To not understand the problem re school play

[user1485342611]

My niece (10) has been given a speaking part in the school's summer play. It's not one of the main parts but she has a couple of lines to say. My sister is livid because the main parts have gone to the same children who got them last year. They are both talented actresses, who belong to a drama club and one has appeared on a professional stage.

AIBU to not really understand the issue? My niece is not particularly interested in joining the drama club, and to be honest is more into sports than artistic activities, so I don't really get why she, or my sister, would expect her to have a lead part in the school play. But my sister keeps saying it's not fair, they should give other people 'a turn' and so on. From my understanding, and having attended the play last year, all of the children who want to go on stage are given the opportunity to say a couple of lines or take part in a dance or sing as part of a threesome etc.
Surely it's logical that the main parts would go to the talented actors who go to extra drama class all year around, and have a genuine interest in acting?

TabascoToastie You say on sports day every one should get an equal turn but you cannot be unaware that for many of the unsporty kids an equal turn in front of the whole school and many of their friends' parents would be humiliation?

The same will apply to some kids who don't want to be in any sort of staged production.

Children are targeted in every area of school life

Gross motor skills - additional sports
Fine motor skills - additional writing

The aim is to rely improve the child's abilities

They are also targeted for speaking and listening and public speaking skills - so unless they are given the opportunity they aren't going to improve!!

Can you imagine just the top maths art doing maths (forget everyone else?) Nope doesn't happen

But they are allowed to do it for plays?

Our school gives plenty of in class, small group and even one to one speaking and listening opportunities- such as show and tell, practice performing poetry, specific intervention groups (e.g. Every Child a Talker), guided reading groups with an emphasis on discussing the books...

A play is rather more public and it could put some children off.
So to use your example, it's like putting a child who needs practice with gross motor skills into a gymnastics display. You need to be pretty damn sure they will get enough practice and will rise to the challenge, otherwise it could be disastrous for their self esteem!