It was a case of Pandemonium in Golden Grove School last week with the arrival of the said named theatre company to the school.

Performing for both the Foundation Phase and Key Stage Two with different acts the pair of actors making up the theatre took the pupils on a paced and amusing look at life from time past. Key Stage Two pupils have been looking in to life in Victorian times, their studies were brought to life in a number of sketches about different characters, the school teacher, cruel boss and the nurse came to life to tell their stories.

Pupils became involved in the acting out of the scenarios and were immersed in the learning. Cowering to avoid the cane for wrong doing, sweeping chimneys and working the dangerous looms of a weaving factory were just part of the fun as the two actors took the pupils on a journey of learning through drama.

From the faces of the pupils involved, it was clear that they had enjoyed the experience. Foundation Phase pupils were involved in another tour and exploration about the wildlife of the world and shrieks of delight could be heard around the school as they interacted with the players. The school has a long association with Pandemonium, they never fail to please the pupils and the rapturous applause at the end of each session was proof positive of a good time had by all.

Meanwhile, Year 2 from the school went on a journey of a different kind with a visit to nearby Folly Farm. The pupils were taken on a safari of the world of Rain Forests, endangered species and more at the park. Staff from the National Botanical Gardens of Wales were on hand to introduce the pupils to the plants found in the Rain Forests, from food to medicines the pupils were amazed by the range of plant life giving us every day items.

With an emphasis on the protection of not only the forests, but our environment as well, the pupils moved on to look at the endangered species of the world. Using a passport of understanding, the pupils were guided through the issues being face by so many creatures. Following this, the pupils went to visit a number of the Folly Farm animals, the most memorable being the squirrel monkeys and their love of food which led the children to lunch at the indoor fun fair.

Lunch was followed by an enthralling puppet show, from Indigo Theatre, which reinforced the message of protecting and saving the rain forests from exploitation. Such was the enthusiasm of the pupils during the visit that many said they would be asking their parents for a return visit to Folly Farm for more exploration and fun.