Yanamamo 2025

In March 2025 the children of Symondsbury CE VA Primary School performed a production of Yanamamo, 

At Symondsbury Primary School, we believe in providing our children with enriching and diverse educational experiences that align with our vision and values. Our recent performance of "Yanomamo" is a testament to this commitment. Find out about the work that went on behind the scenes, the performance itself, and how these efforts reflect our school's vision and values.

Background Understanding

To prepare for the performance of "Yanomamo," our children engaged in a series of pre-learning activities designed to deepen their understanding of the themes and cultural context of the play. One of the key components of this preparation was finding out more about the Yanamamo tribe and those in a similar situation.

Key Stage 2 were so lucky to have talks from two inspirational speakers to help us learn more and prepare for our Yanamamo performance. We had a talk from Joshua Castellino - an expert in minority rights and law. Joshua talked to us about his work for Minority Rights Group and his role in safeguarding the future of indigenous people and the land they call home. 

We were joined by Lucy Claridge- a human rights lawyer and chair of the Rainforest Foundation UK. Lucy told us about the ways her work has helped indigenous tribes across Africa including a successful case protecting the home of the Ogiek tribe in Kenya.

It was fascinating to learn more about the issues we were singing about and discover what we can do as individuals to help make a positive difference in the world.

The Performance

The performance was a beautiful reflection of our school's values and curriculum. It showcased not only the artistic talents of our pupils but also their understanding of important themes such as community, environmental awareness, and cultural appreciation. The collaboration between staff and pupils was evident in every song and speech, and it was heart-warming to see the pride and joy on the faces of the children as they performed.

Miss Wakefield, your talent and passion were instrumental in bringing this production to life. Your commitment to nurturing the creative abilities of our pupils is inspired. To all the staff, your tireless efforts behind the scenes ensured that everything ran smoothly, and your encouragement and belief in our children helped them to give their best.

To the children, you were the stars of the night. Your enthusiasm, energy, and passion were inspiring. You have made us all incredibly proud, and we are grateful for the hard work you put into making Yanamamo a success.  The individual stars that shone through their beautiful voices and heart-swelling speeches delivered with such conviction really do bring hope for our future!

To the Friends and families, thank you for your unwavering support. Your encouragement and involvement are vital to our school's success, and we are proud to have you as part of our community.

To our wonderful musicians – of whom I am in awe! Matt Kingston is a composer, arranger and music producer and has been part of our Symondsbury family for some time inspiring the children with his fabulous conducting and of course playing the organ in Church. Mike Stanley who played the piano enjoyed a successful career as a pianist and musical director in London’s West End for over four decades! How lucky we are to have had him play for our children. And of course, Bridget Pearse who is our wonderful peripatetic music teacher. Bridget has skilfully helped our children grow in confidence and musical ability and her passion for music always shines through!  Thank you all.

Alignment with School Vision and Values

Our school's vision is to nurture well-rounded individuals who are curious, compassionate, and committed to making a positive impact on the world. The performance of "Yanomamo" aligns with this vision in several ways:

• Curiosity: The pre-learning activities encouraged children to ask questions and seek knowledge about the Yanomamo culture, fostering a love for learning.
• Compassion: By understanding the struggles and resilience of the Yanomamo people, children developed empathy and a sense of global citizenship.
• Commitment: The dedication shown by children in preparing and performing the play reflects their commitment to excellence and teamwork.

The performance of "Yanomamo" at Symondsbury Primary School was more than just a performance; it was an educational journey that enriched our children' understanding of cultural diversity and environmental stewardship. We are proud of their achievements and look forward to continuing to provide opportunities that align with our vision and values.

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