Students learn education rights by song and dance

Children at Heathcote Primary School in Warwick enjoyed the chance to express themselves through song and dance

Fifty schools across the West Midlands have taken part in a special event to learn about education rights through music and dance.

The Royal Opera House (ROH) and Unicef’s Create Day has involved tens of thousands of students across the UK.

They took part in educational, fun and interactive lessons and performances, both in person and virtually.

The workshops were led by singers, musicians and dancers of the Royal Opera House on Tuesday.

The ROH partnered with Unicef to use the day to teach students about the importance of the UN Convention, particularly focusing on the right to education.

Jillian Barker, director of learning and participation, said: "The Royal Opera House wants to inspire creativity through ballet and opera.

"This first national Create Day brings the Royal Opera House into classrooms all over the country, connecting tens of thousands of children to our artists and artistry in a day of mass singing, dancing and design celebrating the creativity of the next generation."

Pupils from Heathcote Primary School, in Warwick, embraced the events as their teacher Helen Parashar guided them through the sessions.

"Taking part in Create Day has enabled our children to understand topics like the rights of the child and feelings of hope in a creative way," Ms Parashar said.

'Wonderful, memorable experience'

"They have blown us away with how they have taken on these difficult themes and expressed themselves through dance, song and art.

"We feel very lucky and privileged that we can work on topics like this with professionals from the Royal Opera House, and the children have risen to the occasion because they know they are part of something big and special.

"It has been a wonderful and memorable experience for all of us."

Pupils at the school said they had enjoyed getting involved with the events.

Anaya said: "I really like that we can express ourselves with the music. I love the actions."

Madhav said: "It gives us a chance to express ourselves and to sing, dance and design and it lets us be ourselves."

And Skye said: "I strongly agree with the UN rights of a child. Just think how you would feel if your rights weren't being met."

The ROH has confirmed Create day 2025 will take place, following the success of this year's event, which saw more than 30,000 students take part nationally.