Chiswick Students Head to the West End for Hamilton Experience

On Thursday 4th December, over sixty students from History Club and Key Stage 4 and 5 Drama will travel to London’s West End to see the critically acclaimed musical Hamilton at the Victoria Palace Theatre. Taking their seats in the Royal Circle, students will have the unique opportunity to experience one of the world’s most celebrated stage productions, rich in history, music, and storytelling.

In preparation for the trip, History Club students are delving into the American War of Independence, exploring themes such as revolution, immigration, literacy through the Federalist Papers, and the lasting impact of conflict. To deepen their understanding and sharpen their oracy skills, students will engage in a lively debate—some representing the revolutionary colonists, and others defending the Crown!

With a little help from a close friend and West End producer, the school has even requested an exclusive Q&A with members of the cast and crew. We now eagerly await a response from Cameron Mackintosh himself… fingers crossed!

History Club meets every Wednesday after school in B23 and is open to all year groups. There is no cost to attend—though biscuit consumption is strongly rumoured to be high.

Huzzah!

(Mrs Irvine and Ms Herbert accept no responsibility for biscuit- induced sugar highs. After seven hours of lessons, they’re all yours!)

History Club Ignites Revolutionary Debate Ahead of Hamilton Trip

In the run-up to our West End outing to see Hamilton the musical, our History Club met this week to present their debates with one side arguing the merits of each side of the American Revolutionary War. Should the colonies remain a part of the United Kingdom and loyal to King George III or break away and form a new nation, free from tyranny and oppression?

The debates took place in the main hall with guest judges Mr Orr (Acting Deputy Head Teacher) and Ms Tomsett (Head of History) in attendance.

Speakers were wonderfully articulate, laden with interesting facts, and packed with passion; many rebuttals referencing the previous orator's contribution. During one speaker's time, the King himself was in attendance!

The judges split hairs to choose the winning teams, and congratulations go to every History Clubber for their superb engagement, reasoned arguments, and excellent oracy. It's clear that we have many budding KCs and barristers in the making! Our participants were presented with certificates and a selection of Halloween candy to celebrate their sterling teamwork.