At a time when curriculum needs and expectations are changing globally, there is much discussion about the skills that young people will need for the future.
With specialist Drama and Music provision on staff, lessons across the school incorporate these learning disciplines. Dance to is delivered as a core subject from the Foundation Stage of the school with an external specialist provision in this field. Our partnership with the Centre for Musical Arts enables provision in a wide range of instruments and the sounds of the exceptional peripatetic teachers and their students fill our music rooms daily.
We believe that the skills developed and experienced through access to the subjects that make up the performing arts boosts not only happiness and confidence but also enhances leadership skills for the future. Whether through theatre or music, dance or school productions, there are avenues for all to explore. We are ISTA members (International School’s Theatre Association).
All of our students from Year 3 are able to participate in the annual musical productions. In addition, our Year 8 and 9 students are invited to participate in the Annual Drama Under the Stars (Shakespeare and other classic stories or play adaptations) and our senior secondary students participate in more complex productions. There are two Musical Productions during the year, one primary and one secondary and all students are encouraged to participate, whether through audition for leading roles or back stage lighting and sound production.
The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts (LAMDA) offers a range of graded examinations for Drama, similar to those offered in Music or Dance. At Hartland, we prepare and enter students for the LAMDA Examination in Acting, which involves students learning two monologues (one from the anthology and one open choice) and then verbally answering exam questions on elements of Drama such as plot, characterisation and staging. There is no cost for the preparatory sessions, however, parents will need to meet the cost of the examination once students are entered. The cost of this will be dependent on the level of entry, payable prior to the final examination scheduled for the end of the school year.
