something big and special. It has been a wonderful and memorable experience for all of us.

Pupils at the school said they had enjoyed getting involved with the events. Anaya said: 'I really like that we can express ourselves with the music. I love the actions. ' Madhav said: 'It gives us a chance to express ourselves and to sing, dance, and design and it lets us be ourselves. ' And Skye said: 'I strongly agree with the UN rights of a child. Just think how you would feel if your rights weren't being met. ' The Royal Opera House has confirmed Create Day 2025 will take place, following the success of this year's event, which saw more than 30,000 students take part nationally.