Entry day for the 2016 Be Your Best Rock Challenge and J Rock tour fast approaches!

8th September 2015

From 6am on Tuesday 22nd September 2015 Senior Schools, Academies and Sixth Form Colleges (6:30am for Junior and Primary Schools) registration will open to take part in one of the region's most dazzling, high energy performing arts competitions as the Rock Challenge® and J Rock™ tour returns for 2016!

The 2016 Safer Highlands J Rock™ will take place on Wednesday 20th April before the Safer Highlands Rock Challenge® on Thursday 21st April. These events will provide the opportunity for local schools to showcase their creativity, talent and imagination on the stage of Eden Court Theatre.

The Be Your Best Foundation, registered charity since April 1998 (registered charity number 1077291), facilitate the production and expansion of the Rock Challenge® and J Rock™ in the UK and these Rock Challenge® events aim to inspire, engage and motivate young people to make healthy and positive lifestyle choices. Each show provides the opportunity for young people to experience an adrenalin-based high through performing live on a professional stage rather than using tobacco, alcohol or other drugs.

Teams as small as 10, or as large as 135 students, collaborate with teachers, parents and wider communities to prepare an eight minute performance. These preparations are undertaken over many weeks and months and showcase an array of skills in dance, drama and design. Set to a theme of their choice each school's performance is completely original and can vary from tackling a political or social message, retelling a true event or an entirely imaginative concept. You can see more information about the event in our promotional video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z54kjiEi8aQ

In 2015 the Safer Highlands Rock Challenge® and J Rock™ events involved thirteen schools and over 600 young people with two teams also extremely successfully qualifying to the regional Scottish Final!

UK Rock Challenge® Senior Event Manager Samantha Eastwood is looking forward to the excitement of entry day and seeing which schools will be signing up for 2016. Having been involved herself as a performer, and also with the organisation for a number of years, Samantha has seen first-hand what an important and unforgettable experience the Rock Challenge® is for young people. Samantha considers "it a true testament to the schools commitment and passion for Rock Challenge® that some events are full within the first ten minutes!"

To receive all the latest information on how to secure a place in the 2016 events a school can contact the Rock Challenge® and J Rock™ office on 02392 985710 and be added to the mailing list. Due to popular demand entries are on a first come first served basis and entry forms will be available on Tuesday 22nd September from 6am on the website: www.rockchallenge.co.uk

We are also looking for potential local sponsors to work in partnership with us and help develop this important initiative, please get in touch with us on 02392 985 716 if you are able to help.

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Originating in Australia, the Rock Challenge® was introduced to the United Kingdom in 1996 by Hampshire Constabulary with the aim to help young people enjoy school and live pro-active lives free of tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs.

The Rock Challenge® is universally inclusive with secondary schools, colleges, academies, schools catering for students with special needs and independent schools from all backgrounds taking part. Due to the popularity of the initiative the junior version J Rock™, for young people aged 7-11, was also introduced to the UK and in 2016 enters its 12th year.

The Be Your Best Foundation, registered charity since April 1998 (registered charity number 1077291), facilitate the production and expansion of the UK Rock Challenge® and J Rock™. The main focus of the Foundation is on young people leading healthy lifestyles, having fun and being their best without the need for tobacco, alcohol or any other substance which is why their main activity each year is to promote these events.

Regularly conducted evaluations show proven and evidenced benefits above and beyond these original objectives with the Rock Challenge® and J Rock™ seen by teachers and students alike as a key part of a young person's development in resilience, confidence building and self-esteem. These key aspects of development permeate the national curriculum and support how the Rock Challenge® and J Rock™ reflect the Government's aims and policies, in particular the ‘Every Child Matters' Children Act of 2004.

The competitions are professionally produced events held in some of the major theatre venues across the United Kingdom. Schools will spend the day rehearsing in front of their peers and supporting one another before performing to a live audience of friends, family, VIP guests and a panel of judges. Marked on production, design and performance schools are presented on stage at the end of the evening show with awards of excellence in a variety of areas. The top placing teams are also announced and qualify through to a regional final where they are invited to compete with other winners from across the country.

PHOTO
Entry from Pennyland Primary School in 2015