Creative Arts

Performance and self-expression in the arts are integral to life at Grace Dieu. One of our key aims is that life for the pupils here should be full, varied and fun. A strong commitment to the arts is entirely at one with this aim.

Through occasions such as Nativity Plays, annual musical productions, and class assemblies, Music and Drama frequently combine to afford pupils the opportunity to learn the discipline of both and to experience the thrill of working together towards a common goal.

Music is taught as a specialist subject to each pupil in the school, from the youngest to the oldest. National Curriculum guidelines inform our planning and learning is very much practically based. Our music block is fully equipped with a suite of practice rooms in addition to the teaching classroom, all well stocked with the whole range of instruments.

Many pupils take advantage of the opportunity to learn an instrument and visiting music teachers currently offer tuition on strings, brass, woodwind, percussion, piano and guitar. At the discretion of the Director of Music, pupils are entered for examinations with the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music and the success rate is outstanding. Opportunities also abound at Grace Dieu to sing in one of the four choirs.

Children throughout the school have the chance to express themselves in Class Assemblies (performed for the entire school), Nativity Plays and other productions. Drama clubs operate in various age groups in the school and form a vital part of our extra-curricular programme.

Pupils in Years 5 – 8 may audition for the major annual musical and dramatic production. In their final year in the school, Year 8 pupils enjoy investigating role play using spontaneous improvisation. During their final term, they give a “farewell performance!” Technically-minded pupils are encouraged to lend their skills and assist with set design and lighting.

To boost all-important confidence, Speech and Elocution lessons are offered as an extra to the curriculum.