Performing Arts



Art and Design Department

"The arts help all students to develop multiple capabilities for understanding and deciphering an image- and a symbol-laden world."

The secondary art and design program builds upon prior art knowledge and experience developed through study at Primary School levels. The aspects of perceiving, producing, knowing, communicating, evaluating, and connecting - provide broad, unifying structures for organising the knowledge and skills students are expected to acquire. Students build upon their cumulative knowledge and experience of art in order to grow in their ability to describe, interpret, evaluate, respond, and produce. They continue to use a wide range of subject matter, symbols, meaningful images, and visual expression. Students gain powerful tools for: understanding human experiences, both past and present; learning to adapt to and respect others’ (often very different) ways of thinking, working, and expressing themselves. They are exposed to participate in various Art competitions this year e.g. The Environmental Event held at the Movenpick, the Schools, Art Competition organised by Centrepoint and the International poster Competition for the ASSE.

Sequenced instruction enables students to develop and advance their understanding and application of visual art concepts and skills from intricate observational studies to interpretive designs.

Classroom work is composed of comprehensive and sequential experiences that promote and emphasize students' development of independent, creative and complex thinking. Instruction focuses on artistic inquiry, reflective thinking and problem-solving skills. Students learn vocabulary and concepts associated with various types of work in visual arts study.

They are empowered to think and reason in visual ways.It is designed to further enhance and develop their ability to reach goals and objectives and to reach their highest level of potential.Creative problem solving, critical thinking and a broad range of experiences build the foundation for deeper understanding, advanced learning, and innovation within the various media.Through visual arts courses, students learn to use art media, techniques and processes to communicate context, ideas and themes.They are expected to develop a broad and in-depth understanding of the meaning and impact of visual arts and the visual world in which they live.

“The arts are deeply embedded in our daily life, often so deeply or subtly that we are unaware of their presence.”

Music Department

The Music department believes that Music is a unique form of communication that can change the way pupils feel, think and act. Music forms part of an individual’s identity and positive interaction with music can develop pupils’ competence as learners and increase their self-esteem. Music brings together intellect and feeling and enables personal expression, reflection and emotional development. As an integral part of the culture, past and present, music helps pupils understand themselves, relate to others and develop their cultural understanding, forging important links between home, school and the wider world.

Music education encourages active involvement in different forms of music-making, both individual and communal, helping to develop a sense of group identity and togetherness. Music can influence pupils’ development in and out of school by fostering personal development and maturity, creating a sense of achievement and self-worth, and increasing pupils’ ability to work with others in a group context.

Music learning develops pupils’ critical skills: their ability to listen, to appreciate a wide variety of music, and to make judgements about musical quality. It also increases self-discipline, creativity, aesthetic sensitivity and fulfilment.

At Key Stage 3, students follow a comprehensive scheme of work based on the UK National Curriculum guidelines. The music classroom is stocked with electric keyboards, guitars and percussion instruments to enable students to compose and perform. Singing is also taught and students learn to listen to and appraise a variety of styles of music.

Outside the classroom, there are opportunities for developing musical skills in after-school clubs. Those who wish to perform can join the choir for special occasions and take part in the annual musical production. This academic year saw year 7 and 8 students give an excellent and lively performance of "Cinderella Rockerfella" Several informal music ensembles have also sprung up recently, with students using their break times to practice in the music room.

After year 9, students can choose music as an IGCSE option, to further develop their own skills and musical interests. Music at IGCSE level is a universally acknowledged sign of excellence which informs universities about students who have something extra to offer outside the normal academic requirements.

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