Performing Arts

St. Andrews Drama department’s goal is to create an environment that is welcoming and engaging to all of its members. Our department provides for the development of imaginative, purposeful, and skilled expression in the theatre creating students who share a passion for theatre and performing arts.

We aim for Drama to be colourful and fun; developing and exploring drama techniques through a skills and issues based curriculum. The department promotes learning about theatre through lessons, activities, workshops, trips and productions. It is a place where the students can explore, develop and find their imagination, talents and creativity and provides opportunities for artistic growth within the department itself as well as the greater school community.

Each term we have a drama production both for Primary and Secondary, this is an excellent opportunity for students to showcase their acting skills. The annual St. Andrews Student Spotlight (SASS) Drama Festival was created to heighten awareness and interest in theatre education and to highlight student excellence in this curricular area.

Students also get the opportunity of taking internationally renowned LAMDA performance and communication exams. LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts) exams are graded according to ability and aptitude and enable students to gain confidence, boost memory and are a useful addition to university applications. Previously, students have performed extremely well gaining many distinctions and merits in their LAMDA exams.

Secondary students may choose to study the Cambridge International General Certificate of Education (IGCSE) in Drama. This is a two year course and the one of the most popular international curriculum for 14 to 16 year olds, leading to a globally recognised qualification. We are very proud of our students' performance in Drama IGCSE which has a 100% pass rate for A to C with last year's group achieving 3 A*'s, 1 A grade and one particularly talented student gaining the ‘Top in Thailand’ award for his overall marks!

Music is part of the curriculum for all students in Primary and Secondary School, from Reception to Year 9, and in Year 10 - 11 they can opt to complete the GCSE Music course.

Throughout Primary and Secondary, students are taught concepts including:

• Music appreciation and percussion using Orff and Kodály methods
• Elements of music and body movement
• Practical skills on a range of instruments, including piano/keyboard, guitar, ukulele, steel pans, percussion)
• Music history and contexts, making cross-curricular links with other subject areas
• Aural/ear Training
• Theory of music and music analysis
• Music technology
• Harmony and counterpoint

In Secondary School the students in Year 10 - 11 have the option to choose Music as a GCSE subject, which is examined by the Edexcel Board of Examinations externally in London. Music plays an important role within any individual’s and child’s life, as

students need to find a way to express themselves. At St. Andrews Green Valley we offer practical (instrumental) lessons for the following instruments:

Violin, Viola, Cello, Drums, Classical Guitar, Bass Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Piano/Keyboards and individual or group singing lessons. We have a team of 4 visiting professional music teachers, who work with students of all ages and abilities. More information can be provided from the Head of Music upon request.

Additional Theory lessons are also available for those intending to complete their examinations with the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) and Trinity College of Music, as well as exams from the Rock School syllabus.

All students are expected to perform at some of the main music events each year, but those students who are learning an instrument will also be able to showcase their talent either as a soloist or in an ensemble. There are also various competitions and workshop opportunities outside of school, which students are encouraged to participate in.