Secondary Testimonials
Here's what schools and colleges are saying about our retreats and sessions:
Holy Family Catholic School & Sixth Form, Walthamstow (The Room Presentation)
From the minute the lights went on in the school hall, students were intrigued. Such a professional, thought-provoking session. Daniel's story resonated with many and was told in a way students could identify with. I asked some students to write a word or two to sum up the day: A renewal of faith - inspirational - faithful - mind blowing - overwhelming, but motivational - inclusive - energetic - engaging - entertaining - worth watching - religious - calming - interesting. Thank you once again for bringing an extra dimension to our Retreat day.
St Richard Reynolds Catholic College, Twickenham (Passion Play)
The Passion Play provided the opportunity to watch anew the biblical scenes we know so well. The Passion Play brought to life the parables and the events leading up to Jesus's crucifixion. The actors were excellent and the staging worked well. It offered a moving and inspiring portrayal of the Easter story. The actors were professional and gave it their all. Thank you for giving our students and staff the opportunity to prayerfully enter into this holy season of Lent through your depiction of Jesus's last days on earth through The Passion Play.
St. Francis Xavier School, North Yorkshire (The Masterpiece Retreat)
Thank you to RISE for an incredible Y11 retreat day. Not only was 'The Masterpiece' entertaining and engaging, it was powerful, thought-provoking and moving. Students were given time to reflect, discuss, get creative and think more about their passions, future, self-worth and identity. This is something I consider to be really valuable for Y11 students as they prepare to leave school and head out into the "real world" facing change and uncertainty. Thank you, RISE, you were wonderful!
Painsley Catholic College, Stoke-on-Trent (Mission Week)
The Rise Team have been incredible and the impact that their faith, energy, enthusiasm and talent has had on our staff and students is difficult to put into words... they may never know the impact of their work on our young people, parents, grandparents, governors and staff but it is clear that they have helped us all to grow in faith, knowledge and understanding which is our mission.
Gunnersbury Catholic School (Passion Play)
We had an amazing day with your actors! They were fantastic, both students and staff really enjoyed the performance. They were so adaptable to our school stage and space and the reviews by staff and students said they found it really engaging, lots of Year 10's said it would help them with their exam in RE too!
St Thomas Aquinas, Birmingham (The Room Retreats)
One form tutor said that it was the best retreat we had ever had in school. Two students loved it so much that they wanted their photos taken with the cast. It was engaging and got students to think about their own lives.
It's often hard to engage older teenagers in religion. The Room used engaging digital media with human input. The Form Tutors were able to use the classroom material well. The reflection at the end of the day was perfect and during ‘Jesus The Photographer’ at the end, you could hear a pin drop with 220 students in the main hall. Well done on a brilliant retreat day.
St. Mary's Catholic School, Bishop’s Stortford (Passion Play)
Rise Theatre brought to life, the life, death and resurrection of Jesus in a way that students could understand. Our Year 7 and 8 students enjoyed being able to watch the play and see the different stages of the life of Christ. One student said "Rise Theatre was very good. It was nice how they went over previous teachings of Jesus as well and interacted with us." While another said "This play showed me that even after everything he [Jesus] went through, there was still hope, which helped me understand the deeper meaning of Easter." Thank you and see you next year!
Oaklands Catholic School, Waterlooville (The Happiness Show)
We were blessed to have Rise Theatre come to Oaklands to deliver their 'Happiness Show' to our Year 9s, and they loved it! The Rise team were absolute professionals from start to finish; it was a delight to have them share their gifts and creativity with us. The Happiness Show provided our students with the opportunity to reflect on their own lives, as well as hear about the experiences of others. The students engaged really well with the very entertaining show, which was brilliantly performed, and responded well to discussion. Thank you! We can't wait to welcome you back to Oaklands. The proclamation of the Christian message was engaging, entertaining and highly professional. Our students really enjoyed the experience, so we want more students to have the opportunity. Rise Theatre provided something out of the ordinary, something that students will remember and invited them to receive the Gospel in a new and exciting way.
Saint Augustine's Catholic High School, Redditch (Passion Play)
A thought provoking Passion play to enable us to prepare for Lent. Thank you!
St Edmund’s College, Ware (The Room Retreat)
An excellent day, the students were engaged and the discussions fruitful. The team showed great skill in linking religious concepts to daily life.
St. Mary's Catholic School, Bishop’s Stortford (The Happiness Show Presentations)
Rise Theatre were amazing, the students learnt a lot from the play and the reflection and it fitted well with the timings of our Year 8 retreat. I would thoroughly recommend any school to book Rise, you won't be disappointed.
St Richard Reynolds Catholic College, Twickenham (The Room Retreat)
The energy that RISE bring is commendable and their passion and enthusiasm for their faith came across in all their sessions... Thank you for your energy and passing on our common faith to Year 9.
St Paul's School for Girls, Birmingham (The Room Retreat)
Year 10 pupils feedback: "I really enjoyed the different types of activities during the day because it gave us time to reflect and think about our actions. I learned more about Jesus' life and the sacrifice he made for us. And that no matter what happens in my life God will always lead and guide us onto the right path." / "I enjoyed watching the show during the first session. I learned about repentance and forgiveness and that God is always here to forgive me. The message to take away for me is learning not to avoid problems and to overcome them as God will forgive us."
Bishop Challoner School, Bromley (90 Minute Presentations)
RISE Theatre’s visit to Bishop Challoner School was an unforgettable experience. Their RE retreats were engaging, thought-provoking, and spiritually uplifting. Through powerful drama, and personal testimony, they inspired students to reflect deeply on their faith and relationship with God. The team’s energy, creativity, and authenticity truly connected with everyone. It was an amazing opportunity for spiritual growth and community building. We are so grateful for their presence and would welcome them back.
Cardinal Pole Catholic School, London (The Room and The Masterpiece Retreats)
All three of our experiences hosting RISE retreats this year could not have gone better. The team were so helpful and friendly, and our students, across a number of year groups, engaged really well across the days they were here. The resources are clear and easy for even non-RE specialists to lead, and the feedback we have had from students has been nothing but positive. It is so nice to have a team that can run retreats in a way that speak to students in a way they can engage with. We will absolutely be booking them again for next year.