News

Carmen! Performance at London's Olympic Park

/ Categories: News, Press Releases

Carmen! Performance at London's Olympic Park

Last night, pupils from The Hurlingham Academy took to the stage at the Copper Box Arena to perform in a fantastic production of Carmen! alongside their peers from United Learning’s national group of schools.

 

The pupils joined over 1,000 others for the unique performance of the ‘Choice of Don Jose’ from Bizet’s Carmen! at the Olympic Park.  Their performance is the culmination of a year’s partnership between United Learning, of which The Hurlingham Academy is a part, the Royal Opera House, The Voices Foundation and the English Pocket Opera Company.

 

Using the Royal Opera House’s Create and Sing learning resources and with teacher training delivered by The Voices Foundation, the pupils at The Hurlingham Academy were introduced to opera. Over the past few months, they have immersed themselves in the world of opera, listening and learning to understand the genre, and even more impressively, delivering their very own operatic performance of Carmen!

 

The colourful and energetic performance, which was staged and directed by the English Pocket Opera Company, delighted over 700 spectators including parents and guests from the world of opera, music and education.  The pupils used the knowledge and skills they acquired through the rehearsal process to deliver an unforgettable performance and came away feeling proud and inspired to continue nurturing their musical abilities.

 

Conaugh Clarke, a teacher at The Hurlingham Academy, said:

 

“The project was a great opportunity for our students to be able to perform with their peers from schools across United Learning and see that they are part of a bigger network. It’s so important for students to have a genuine performance space so getting the chance to showcase their talents at the Copper Box Arena was incredible – something very special for them to remember.”

 

Charlotte May, a student at The Hurlingham Academy, said:

 

“I really enjoyed taking part in Carmen – it was so much fun being able to sing in such a big group and with professionals singers as well!”

 

Penelope Palmer, another student from the academy, added:

 

“I’ve never done opera before so it was amazing to try it out. I especially loved being able to be creative while we were singing and acting.”

 

Catherine Barker, Head of Music and Performing Arts at United Learning, said:

 

“All of the pupils gave a superb performance in which their new-found love of opera really shone through.  The sound of 1,000 pupils singing together was mesmerising and was a true celebration of music.  Congratulations to all the pupils who sang and performed magnificently and thank you to our fantastic staff for throwing themselves into this ambitious project with such enthusiasm.

 

“We are fortunate to have been able to partner with the Royal Opera House, The Voices Foundation and the English Pocket Opera Company for this project.  With their support, expertise and resources, we were able to give our pupils the very best musical learning opportunities and plant the seeds for a lifelong love of opera and musical performance.

 

“Projects like these which teach pupils new skills, broaden their horizons and give them memorable experiences are part of United Learning’s commitment to deliver an Education with Character.  As well as introducing our pupils to a new genre of music, this project has given them the opportunity to perform in a fantastic venue, collaborate with their peers from across the country and be part of a special celebration of talent and creativity.  I am delighted that we have been able to provide this for our pupils and I look forward to seeing them build on this experience as they develop into confident, articulate and ambitious young adults.”

 

 


Previous Article
Students Perform Onstage at The Royal Opera House
Next Article
GCSE Success Continues At The Hurlingham Academy

Print

Weekly Newsletters

Newsletter 03.10.25

It’s been an exciting week here at The Hurlingham Academy, marked by my favourite event in the school calendar: Open Evening. And this year’s certainly did not disappoint. In fact, I truly believe it was our most successful yet. Doors opened at 4:30pm, and within the first 25 minutes, we had already welcomed over 400 visitors through the door. From that moment on, the entire school was buzzing with energy and enthusiasm.


Newsltter 26.09.25

I can hardly believe that September is already coming to an end. I’m incredibly proud of how well both staff and pupils have settled into the new school year. A particular well done to all those pupils who are new to our school , you've made a fantastic start. Year 7, especially, have adapted brilliantly to their new routines and surroundings; it already feels like they’ve always been part of our community.


Newsletter 19.09.25

It’s hard to believe we are only two full weeks into the new academic year. We’ve quickly settled back into what we do best: exceptional teaching and learning. The school has seamlessly picked up where we left off, with calm, focused classrooms led by passionate and expert teachers


Newsletter 12.09.25

Another week has truly flown by. Just last week, I spoke about the opportunities a new academic year brings — and already, I’ve seen so many pupils stepping up, getting involved, and even taking the lead.


Newsletter 05.09.25

I’d like to begin this term by extending a warm welcome back to all our pupils, parents, and staff. I hope you’ve all enjoyed a wonderful summer break and are feeling just as enthusiastic as I am about the start of a new school year. A special welcome also goes out to the new pupils and families joining our school community — we’re thrilled to have you with us.


Newsletter 11.07.2025

I often discuss results with our students because they matter — they open doors and create opportunities. Results reflect hard work and deserve recognition. However, at The Hurlingham Academy we also prioritise educating the whole child, offering meaningful and inspiring enrichment experiences. This week has been a perfect example of that commitment.


Newsletter 03.07.25

I cannot believe that this term is coming to an end. The teachers are working incredibly hard to ensure that pupils have the best end of term experiences. On Monday we kicked off the week in style with our summer concert. It was so fantastic to see the pupils performing so confidently on the stage, and I know I always say this but the talent our pupils have always blows me away. This was followed on Wednesday and Thursday we had our fantastic performance of Jane Eyre.


Newsletter 27.06.25

As I said last week, one of my favourite sayings is, “good schools don’t wind down,” and The Hurlingham Academy proves this to be absolutely true. I’ve been genuinely amazed by everything the staff have organised recently. Just in the past two weeks, we’ve had careers talks, Prom, music trips, an art exhibition, animation workshops, scavenger hunts, numerous trips, and a Year 6 induction day. I actually had to ask my senior management team what day it was yesterday — it’s been that full-on!


Newsletter 20.06.25

As Principal of our school, this has been a week filled with proud moments. I have watched our key stage 3 pupils come to the end of their assessments, welcomed our new cohort of year 7s for their first induction day and got to celebrate another successful GCSE season with year 11 at their prom. With so many wonderful examples of success around the academy, I expect all pupils to be inspired, try their best and make the most of the opportunities we have coming up over the next couple of weeks.


Newsletter 06.06.25

The month of June brings with it many things. For our hardworking Year 11s, their external exams start to draw to a close and they will look ahead to their next journey at sixth form (after a very well deserved extended summer holiday of course). For the rest of school, June marks the beginning of the last half-term of a very busy and successful academic year.


United Learning comprises: United Learning Ltd (Registered in England No: 00018582. Charity No. 313999) UCST (Registered in England No: 2780748. Charity No. 1016538) and ULT (Registered in England No. 4439859. An Exempt Charity). Companies limited by guarantee. Registered address: United Learning, Worldwide House, Thorpe Wood, Peterborough, PE3 6SB.

Financial Accountability and Freedom of Information
Website Terms, Cookies and Privacy
Policies

United Learning