The Performing Arts Department invites all pupils to participate in the various extracurricular activities and lessons that it provides. Currently, over a third of all pupils across the school engage in either instrumental or speech and drama lessons.
Children in the Early Years up to Key Stage 1 are introduced to the Performing Arts through Music and Dance/Drama. This is further developed at Key Stage 2 where all students have music and drama class lessons. Curriculum drama and music are taught to all students at Key Stage 3 with GCSE options at Key Stage 4 and at A-level Key Stage 5.
Staff believe in pupils applying their knowledge from the lessons and consequently productions and concerts are a regular feature of the performance schedule. Your child will therefore be expected to develop their skills by participating in the various ensemble and club activities offered throughout the year. Regular performing events include concerts, productions, LAMDA soirees, revues, and GCSE and A-level performance evenings. Working in an ensemble is an effective way of learning and developing your child’s skills. As with productions and concerts, a disciplined, positive attitude is essential, and your child will be expected to attend all rehearsals regularly.
We also offer regular examinations for pupils taking instrumental or speech and drama lessons. The examination boards are:
Music – Associated Board of the Royal School of Music (ABRSM), Trinity College London
Drama and musical theatre – London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA)
Performing Arts rewards
The department recognizes pupils’ achievements through the school’s reward system and has specific badges for students in Senior School. These badges will be awarded at the end of each year to students who have shown exceptional commitment to and genuine progress in any of the disciplines. Bronze is awarded in Year 9, Silver in Year 10, and Gold in Year 12.
The department is supported by the Sixth Form Leadership students who have shown exceptional commitment and enthusiasm for the Performing Arts.
Performances and production
Every academic year in the Senior School the department puts on a musical theatre performance and/or a dramatic performance. The performances are usually in November and/or March. Students who wish to commit to the performances will be expected to attend all rehearsals and engage fully in the process.
The Prep School has an annual Year 6 production in June/July.
There is a rolling programme of concerts and performance evenings throughout the year in which both the Prep and Senior School students participate.
The department continues to present high-quality performances and all pupils who play a musical instrument, sing, dance, or act are welcome in all activities.
Arts Council Arts Award
The Performing Arts Department offers the RSC Shakespeare Challenge Explore Arts Award in addition to the National Arts Award scheme.
The Shakespeare Challenge is delivered through the drama curriculum and encourages students to develop a deeper awareness and understanding of Shakespeare.
Senior students interested in the general arts award are welcome to participate and achieve either a Bronze or Silver award although we recommend that Year 8 and 9 focus on the Bronze award and Year 10-12 focus on the Silver award.
Any Senior student taking part will have to show genuine commitment and enthusiasm as well as initiative. All participants will be expected to keep a detailed folder of their activities and work closely with their staff mentor. The folder and all other supporting evidence is assessed and moderated at the end of the year culminating in an award being given.
Claire Hunt
Performing Arts Administrator
c.hunt@kingsleyschool.co.uk
- Speaking Verse and Prose
- Reading For Performance
- Acting
- Mime
- Devising Drama
- Choral and Recital
- Public Speaking