TES Connect 2025 Winter

Cover Story

Whole Child Development

FOBISIA Senior Drama Festival

Seven TES high school students participated in the 2025 FOBISIA Senior Drama Festival, held at the British School Manila in September. This year’s theme, “Make Me Feel Mighty Real,” invited students to explore the intersec tion of technology, identity, and performance in the digital age. Led by ThickSkin Theatre Company (UK) and inspired by their multimedia production Peak Stuff, par ticipants engaged in a dynamic three-day programme of workshops, devising, and performance. Day one introduced students to a range of practical masterclasses led by the theatre company. Day two of fered dedicated creation time for ensembles to develop original pieces of theatre. On the final day, students re hearsed and performed their work in a shared festival showcase, celebrating risk-taking, collaboration, and cre ative expression. What Students Learned Social skills; working in mixed-school ensembles; listening to diverse viewpoints; supporting peers throughout the rehearsal and performance process. Communication skills; expressing meaning through voice, movement, gesture, and production elements; presenting ideas clearly within an ensemble. Thinking skills; generating and refining original ide as; experimenting creatively with style, movement, and multimedia; making intentional artistic choices. Self-management skills; organising time effectively; adapting to new people and expectations; persisting through creative challenges. Digital and media literacy; using technology purpose fully in performance and reflecting on how digital identity shapes storytelling. moments.

Student Reflections “There was no competition, which created a healthy envi ronment in which to express oneself and enjoy time with friends.” “Everybody was kind and friendly; we got to know stu dents from other schools easily and spent time together throughout the whole event.” “As a small group from TES, we had the opportunity to enjoy our time together immensely and get to know each other better.”

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