Creative and Performing Arts

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The Wadhurst curriculum provides many opportunities for students to explore their creativity in music, visual art and drama.

Music

If young people in their formative years are introduced to music as a form of pleasure, then we hope that inspiration will last for the rest of their lives and add an extra dimension to the way they live their lives. All Year 7 and 8 students take Music as a classroom subject fostering an understanding and enjoyment of music.

A wide range of works is selected for study with the aim that students learn to evaluate pieces and develop an ability to express an informed view, while also fostering a love of music and an understanding of how it can be responded to emotionally, intellectually, imaginatively or physically.

The material in the course is directed to all students, irrespective of individual theoretical understanding and level of practical proficiency, who learn to listen more closely and as a result, gain a greater insight into music.

Visual Art

Visual Art is a means of communication. As students explore different contemporary and traditional art forms and styles, they learn how experiences, direct observation, imagination and culture (both past and present) can influence how and why art is produced.

At Wadhurst students enjoy an innovative and creative program experiencing a range of media. Students make use of a variety of tools, techniques and resources (including new technologies), and come to understand how these influence artistic expression. All boys are encouraged to explore and experiment with form and style and display their best works publicly at the School’s art shows.

Drama

The aim of Drama is for students to acquire knowledge of self and others through participation in and reflection on dramatic experience. Imaginative exploration of situations helps develop acting skills and an understanding of the world of the theatre as well as the wider world.

Students learn about how ideas affect cultures, and influence theatre and dramatic forms. An understanding of the history of theatre and film are also developed through the study of comedy, with boys encouraged to develop creative scripts and to improvise.