We are proud to announce that we have received the Highly Commended award for "Originality in Teaching Music and the Arts" award from Muddy Stilettos. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our teachers and pupils, who have demonstrated exceptional creativity and talent in the arts.
Our teachers are highly creative and innovative in their teaching methods and they have inspired our pupils to produce truly exceptional outcomes.
One of the highlights of our arts programme is our drama productions, which are often combined with the work of the Music Department. We have a full programme of productions each year, including musicals, plays and inter-house drama competitions. These events are enthusiastically supported by our pupils and the wider community.
We have also introduced a theatre weekend, where pupils get to enjoy three shows and a weekend in London. We also offer LAMDA, which provides our pupils with the opportunity to work towards a nationally recognised qualification in drama.
Our school facilities include a concert hall, recital rooms, practice rooms, recording studio, music technology suite, rock room, live lounge, and cathedral-proportioned chapel. Our pupils are given the freedom to explore their own ensembles and bands, and 50% of our pupils learn an instrument or are involved in choral ensembles. We teach more than 400 1:1 music lessons per week and pupils have a choice of 23 bands and choirs to join. Musical highlights over the past year included the Scholars' Concert, Big Band, Gig Nights, Gala Concert and the Annual National Seafarers' Service in St Paul’s Cathedral.
A range of visual arts classes are on offer, including photography, painting, pottery, collage, digital artwork and jewellery making. We also run 'open studio' time for all of our artists until 9pm.
Our ceramics provision allows pupils to try pottery moulding, casting, throwing and glazing. We have three kilns that are regularly fired for ceramic projects large and small. Our Fine Art programme provides pupils with tuition in acrylic, watercolour and oil painting. Our two Intaglio presses and relief press allow for etching, lino, collograph monotype, and woodcut printing, with experimental printmaking a regular occurrence. Our drawing classes range from sketching outside to life drawing classes and 'full body' expressive drawing.
We are proud of our commitment to providing our pupils with exceptional opportunities to explore and develop their artistic abilities. Winning this award is a true honour and it motivates us to continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in the arts and to inspire our pupils to achieve greatness.
