PERFORMING Arts students at a Bournemouth school have taken charge of their Christmas production for the first time.

Youngsters at the Oak Academy have produced, directed and written Winter Wonderland and involved younger pupils in the production.

With their own performing arts company, called Preastaire, the sixth formers have taken charge of the whole production.

They have marketed the show to the younger school children, led the auditions for the cast, devised and choreographed the dance and drama sequences and even given lessons to Year 9 performing arts students.

Principal Gill Blanshard said: “Our sixth formers have been working tirelessly towards what looks to be a very special Christmas production.

“They have given up their free lessons and time to dedicate so much passion and enthusiasm into the show.

“The students are not only helping to put on a great performance for friends and family but they have also inspired children from across the year groups who they have been working with.”

Oak’s Winter Wonderland showcases the work of both BTEC and GSCE performing arts students.

The show’s theme explores winter and Christmas and touches on the joys of the festive period and the message ‘happiness has very little to do with wealth’. Preastaire member, writer and performer Jacquelyn Jenkins said: “We’ve worked really hard together to devise the show from scratch – and now we can’t wait for the piece to come together on the night.”

Winter Wonderland will be performed at the Oak Academy tonight and tomorrow night.

Tickets are available from the school reception.