The Creative and Performing Arts present wonderful opportunities for our pupils to learn important auditory and presentation skills. Our students benefit from a diverse range of participation in Art, Drama and Music from Early Years up to GCSE so that they hone their artistic talents and develop a meaningful stage presence.
Music
Music, and its many disciplines, instil important life skills that will serve children, and young adults well, for life beyond the school gate. As a GCSE subject, Music will allow your child to specialise in the genres that they enjoy – from Dubstep to Pop or Baroque.
At Kingswood House, Music is a subject that is taken very seriously. With Music now being offered all the way up to GCSE, pupils have an opportunity to showcase their natural skills and abilities to a higher level through theoretical study.
Music plays an important role in the students’ school life with choirs, instrumental groups and performances running throughout the year. Choir, which places importance on collective enjoyment, is open for all pupils in Years 3 – 11, offering a broad, current repertoire. The Kingswood Singers is a smaller, more selective group with entry gained by an audition; this is where our talented singers can develop under close tutelage. The pupils perform regularly throughout the year, both in and out of school, at Epsom College Choir Day, The Carol Service, Young Voices and Prize Giving.
Children from Reception to Year 11 also compete in House Singing and Music competitions. The school has a strong record of success with Music Scholarships and All-rounder Scholarships to our own Senior Years and other prestigious schools.
Within the classroom, the emphasis is on every boy and girl participating, whether they are established musicians or just beginning their journey. Each child will gain a key understanding of the keyboard and notation, whilst developing a love for a multitude of different genres. Technology, in particular the iPads, are utilised for composition, allowing every pupil to create authentic and stylistically-aware pieces of music.
Private lessons are available in a variety of instruments with pupils regularly achieving success in Associated Board, Trinity and Rock School exams.
Some images from our recent Teatime Concert.
Drama
There is a strong tradition of Drama at Kingswood House School ranging from a Lower Prep Nativity in the school hall to a major production at the Adrian Mann Theatre, NESCOT, in February each year and plenty more in between. We believe that studying Drama teaches confidence, collaboration, communication and co-operation as well as the opportunity to experience the magic of the theatre.
Pupils in Years 7 and 8 have a weekly lesson in the newly-refurbished Drama Studio and main hall working on a host of dramatic techniques and presentation skills. We now offer GCSE Drama as an option due to increased demand for the subject. Our new professional stage-lighting system enables students to become involved in the technical aspects of theatre as well as acting on stage. Alongside Drama, and as well as related curriculum and theatre trips, we offer opportunities to participate in a large-scale performance every year, from Peter Pan (complete with a flying scene) and Oliver! To the world première of Piers Chater Robinson’s new show Tales of Hamelin, Pandemonium and Treasure Island. in 2021 we are excited to be back in the theatre performing Bob Carltons jukebox musical Return to the Forbidden Planet. We give all pupils the chance to work at a professional venue, with all the facilities that entails, for the final week of rehearsals and performances. This means the cast can immerse themselves in the full theatrical experience. Furthermore, children are encouraged to pursue LAMDA Speech and Drama qualifications individually or in small groups.
Kingswood House boasts a strong record of success in terms of Drama Scholarships and All-Rounder Exhibitions to our own Senior Years as well as other Senior Schools.
Some images from our most recent production, pre-Covid, of Treasure Island.
Senior pupils on a combined English and Drama trip to the West End recently.
Art
Art is taught to all pupils by a specialist art teacher from Years 2-11, at which stage they are given the option of continuing the subject in Y9 and for GCSE.
The basic elements of art are thoroughly covered in the Lower, Upper Prep lessons and allow all pupils to develop and widen their level of skill and creativity. This is supported by a broad range of contextual studies related to each project. From Year 4, pupils are encouraged to record observations in sketchbooks to help stimulate imaginative ideas and they are exposed to a variety of materials, mixed media techniques and tools. Pupils are introduced to work from different genres, by a variety of artists, as well as considering cultural influences from around the world and the impact these may have on current practices. As their ability develops, pupils are introduced to more personal investigations and independent, divergent thinking and the expressive qualities of materials, building firm foundations for GCSE Art and Design.
An Art Club runs and all GCSE pupils are encouraged to use the art room during lunch periods, or after school with a teacher present for support.
Art work is variously displayed around the school in addition to being published in the weekly school Newsletter where a huge age range of exciting work is shown to parents and visitors. Every Summer term a large art exhibition showcasing every year group is held and exciting work viewed.
Pupils have the opportunity to enter local and national competitions, the emphasis being on taking part and personal endeavour.
There are cross curricular links with Drama, Music and Design Technology and every Spring term, six weeks is dedicated to Arts Enrichment.
Art is a vibrant part of the school community, and every pupil has every opportunity to thrive creatively within Kingswood House school.
