Meet the school students who took centre stage at the Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi

Budding dancers from the college performed on the same stage as DJ and producer, Calvin Harris and pop star Pink at the event on November 24 and 25.

Sixth-formers Ellie Mulhall, 17, and Jess Smith, 16, got involved in the show as part of their Level 3 Performing Arts BTEC course through a collaboration with MD Productions, a dance school and talent agency in Liverpool.

They and three others from the school, Jamie Carter, 15, Jess Hedderick, 14, and Kofi Wheatley, 17, who took part due to their dedicated attendance to MD Productions’ dance workshops, were part of a 20-strong team that performed.

Speaking about the project, Jess Smith said: “Ever since a young age performing arts has been my passion. During my time at Rainford high I knew I wanted to go onto sixth form and study this exciting course which offers endless possibilities for students.”

Ellie Mulhall added: “The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was incredible and such a surreal experience for us. We put in a lot of extra work in the lead up to it which made it all worth it in the end.”

The dance troupe showcased four high-energy routines to tracks by renowned artists such as Beyoncé and Michael Jackson. They also got the chance to show off their talents on the main stage within the Yas Marina Circuit before sets from Calvin Harris and Pink.

Principal of Rainford High, Ian Young, commented: “We were very proud to see our talented students prepare for their big debut at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. They rehearsed every spare minute of the day and I’m sure they wowed the audiences with their talents.

“Our relationship with MD Productions sees our pupils receive some great vocational and life experience.

“We’d like to thank the team for giving them this fantastic opportunity.”

Miguel Doforo, founder and creative director of MD Productions, said: “My team and I were very excited to return to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix for a second year running. It was our absolute pleasure to give these promising students the chance to experience such a unique event. It will really help them progress their future career in this industry.”

Rainford students perform at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Five students from Rainford High and Rainford Sixth Form took centre stage at the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi, on 24 and 25 November.

Sixth-formers Ellie Mulhall [17] and Jess Smith [16] were given the unique opportunity through Rainford Sixth Form’s Level 3 Performing Arts BTEC course which is in partnership with MD Productions, a well-known dance school and talent agency in Liverpool.

Whilst Jamie Carter [15], Jess Heddrick [14] and Kofi Wheatley [17] were invited due to their dedicated attendance to workshops and after school provisions by MD productions at Rainford High.

The budding dancers were part of a 20-strong team that performed at the highly-anticipated event, along with MD Productions’ new up and coming girl band, Girl Talk. The trip was part-funded by sponsors, Florida Property Corner.

The dance troupe showcased four high-energy routines to tracks by renowned artists such as Beyoncé and Michael Jackson.

They also got the chance to show off their talents on the main stage within the Yas Marina Circuit before sets from DJ and producer, Calvin Harris and American singer, P!nk.

Speaking about the project, Jess Smith said: “Ever since a young age Performing Arts has been my passion. During my time at Rainford High I knew I wanted to go onto Sixth Form and study this exciting course which offers endless possibilities for students.”

Ellie Mulhall added: “The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was incredible and such a surreal experience for us. We put in a lot of extra work in the lead up to it which made it all worth it in the end.”

Principal of Rainford High, Ian Young, commented: “We were very proud to see our talented students prepare for their big debut at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. They rehearsed every spare minute of the day and I’m sure they wowed the audiences with their talents.

“Our relationship with MD Productions sees our pupils and sixth form students involved in the Performing Arts BTEC course receive some great vocational and life experience and that is not usually available anywhere else.”

Ian added: “We’d like to thank the team for giving this fantastic opportunity to our students.”

Miguel Doforo, founder and creative director of MD Productions, said: “My team and I were very excited to return to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix for a second year running. It was our absolute pleasure to give these promising students from Rainford High and Rainford Sixth Form the chance to experience such a unique event. It will really help them progress their future career in this industry.”

Rainford High is an 11-19 school with just over 1600 students who achieve good exam results at both the end of Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5. The school has a strong ethos of ‘Everyone Matters, Everyone Helps and Everyone Succeeds’ which the staff and pupils continually work to make this the day-to-day focus of the school.

The modern and purpose built Rainford Sixth Form provides for approximately 300 students and is large enough to facilitate a broad range of subjects and experiences, yet still ensure all students are known as individuals and are personally supported.

The Level 3 Performing Arts BTEC course is the equivalent of two A-levels and delivers vocational learning combined with incredible opportunities to work at renowned events around the world. Students who also study a Business Level 3 course alongside it are able to perform as part of MD Productions on professional contracts throughout the two year course.