Drama & Dance

Performing to an audience forms an important part of the Creative Arts programme at the school. All pupils are encouraged through lessons and activities to take part in at least one performance a year. Through a varied range of activity sessions pupils are offered the opportunity to work towards both scripted and devised theatre pieces as performers, technicians and designers, as well as working towards examinations in Speech and Drama.

A dedicated and talented team of teachers and assistants work with pupils to create exciting and visually arresting shows, as well as producing outstanding results in LAMDA and Trinity examinations. Group tuition is available across the prep school, and through these sessions children also prepare for local festivals where we have met with much success.

In all the activity and rehearsal sessions, the value of working together towards an end result is encouraged, and an equal emphasis is placed on commitment and having fun. Pupils are always encouraged to self-direct and contribute widely to the artistic decisions governing productions.

All Pre-Prep pupils, from Nursery to Year 2, participate in dance classes. They are encouraged at this young age to develop co-ordination, creative and performance skills, and a joy of moving to music. Dance has many great benefits to a child’s development; aside from the physical benefits it increases confidence and social skills.

The children follow a structured programme taught by a specialist teacher which culminates in a Year 2 dance presentation in the Lent term. Christmas and summer concerts also provide the opportunity for the children to put their dance skills into good practice.

Throughout the prep school pupils explore aspects of dance through the drama curriculum and dance forms a key component for pupils following the Trinity Performance Certificates syllabus.

Dance is incorporated into musical theatre rehearsals and our pre-prep teacher regularly runs clubs for Junior House and one-to-one sessions with pupils preparing for performance examinations.

Pupils have access to teachers who can work with them through ballet, tap and contemporary/jazz dance. Pupils in Year 2 have the opportunity to take part in Dance and Drama activities, including taking speech and drama exams.