Creative Arts

Pupils achieve very high standards in art, music and drama whether in productions, concerts or exhibitions, and a significant number of pupils achieve the highest grades in external drama and music examinations.

Alongside the measurable and carefully monitored skills taught in the academic disciplines and sport. we also value the creative subjects which help to develop imagination, co-ordination, co-operation, expression, self-esteem, confidence, self-awareness and appreciation of the Arts.

The curriculum enables all pupils to enjoy Drama, Music, Art and Design Technology.  Lessons are led by subject specialists, such as the Head of Music.

Drama and Performance

Performing and public speaking starts from Early Years and ranges from Form assemblies (from Reception up) to a large end of school musical swansong for Year 6, with a huge range of plays, House Drama and the annual Mulberry Poetry Challenge in between.  Drama lessons and productions are spearheaded by the dedicated Head of Drama and performed on the stage of the School Hall with its lighting and sound system.

Early Years  performances include the Nativity and Christingle and a Musical Christmas production and the Key Stage 1 Drama Club leads to an optional examination.

In Key Stage 2 all pupils attend a 35 minute Drama lesson each week.  This includes improvisation, character development, performing and reviewing classmate’s work.  Trinity Drama lessons, taught by specialist Drama teachers from Walthamstow Hall Senior School, are offered as a paid for ‘extra’ to pupils in Years 5 and 6.  Years 3 and 4 join forces in a production in the Spring term and in the Summer term Year 6 perform their final musical production.  The annual Talent Show competition is open to all Prep pupils to perform their own acts, from singing, dancing and acting to juggling and magic tricks.

Music

With a designated Music Block, specialist Head of Instrumental Music and Performances, an expert team of visiting Music teachers, an exciting curriculum and wide array of co-curricular groups there is music-making on offer to pupils of all ages, abilities and experience.

From Early Years to Year 2, pupils have one Music lesson each week.  In Years 3 – 6 they have two Music lessons as part of the curriculum, one of which focuses on the Recorder.  In Year 6, pupils learn the Ukulele in one of their lessons.  Within these lessons pupils experience the discipline of learning to play two different instruments, basic music theory and ensemble skills.

Individual Musical Tuition

Pupils who take Music lessons are required to practice regularly.  The School hosts ABRSM examinations every term and also enters pupils for Trinity examinations.  Walthamstow Hall is fortunate to have an expert team of visiting Music teachers who offer one-to-one tuition as a paid for ‘extra’.  Lessons last thirty minutes and take place during the School day. Tuition is available in the following:

• Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Saxophone, Bassoon
• Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone
• Orchestral Percussion, Drum Kit
• Piano, Harpsichord, Organ
• Harp
• Guitar Classical/Electric
• Violin, Viola, ‘Cello, Double Bass

Pupils who take Music lessons are required to practice regularly.  The School hosts ABRSM examinations every term and also enters pupils for Trinity examinations.

Art

The Junior School’s spacious Art Room allows pupils to use a variety of media from paint and pencil to clay and cloth.  Pupils produce a wide range of Art inspired by famous artists.  In Design Technology lessons they explore a greater range of materials and plan, design and make a whole range of items.  Artwork is proudly displayed around the School.