Art, Music and Drama

The study of Art and Design enables children to develop their creativity and stimulate their intellect and imagination. They learn to appreciate how art shapes history and culture through the study of different techniques and works by great artists.

Art and Design encompasses many disciplines such as ceramics, graphic computer art, fine art painting, 3D mixed media and Design Technology. A strong emphasis is placed on observational drawing and working from primary sources from the Early Years right through to Year Six.

All Art lessons are taught in our large, purpose-built art studio, which benefits from high ceilings and excellent light. In addition to the work in the classroom, pupils visit art galleries to support and reinforce their learning and enjoyment of Art. Pupils have created art work that has been displayed in the local community, such as designs for local police charities and anti-litter posters for Ravenscourt Park.

In addition to the work covered within the curriculum, pupils take part in whole school art projects as part of our Themed Weeks and for other special occasions, such as our 25th Anniversary mosaic. The Art Department also runs a number of extra-curricular clubs, including a ceramics club where pupils can experience professional results and techniques, and fire their clay work in our in-house kiln.

There is an industrious and inviting buzz to the Music Department at RPPS, as we nurture and encourage young musicians throughout the school to find their individual musical passion. As we aim to instil a lifelong love of music in each pupil, no stone is left unturned in our quest to introduce children to repertoire and skills that engage and inspire them, and allow them to achieve and excel. We place a huge focus on making music together and children are encouraged to join ensembles early in their musical journey.

As part of the curriculum, each child has access to a broad range of songs, genres and percussion instruments, alongside whole-class learning on the recorder, ukulele, clarinet and keyboard.

In addition, individual instrumental lessons are offered and there is a diverse extra-curricular programme in place, including:

•   Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra
•   Junior Choir, Senior Choir and Chamber Choir
•   Upper School Woodwind and Brass Club
•   Upper and Lower School Guitar Clubs
•   Lower School Recorder Club
•   Music Theory Clubs
•   A Cappella Singing Group
•   M:Tech Music Technology Club

Children are encouraged to share their performances and their progress is celebrated at every level. Termly Music Assemblies provide a showcase for emerging musical talents, alongside more formal occasions such as the Spring Soiree and Autumn Concert. Furthermore, every child participates in whole-school musical performances at the Carol Service and Prize Evening, as well as class assemblies and year group drama productions.

Whether it is through role play in English, hot seating in History, debating in PSHE, or performing on stage, drama helps children to develop self-confidence, creativity, communication, collaboration, and empathy.

Each class puts on a class assembly each year, to which parents and other visitors are warmly invited. Our main school productions are the Reception Nativity, the Year Two Christmas Production and the Year Six Play, which takes place in the Summer Term. Previous performances have included: The Lion King, The Wizard of Oz, The Wind in the Willows, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Peter Pan and The Jungle Book. A variety of workshops are on offer throughout the year, including during our Theme Weeks and Book Weeks, where children can develop their dramatic skills.

Extra-curricular drama is also on offer in the form of LAMDA lessons, which take place during the school day, and also after-school drama clubs.