Performing Arts

Providing our children with the opportunities to perform gives them life skills needed across all disciplines and offers them the chance to build their awareness of themselves and how to speak and present themselves in front of an audience.

In short, the importance of Performing Arts cannot be understated which is why it is such a valued part of our school.

At All Hallows, Performing Arts are at the heart of our vibrant school community, offering pupils a rich and varied experience in both Music and Drama from the very start of their journey with us.

Music is deeply embedded in the life of our school as forms part of our unique and dynamic curriculum. From the first years in Reception to our senior pupils, music is a constant source of inspiration and community.

• Weekly Tuition: 30-minute weekly lessons for Reception, Year 1, and Year 2. 50-minute lessons for all other year groups.
• Integrated Learning: Our curriculum links music to Science, History, and Geography, encouraging pupils to explore composition and music technology.
• GCSE Preparation: Senior pupils follow a condensed version of the OCR GCSE Music syllabus, covering global rhythms, the history of the orchestra, Pop, Rock, and Film music.

• Piano
• Harp
• Guitar (Acoustic and Electric)
• Clarinet
• Saxophone
• Flute
• Cello
• Drum Kit
• Vocals

Our Drama department nurtures performance skills while building essential life skills in communication and collaboration.

Our curriculum focuses on three key areas that are revisited and built upon each year:

• Knowledge & Understanding: Studying the history and theory of Drama.
• Creating & Performing: Developing characters and stage presence.
• Devising & Scripting: Building original plays and interpreting existing texts.

Drama is a cornerstone of the All Hallows experience, designed to build self-esteem, empathy, and communication. As pupils progress, they revisit these skills through diverse texts and themes, often linking their performances to topics studied in other subjects.

• The journey begins with storytelling and imaginative play, focusing on building the confidence to stand before an audience.
• The Nativity: A highlight of the school calendar, our youngest pupils take center stage in an heartwarming annual production that marks their first steps into performance.
• Class Assemblies: Regular opportunities to share stories and songs in a supportive environment.

• Weekly Lessons: From Year 4, pupils receive a dedicated 50-minute weekly lesson.
• Major Productions: Year 3 and 4 take to the stage with their own full-scale production. Recent highlights include Shakespeare Rocks, Darwin Rocks, and The Wind in the Willows.
• Sharing Progress: Year 5 and 6 pupils share their classroom work through various performance formats, showcasing their developing skills in role-play and improvisation.

• GCSE-Style Units: In Year 8, the curriculum introduces advanced genres, including Commedia Dell’Arte, Slapstick Comedy, Silent Movies, and Pantomime.
• The Enrichment Production: Year 7 and 8 (joined by Year 6) participate in a large-scale annual production. These high-energy shows have included hits like The Lion King, Finding Nemo Jr., and Dick Whittington.
• Competitive Performance: Pupils represent the school at the Mid-Somerset Festival and participate in school-wide Performing Arts Showcases

For those wishing to take their drama skills to a higher level, Speech and Drama is offered as Peripatetic Lesson (with additional fee). Supported by LAMDA examinations, our Speech & Drama lessons focus on creativity, enjoyment, building public speaking confidence and expressive performance.