Rock Bottom Rocks: Nexus Primary Production 2026

Going Back to the Beginning…Rewinding the Clock…. 

Over 60 Year 5 and 6 learners took us back to the stone-age this week in their incredible Primary Production. With endless jokes, catchy musical numbers and a heart-warming story of perseverance and bravery, as the final curtain fell, it was clear that the whole Nexus community could see why Rock Bottom Rocks! 

For Ms Cat, who has now directed four primary productions, Rock Bottom has been “an incredibly special experience.” What stood out most to her was the “spirit, enthusiasm and determination” that our learners brought into every rehearsal and every show. With the biggest cast yet, this year’s Primary Production has seen over 60 learners come to rehearsals during lunchtimes and after-school since last year, all in preparation for three nights of musical magic. 

Learner Reflections: Growth Through the Performing Arts

Speaking to some of the learners involved, there were feelings of pride at all they had achieved together and sadness that it’s now over for another year. Poppy, who plays Bobby Cobblestone, the young inventor looking to succeed, loved “working as a team and learning all the songs and dances.” The team of Timekeepers, the production’s 3 narrators, Raagya, Miraya and Kate, shared how much effort the whole cast has put in and how they have really enjoyed “collaborating with new people from different classes and year groups.”  “It’s been the biggest show yet, and it’s been so fun. I’m really sad that it’s all over now!” shared Thea, who played Lady Lava, the evil sorceress intent on bringing down Rock Bottom in her search for eternal youth. 

Beyond the applause, Rock Bottom helped teach our learners outside of the classroom and gave our Year 5 and 6 learners the chance to put the IB Learner Profile into practice. Taking part in the production wasn’t ever about just memorising lines; it was a masterclass in holistic growth:

• Risk-takers: For many, stepping out in front of a packed auditorium was a daunting feat. By conquering pre-show nerves and embracing their roles, our learners grew in confidence with every line delivered.
• Effective Communicators: From the ensemble to the leads, learners practiced the art of projection, expression, and active listening to ensure the story reached every corner of the theatre.
• Reflective Collaborators: Working across different classes and year groups required our learners to be principled and supportive, reflecting on their rehearsals to ensure every cue was hit and every prop was in place.

Head of Primary, Ms Fiona adds, “Taking part in productions like this provides incredibly valuable learning opportunities for our learners, helping them to build confidence, develop teamwork and communication skills, and express their creativity in a real and meaningful way.”

Bringing Together the Whole School Community

Rock Bottom has been a whole-school event. Aside from the cast on-stage, Rock Bottom also brought together learners from across the school in various ways. Learners supported at front-of-house handing out programmes, helped as part of the backstage crew, and even created sets and props for the show at our Production Props CCA run by the Art department. From the team of Primary teachers who supported our learners through hours of rehearsals, to the Facilities and Tech teams who helped ensure things ran smoothly, and to our parent community who ran tuckshops during the intermission, Rock Bottom was a powerful reminder of what our dedicated school community can achieve. 

A Testament to Nexus’ Performing Arts Excellence

It seems that with each production, Nexus continues to raise the bar, cementing its reputation for delivering top-notch performances in both the Primary and Secondary school. Rock Bottom will undoubtedly be remembered as one of Nexus’ most impressive Primary Productions to date, a testament to the school’s commitment to excellence both in, and beyond the classroom.

Missed the show? Relive the magic of Rock Bottom with our highlights reel below.