The Performing Arts
At all levels, the Performing Arts are taught by specialist teachers. While the younger children have vocational classes incorporated into their daily timetable, lessons are also available at lunchtimes and after school. Most vocational lessons are included as part of a pupil’s fees, especially if they are included in the school’s daily routine. Private lessons such as singing or musical instruments are available, at an extra cost.
Pupils are encouraged to take examinations in the Performing Arts set by the following organisations:
- The International Dance Teachers Association
- The Associated Board of the Royal School of Music
- The London College of Music
- The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art
Speech and Drama
All children from the age of four to Year 9 have a Speech and Drama lesson as part of their timetable. This lesson enables pupils to develop into confident, articulate members of society. Junior and Senior pupils may join their respective drama clubs and have successfully competed in local competitions and festivals. All pupils are encouraged to take the LAMDA examinations in Verse and Prose & Acting, as well as Reading for Performance and Using Spoken English in the Senior School. The higher grades of these examinations qualify for UCAS points.
Music
Specialist staff teach music to all pupils from the Early Years to Year 10. From the age of seven pupils may have individual tuition in piano, singing and guitar. Recorder lessons are available for Prep school pupils from Year 2. In the Senior School, music is taught as a non-examination subject. Pupils are encouraged to join the Junior and Senior choirs, which take part in performances throughout the year, as well as competing successfully in local festivals. The Senior Choir has been invited to sing at special events including for the ISA annual conference. A small chamber choir is regularly invited to sing at various charity events.
Dance
From a young age, pupils are encouraged to express themselves through dance and to develop the physical control and discipline required to dance. One class a week in all of the following is available to pupils as they progress: ballet, modern, tap, freestyle/ disco, contemporary, commercial, gymnastic dance, jazz, musical theatre, street dance and fitness.
The younger pupils have their dance lessons during the school day; older pupils during the lunchtime, after school or on a Saturday, if there is not a lesson available to them in the week. They are given the opportunity to perform at school functions, charity events, assemblies and productions, both professional and amateur, at theatres and venues in the region.
