STUDENTS at Churchfields School in Walcot have proved themselves stars of the stage.

They have completed a speech and drama course as part of a pilot course organised by the Victoria College London examin-ation board.

The school, which is a performing arts college, is currently in special meas-ures after a critical Government Ofsted inspec-tion.

It hopes that the course will help boost pupils' confidence and improve their performance in GCSE exams.

The 30 drama students from year eight to 11 all volunteered to take part in the curse, in which they were tested on their presentation acting, speaking of verse and reading aloud techniques.

Eight passed with dis-tinction grades while nearly half passed with a merit.

Drama coach John Williams said: "The scheme has been a great success. Both students and parents have had positive attitude toward the scheme and other schools should consider sending students on similar schemes.

"It fits into the per-forming arts element of the school, enabling students to gain confidence, work together and develop presentation techniques in performance."

The success of this year's students has in-sured that the scheme will be offered to more students next term. It is also hoped that the course can be extended so the students can continue to improve their presentation skills, public speaking and interview techniques.

It will also help maintain the school's reputation for spectacular theatre performances.

Recent productions have included Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory plus Oliver.

It also worked with other local schools in performing Joseph and his Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat and students from the school took part in a Swindon college prod-uction of Bugsy Malone.