Class music is a compulsory part of the curriculum in the first three years (Years 7, 8 and 9) and all pupils are encouraged, if they do not already play, to take up a musical instrument. Tuition can be arranged with one of the many visiting instrumental teachers during the school day or after school. A number of our pupils are junior members of the London Music Colleges.

Chamber concerts are scheduled for the end of each term and are held as a showcase for the many pupils who play. The programmes are varied (with soloists and ensembles) and eclectic. We try to encourage every pupil who learns an instrument to take part in some way. The concerts usually end with a performance from the school orchestral ensemble which rehearses weekly.

There is one music scholarship per year, awarded simply on musical merit. Scholars receive funds to pay for all or part of their instrumental tuition at school. Pupils have many opportunities to take part in dramatic performances, both within lessons and after school. Groups perform in school assemblies and in the termly chamber concerts. School productions take place throughout the year. The senior school often performs in the drama studio in our building in Great Portland Street which can accommodate fifty parents. Lower school productions have taken place in at All Soul's Langham Place and the RIBA Headquarters in Portland Place.

Visits to the important institutions and theatres of London are an integral part of school life for all pupils. Overseas trips include study tours to the battlefields of Belgium and Northern France, French exchanges to our partner school near Geneva, adventure programmes in Brittany , safaris in South Africa and 6th form visits to New York and Barcelona.

Within Britain, groups have taken part in outward bound courses in Derbyshire, sailing, windsurfing and rock climbing at centres in London . Pupils throughout the school attend matinee performances of relevant plays to their studies. Pupils in the lower school have been accompanied to children's concerts at the South Bank and to performances at the Royal Opera House.Those studying drama for GCSE and A level often visit the theatre for evening performances (to which parents are also invited to attend).

DUKE OF EDINBURGH AWARDS SCHEME

All pupils over 14 years of age have the opportunity to enrol in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award.

The Award is a challenging programme of activities which will help young people learn new skills, help others and experience adventure, and it will give them a great sense of achievement.

There are three levels offered – Bronze, Silver and Gold. For each pupil complete activities in four sections – Service, Skills, Physical Recreation and Expeditions.

A number of Year 11 pupils are completing their Bronze Award. They took part in a practice expedition on the South Downs in June where they honed their camp craft and navigation skills and will be assessed in North Wales in November.

For more information contact Mr Fossey at the School or click on the link below to the official Duke of Edinburgh website:

www.theaward.org

Duke of Edinburgh Video 1
Duke of Edinburgh Video 2

Duke of Edinburgh Expedition (*.pdf)