Drama affords children the opportunity to experiment with life and ideas in a very safe and free environment. It gives them a chance to create new and wondrous realms, playing with language and concepts. It undoubtedly builds confidence and self-esteem. And what’s more, they have a whole lot of fun!
Children are offered the following performing opportunities throughout a school year:
- Participation in local and national music festivals
- Concerts twice a year for the prep department at Christmas and Easter
- A traditional carol service at the Chapel of St Cross featuring all three choirs in the prep department.
- A musical theatre production every year; nursery and reception perform a selection of songs and stories for their parents twice a year. Y1 and Y2 perform an original production at Christmas created by the head of department. Y3 and Y4 work together in the spring term on a Shakespeare musical production, also created by the head of department, and Y5 and Y6 work on a large-scale musical production. Past performances include: Guys and Dolls, 42nd Street, Bugsy Malone and Fiddler on the Roof.
- Y5 take part in the Shakespeare Schools Festival in the autumn term, performing a shortened version of a play in a professional theatre.
- Y6 undertake a Fame Academy project, writing songs and rehearsing and performing them in bands. They perform to the school competing for votes, and they all record a CD at a local recording studio.
- A two-day music festival, celebrating all things musical! This incorporates a non-competitive section, a singing competition, a “Rock Divas” competition and a competitive instrumental section.
- There are many theatre trips organised throughout the year to enhance the children’s cultural education.