All pupils attend one lesson per week as part of the curriculum. The drama curriculum provides a wide range of experience in theatre history, theatrical form and performance skills.

Lower School lessons take place in the school entrance hall. We use various props to create a magical atmosphere and the children love entering a different environment. The younger children work with the teacher in role to build a spontaneous improvised drama. The ultimate aim is for the children to lead the activities rather than be guided through them.

Upper School lessons take place at the larger venue of St Augustines Church hall. The emphasis is on learning basic performance skills and developing the childrens' self confidence through mime, improvisation and scripted performance. Children develop skills in using the techniques of voice, movement, gesture and facial expression to develop a character and explore a range of roles and situations.

The children particularly enjoy working in groups to devise short dramas. They work collaboratively to develop ideas, express feelings and experiment with sound and action.

Each year group puts on a major production once a year. The nativity play, the spring play and the summer play are original productions written by the drama teacher. The head of the lower school writes a Christmas play for the Year 1 and 2 children to perform. There are strong links with the Music department where the music teacher composes songs to turn our plays into catchy musicals. Likewise the Art department helps with set design and the making of props.

There are regular theatre visits with each year group watching a performance at least once a year. In viewing theatre children develop skills of interpretation and critical analysis.

Drama Club is an opportunity for children with a special interest in the subject to develop their skills further.

We are dedicated to performing quality shows, learning about the theatre and having lots of fun!

Music

In the Lower School classes receive two half hour lessons of music teaching each week. The content varies throughout the year but focuses on such areas as performance, basic musical theory, aural training and appreciation. These areas are introduced from Reception and are subsequently refined as the girls move through the school.

In the Upper School girls receive one hour of teaching per week in their year groups. Basis skills and concepts are developed in preparation for the work required when the girls move onto their Senior Schools.

Music assemblies take place on a regular basis and give young instrumentalists a chance to perform for their peers in a nurturing environment.

There is a school choir and an instrumental ensemble. These extra-curricular groups perform at school concerts and at The Royal Star and Garter Home in Richmond.