Plaistow pupils perform for Indonesian ambassador

Primary school pupils have shown off their knowledge of Indonesia to the country’s ambassador.

Tollgate Primary School’s Year 1 children learned about Indonesian culture - including learning about the wildlife, culture and history of this ancient country.

They then put everything they learned into a special performance featuring shadow puppets and traditional Indonesian instruments.

The story of an evil king who eats wild animals may sound dark but is based on a traditional Indonesian fairy tale.

The play was performed in front of parents, pupils and special guest the Indonesian Ambassador, Hamzah Thayeb at the Barclay Road, Plaistow, school.

Teacher Tom Barnecut said: “The kids got a lot out of it and they really enjoyed it.

“It really brought out their confidence and we discovered some talented musicians.

“They were engaged and mouthing the words, and they thought the shadow puppets were magical.”

Tom said the ambassador seemed to be delighted at the performance.

He said: “He seemed to be pleased. He said he was thinking about how art and culture can inform education and be a stepping stone to other areas of the curriculum.”