‘FAME’ is coming to an Oswaldtwistle school after a performing arts academy was introduced into the curriculum.

Students at Rhyddings Business and Enterprise School will now take part in EVOLVE, a performing arts facility within the Haworth Street school.

It will see schemes of work become topics, class-rooms transformed into rehearsal studios and less-on plans become 10-week briefs leading up to a professional performance.

Students will perform in The Venue, a newly ren-ovated theatre space, for their parents, staff and governors on a regular basis. They will learn about lighting and sound and start to run their own classes after school to pass on their skills and know-ledge.

Participants will be giv-en job roles and respon-sibilities within the company such as managing dir-ector, stage manager, choreographer and sound and lighting technician, and be expected to learn about all aspects of the performance industry.

They will also be responsible for manning and organising the box office shop in school.

Teachers will lead stud-ents at Key Stage 3 up to the BTEC Performing Arts qualification should they choose the subject as their Key Stage 4 option.

It is intended that the students will completely run the performing arts school, lead, teach and share good practice with primary schools, other year groups and the wider community.

EVOLVE leader Anna Booth said: “We’re delighted to have the opp-ortunity to rewrite our current syllabus and cha-nge the way our students explore the arts.

“Over the last few years we have showcased the massive range of talents our kids have through our year 11 musical perfor-mances. We want to take this success and expand it throughout the whole school.

“By giving students these new specific roles and responsibilities, they will not only develop their skills as performers, but as managers, technicians, choreographers and pho-tographers as well.”