Scottish Opera Education is working with more than 400 P3-P4 pupils and teachers throughout North Ayrshire to create a new opera based on environmental issues and citizenship.

Since February, they have been taking part in a series of creative workshops, building skills in music, drama, dance, prop-making, directing techniques, basic stage management skills and even film-making, led by a team of Scottish Opera performers and artists.

Material created during these workshops will form the basis of a new children’s opera, commissioned as a direct result of the project. Supported by a team of arts practitioners, artistic director Iain Piercy will shape the piece and musical director Karen MacIver will compose the music.

CPD sessions for teachers run this month. Top of the Tip will be performed at Vikingar!, Greenock Road, Largs, December 14-16.

* www.scottishopera.org.uk

Gymnastics

Scotland’s best young gymnasts will be on show at the 15th Goodwill Classique International at Broadwood Gymnastics Academy in Cumbernauld on December 2 and 3. The Scottish team will be Brogan Archibald, 15, from Perth Gymnastics Club, Kendal Smith, 13, from Lasswade School of Gymnastics, and Charlotte Griffin, 14, and Hannah Leigh, 13, from Fife Network. One of the most promising Scottish gymnasts, Hannah will be making a comeback after breaking her leg at the Scottish championships in the summer.

The Scottish Gymnastics Association is looking to appoint a new development director and an appointment is expected to be announced before Christmas.

SGA 01324 886505.

Badminton

Badminton Scotland is looking for schoolchildren to help at next summer’s World Team Champ-ionships, the Sudirman Cup, to be staged in Glasgow from June 10-17. Volunteer helpline 0141 445 1218.