Alice In Wonderland Jr: Grade 5 Musical

Article by Annabel Loone, Grade 5 Teacher

At Grammar, we pride ourselves on nurturing creativity, courage and curiosity, and nowhere is this more evident than with the recent launch of the Grade 5 Musical ‘Disney’s Alice in Wonderland Jr’. This project is led by a passionate team with a deep love for the performing arts, it is more than a performance; it is a celebration of student agency, collaboration, and personal growth through the lens of the IB Primary Years Programme. 

With energy, expertise, and infectious enthusiasm, the team has transformed the musical experience into an empowering journey for all of our 48 Grade 5 students. It’s about giving the students the opportunity to shape something that feels uniquely theirs. When students have ownership over their learning, we see them light up in ways that are truly unforgettable. 

From the first announcement, students have been encouraged to step outside their comfort zones with a deep dive into the story of Alice in Wonderland, preparing for auditions, and embarking on the audition process itself. 

"It’s cool how we all get a say in how things look and sound. It’s like we’re building something together."

Jonathan Molloy (Grade 5 Student)

Whether auditioning for a lead role, brainstorming choreography, contributing costume ideas, or helping backstage with sound and lighting, every child is invited to find their niche. The result is a dynamic, inclusive environment that reflects the core of the IB Learner Profile, nurturing students who are communicators, risk-takers, and reflective learners. 

That sense of collaboration sits at the heart of the process. While the structure and vision are guided by an expert hand, students are very much in the driver’s seat. The production team describe it as “a balance between scaffolding their learning and letting them take the reins. We’re always there to guide, but we also step back and watch them surprise us.” And surprise us they do. Confidence grows visibly week to week. Students who were once hesitant now stand tall. Their voices ring louder, their ideas flow more freely, and their pride in the final product is unmistakable.

"We’re not just learning how to act or sing, we’re learning how to be brave, how to work together, and how to believe in ourselves."

Isla Tait (Grade 5 Student)

The Grade 5 Musical is a shining example of how the IB PYP can extend far beyond the classroom, offering real-world learning that is meaningful, memorable, and deeply human. It is also a tribute to the kinds of teachers who make this possible, whose commitment to the arts and to the potential of every child brings out the very best in our learners. Bravo.

Join us for Disney’s Alice in Wonderland Jr, performed by our Grade 5 students on 17th – 18th September at the Junior Campus. Tickets can be found here.

This production is a showcase of student voice and teamwork, bringing the classic story to life, we’d love to see you there!