Léman Students Shine at the NAE Performing Arts Festival in Beijing

At Léman International School, this year’s Performing Arts theme—Drawn to Discovery—invites students to explore, reflect, and grow through creative experience. This vision came to life during our recent visit to the Nord Anglia Performing Arts Festival in Beijing. 

A group of 13 students from Years 6–8, representing both our Acting Ensemble and Primary Choir, travelled to Beijing to collaborate with peers from Nord Anglia schools across China. The festival brought together 12 schools in a celebration of the arts, marking a decade of collaboration with The Juilliard School and providing students with a platform to develop confidence, discipline, and stagecraft. 

Throughout the event, students engaged in workshops in Dance, Puppetry, and Devised Physical Theatre, working alongside new collaborators and exploring unfamiliar artistic forms. These workshops culminated in a final showcase performance, built through shared ideas and ensemble creation. For our students, this was not simply about performance—it was about the process of discovery: learning to respond, adapt, and create within a new and dynamic community. 

One of the most meaningful outcomes of the trip was the connection formed between students. Surrounded by others who share their passion for the arts, our students quickly built friendships that transcended schools and cities. This sense of belonging became the foundation for genuine collaboration on stage. 

A defining moment came when our students were invited to lead a full-group warm-up from the stage for over 300 participants. With confidence and clarity, they guided the entire cohort—earning enthusiastic praise and demonstrating both leadership and presence. It was a powerful reflection of their growth, and of the trust placed in them within this wider artistic community. 

The final performance itself highlighted the strength of ensemble work. Rather than focusing on individual roles, students worked collectively—listening, responding, and building a shared piece of theatre. Watching our students collaborate so naturally with peers from across the country was a clear demonstration of their ability to engage meaningfully in the creative process. 

Central to this experience was reflection, a key pillar of our Performing Arts programme. Students were continually evaluating their work, refining their ideas, and growing through each stage of rehearsal and performance. This ongoing cycle of action and reflection lies at the heart of Drawn to Discovery. 

As Regional Performing Arts Coordinator Tim O’Reilly shared: 

“This year we were very pleased to welcome 12 schools to our festival in Beijing, celebrating our collaboration with The Juilliard School and giving students a platform to express themselves with confidence, discipline, and strong stagecraft. 

One of the greatest contributions this year came from the students from Léman. They brought passion and energy to every workshop and warm-up, which was clearly reflected in the final showcase. A big thank you to Léman.” 

As Performing Arts Lead, Stephen Delano reflected: 

“What stood out most was not just the quality of the performance, but the way our students embraced the unknown—connecting, collaborating, and discovering what they are capable of when they step beyond their comfort zones.” 

Experiences like the Nord Anglia Performing Arts Festival extend learning far beyond the classroom. They place students in environments where creativity, collaboration, and reflection are not just encouraged, but essential. 

We are incredibly proud of how our students represented Léman—with confidence, openness, and a true commitment to discovery.