Talented local children shine with success in examinations

Talented local children shine with success in examinations

5 November 2025

PUPILS at Mourne Stars Speech, Drama and Performing Arts School received the results of their speech and drama examinations at the Newcastle Parish Centre in June.

Pupils registered for speech and drama examinations as well as acting, musical theatre and reading. 

Drama teacher Clare McAvoy was is extremely impressed with the talent and confidence of the pupils and how determined they are to learn and enjoy drama.

In class, her pupils continue to enjoy performing poetry, s and Improvisations, all the while developing their confidence, self-esteem and communication skills.

Musical theatre classes are also in high demand where pupils have the opportunity to learn movement, acting and singing to add to their repertoire of skills. Musical theatre, as well as the acting and speech and drama classes, are available from ages 5-18. 

Pupils from the Introductory level through to Grade 8 enjoyed a 100% pass rate.

The examination board is New Era Academy and eventually, as the pupils advance through the grades, they will be able to access UCAS points for entry to university and third level education.

For the speech and drama grades the pupils have the opportunity to study poetry and stories. They learn to recite these with confidence, clear expression and articulation. As pupils progress through the grades, they learn so much about how the voice works along with literary techniques which, in turn, helps them with literacy & English at school.

Some pupils chose to do the acting pathway which involved them studying plays and monologues and understanding how to develop characterisation, all the while enhancing their voice, movement, gesture and facial expression.

A selection of pupils did the musical theatre exams and studied a variety of musical numbers and worked hard to demonstrate an awareness of the various and appropriate musical theatre styles. Everyone worked extremely hard last term and were all very deserving of their results.  A huge well done to each of them for their determination to do well! 

Some pupils chose to do the reading exams, which were a fantastic opportunity to develop their confidence and communication skills.

Unlike traditional performances where pupils must memorise lines, these exams allow students to read from a text, focusing instead on expression, tone, and storytelling. This approach helps them learn how to bring words to life through voice and interpretation, improving their fluency, clarity, and stage presence — valuable skills both on and off the stage.

Clare would also like to thank all the parents for their unwavering support in making the examinations a huge success. The next examinations with Mourne Stars Speech, Drama and Performing Arts take place on 13 and the pupils have been working all term on making sure they impress their examiners.

They are also preparing for the Banbridge Performing Arts Festival which takes place from November 24-28 in the Belmont Hotel in Banbridge. This is just the second time the pupils from Mourne Stars are entering this competition. They also hope to enter Warrenpoint Feis and Newry Feis in the new year. 

Congratulations are extended to dedicated teachers Katrina Casement and Rachel McCoey, who have both successfully completed their Level 4 teaching diplomas.

Follow Mourne Stars Speech and Drama on Facebook and Instagram, or email Clare to mournestars@gmail.com. There is also a website where you can access and request more information: www.mournestars.com.