Tea, Cakes and Dancing

For a number of years, Southbank students in Grade 10 have supported Age Concern by running a Tea Dance as part of their community service in the Middle Years Programme.

This Tea Dance is one of the largest in the country, with over 400 people attending. The students help by serving, mixing with the elderly folk, and putting on a dance performance.

Throughout their PE lessons one period a week is set aside for learning an appropriate tea dance (this year it was the Lindy Hop) culminating in their performance at the Tea Dance. For many of the students this is not only the first time that they have danced but also served at tables and mixed with the local community.

Yet again this year's group represented themselves and Southbank well and numerous people commented on their positive behaviour and attitude. One visitor took the time to write this thank you note:

I did enjoy my afternoon at the Tea Dance. I was very impressed with the young people who waited upon us and entertained us with their dancing. We read and hear so much about the unruly young people but we hear nothing about the caring thoughtful young ones. I must mention how lovely the girls looked with their beautiful dresses and the boys who wore suits and ties. What a pleasure the day was for me.