Extraordinary Us Returns to O2 City Hall for Celebration of Music

Laidlaw Schools Trust hosted its annual Extraordinary Us music event at Newcastle's iconic O2 City Hall, bringing together almost 400 Year 5 pupils from across the Trust for a memorable day of music, collaboration and performance.

The event welcomed pupils from Academy 360, Atkinson Road Primary Academy, Excelsior Academy, Oxclose Primary Academy, Sedgefield Hardwick Primary Academy, South Hylton Primary Academy, Thomas Walling Primary Academy and Westgate Hill Primary Academy. Together, they took part in a vibrant celebration of creativity, confidence and belonging.

Months of Preparation

In the lead up to the event, pupils worked alongside Palladio Education, the creative educational organisation founded by Miles and Gary Wallis-Clarke. Through a series of rehearsals and workshops, pupils developed their vocal skills, musical understanding and confidence in preparation for performing on one of the North East's most prestigious stages.

The day began with individual Academy rehearsals, allowing each school to refine their performances before coming together for a full ensemble rehearsal on stage.

Individual Performances Shine

During the afternoon concert, each Academy took to the stage to perform a song selected collaboratively by pupils and staff.

Each performance demonstrated the hard work, commitment and enthusiasm shown by pupils throughout the project.

Bringing Voices Together

The concert culminated in a spectacular combined performance featuring all pupils on stage together.

As one choir, pupils performed a collection of carefully selected pieces including Banaha, Sisi Sisi, Da Pacem Domine, The Keel Row, Ain't No Mountain High Enough, Lost in Space and Sailing.

The massed choir performance was a powerful reflection of the Trust's values, bringing together children from different Academy communities through a shared love of music and performance.

Building Confidence Through Music

The Extraordinary Us event forms part of Laidlaw Schools Trust's wider commitment to providing high-quality enrichment opportunities that support personal development alongside academic achievement.

Performing in a professional venue gave pupils the opportunity to develop confidence, resilience and teamwork, while experiencing the excitement of performing in front of an audience of family members, carers, staff and supporters.

Music continues to play an important role across the Trust, providing opportunities for pupils to express themselves creatively, work collaboratively and develop skills that extend far beyond the classroom.

Partnership with Palladio Education

The event was delivered in partnership with Palladio Education, whose work with schools supports the development of music, creativity and confidence in young people.

The expertise and support provided by Miles and Gary Wallis-Clarke throughout the project helped pupils prepare for the performance and ensured another successful celebration of music across the Trust.

Celebrating Extraordinary Opportunities

The event was made possible through the continued support of the Laidlaw Foundation, whose investment in cultural enrichment opportunities helps ensure pupils across the Trust can access memorable experiences beyond the classroom.

The Extraordinary Us concert once again demonstrated the power of music to unite communities, build confidence and create lasting memories for young people.

"This is an event that will create lasting memories for our children and one they will carry with them for years to come. I am incredibly proud of every pupil who took part. It has been wonderful to see what we can achieve when we come together. Our core value of being extraordinary was reflected in every performance, every school and every note that was sung."

- Sally Newton, CEO, Laidlaw Schools Trust

Laidlaw Schools Trust remains committed to providing inclusive and ambitious opportunities that enable every pupil to develop their talents, broaden their horizons and experience what it means to be part of an extraordinary community.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the O2 City Hall Newcastle for hosting this year's event and providing such an iconic venue for our pupils to perform in. We are also grateful to Palladio Education for their continued support in helping to create an unforgettable musical experience for the children and staff involved.