The cast of 'Acorn to Oak', February 2008

For this year's school production, our Head of Drama, Helen Kirk, together with other members of staff, came up with the idea of writing our own musical play about the history of the School and how it has changed over the years.  John Cullen, an English teacher at the School, wrote the script, which is broadly historical, and Geography teacher, Chris Fisher, added some songs.  The cast included 50 students on stage with many more helping backstage with sound, lighting, costumes and make-up.  The play was performed to packed houses over four nights from 6th to 9th February.

The Kendon family

Acorn to Oak follows the life of the School's founder, Joseph Kendon.  He lived in the East End of London where he was deeply affected by the poverty he saw around him.  Strengthened by an unshakable Christian faith, he was a source of strength to all who knew him.  In 1861 after the death of his first wife, and suffering from a respiratory condition, he was advised to move to Kent.  Here he benefited from the cleaner air while continuing his Christian ministry amongst the hop-pickers.   Shortly after his arrival in Kent, Joseph Kendon met Mr Thomas Wickham, a local landowner, who suggested the possibility of a Schoolroom and this proved to be the modest beginning of the Bethany School of today.

Harry, enjoying his final days at School

The play switched between scenes from Joseph Kendon's day and scenes from 2007 following the final term of a loveable rogue called Harry, a fictional sixth form pupil.

Over the course of the four performances we were delighted to be joined by former pupils, as well as four members of the Kendon family who still live locally.

As ever with a Bethany production many departments contributed to the success of the performances and Mrs Kirk thanked everyone involved from Art, Technology, Textiles, Music, ICT, Geography, PE, Admin, Catering and Maintenance (and apologies if anyone has been left out!).

Mary, Joseph Kendon's daughter

The modern day Headmaster

A scene in the boarding house

Music was provided by 'The Lizards', the School's own R&B band, which had a special line-up for the occasion.

All in all the production was an outstanding success and the students involved thoroughly enjoyed the experience.  Hopefully they also learnt something about Joseph Kendon's great faith and remarkable personal qualities and if they have been inspired to take something of a pride in their School's founder then so much the better.  Had Joseph Kendon been watching from the wings, he too would be proud of today's School and moved to see that his legacy lives on.