CREATIVE ARTS
Art and Design
Everyone has the potential to be creative. Therefore, at the Royal Hospital School we encourage all pupils to try something new, discover hidden passions and use their imaginations.
Opportunities for Experimentation
Opportunities for experimentation are numerous. The curriculum includes both art and design in Years 7 to 9 as well as GCSE and A Level options. In the co-curriculum, there are clubs and societies for all ages based around the Art and Design Departments as well as the opportunity to catch up on coursework after school.
A Hub of Creativity and Originality
The Art Department is a hub of creativity and originality, where pupils can experiment in a wide range of media including photography, textiles, pottery, print and sculpture as well as more traditional painting and drawing materials. There are light and airy art and textile studios, with permanent personal studio space for sixth form pupils and a photographic darkroom and Photoshop classroom.
Well-Equipped Workshops
In the Design Department, pupils have access to well-equipped workshops for three-dimensional work in wood, metal, textiles and plastic and in the well-equipped food technology rooms, they can learn about the complexities of food product design. The Centre also has laboratories for control and electronics and computer-aided design (CAD) facilities.
An Outstanding Reputation
The Art and Design Department enjoys an outstanding reputation, with pupils' work being exhibited all year round in the superb exhibition atrium.
Drama
Drama lessons form part of the Lower School curriculum and drama is offered as an academic subject at GCSE.
A Full Programme of Productions
Drama productions are often combined with the work of the Music Department and there is a full programme of productions each year, which may include a musical, a whole-school or junior play and inter-house drama competitions, all of which are enthusiastically supported. Off-stage there are many opportunities to get involved with costumes, lighting and scenery, and there are regular visits to professional productions locally and in the West End.
Speech and Drama lessons are also provided during lunchtime breaks, after school and other free periods, during which pupils are prepared for LAMDA, Trinity Guildhall and English Speaking Board examinations, as well as informal performance events. Senior pupils may also gain grades that count towards UCAS points.
ballet, pop, classical, modern, traditional Spanish and Scottish country dancing
Many pupils take part in dance sessions, working towards school and public performances and choreography in whole-school musical productions. Genres studied include ballet, pop, classical, modern, traditional Spanish and Scottish country dancing.
Music
orchestra, chapel choir, chamber choir, marching band, concert band, big band and numerous ensembles
The School is well known for its musical excellence and music is embedded in the School’s wider culture and ethos. The facilities offered through the Music School are outstanding, with a concert hall, recital rooms, practice rooms, recording studio, music technology suite, rock room, live lounge and cathedral-proportioned chapel. Music forms part of the Lower School curriculum and is offered as an academic subject at both GCSE and A Level. Over 400 pupils learn to play at least one instrument and there is an orchestra, 80-strong chapel choir, chamber choir, ceremonial marching band, concert band, big band and numerous ensembles, including many rock and pop groups. As a result of the School's unique naval heritage and royal connections, the band and choir have had opportunities to perform with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at the Royal Albert Hall, before international rugby matches at Twickenham and at St Paul’s Cathedral and St James’ Palace. You can visit our dedicated Music page to see what musical opportunities are available.
