The Creative Arts Department’s vision is to create an environment in which students feel inspired and confident to develop new skills in Music, Drama and Art. We are committed to creating an atmosphere of self-esteem, respect, enthusiasm and cooperation. Challenging students, both academically and creatively, we develop skills that meet and adhere to our Curriculum in Music, Drama and Art. We aim to increase the students’ understanding of the arts through innovative teaching approaches including cross-curricular activities, clubs and enrichment opportunities.
Each year, towards the end of the first term, secondary students from all three subject areas take part in the Arts Week Assembly, which has become an annual showcase for the diverse range of musical, dramatic and artistic work being done at the school. The primary students are also involved in class/year group activities related with music, arts or drama. Students put a lot of work throughout the year and perform in talent shows, art exhibitions or competitions and short productions.
Art covers a range of activities and in-depth assignments. Students will have the opportunity to experiment with different media in order to explore their strengths and preferences. They will produce a coursework portfolio as well as art project work. Recording, research and development of ideas are carried out in a sketchbook and themes are developed through drawing, printmaking, painting, textiles, sculpture, installations, photography and ICT.
Students will learn a full range of drama skills through practical workshops. They will experience working with scripts and use improvisation to devise their own Drama. There will be many opportunities to perform regularly and take on roles in school productions.
Students are allowed to develop a variety of skills in Music. Each skill is gradually developed through topics such as Music Theory, Musical Performance, Composition Skills and Music Listening. All students are encouraged to use both peer and self-assessment techniques to improve musical skill and knowledge. Every week students have the opportunity to participate in extra-curricular activities such as Guitar, Drums, Piano, Vocal and Violin Clubs. Students will be able to take part in school musical productions and concerts throughout the school year.
There are well-documented academic benefits to studying music and children who take lessons on an instrument from a young age stimulate the brain in a unique way.
Last year ended with the Secondary School production, Mac.