Performing Arts
Performing Arts at Edge Grove is at the heart of our co-curricular offering, and the department is certainly an exciting place to be. The department combines Music and Drama, and, in addition to timetabled lessons, offers a broad range of opportunities for pupils to get involved.
Our mission is to foster in all of our pupils: Creativity, Confidence, Communication, Collaboration, Concentration and Co–operation through making, performing and responding.
We focus the skills development on public performance and ensure every child reaches their fullest potential. A unique opportunity: to provide a safe environment in which to develop wider life transferable skills and to truly excel in any future direction they choose.
In June 2024, we were thrilled to have made the grand final of the Muddy Stilettos Schools Awards for our Dynamic Performing Arts programme, which supports participation and inclusivity throughout the School.
The Music Department
“Without music, life would be a mistake.” Nietzsche
The Music Department comprises 14 instrumental tutors, who provide pupils will opportunities to perform in Termly Platforms & Concerts, to take part in Ensemble groups and choirs and to enter external competitions.
We focus on core musicianship skills taught through the famous Kodály-based approach using solfa, rhythm language and notation.
The combined Performing Arts Department stages incredible productions, including an annual musical.
Pupils learn Music Theory and composition as well as listening to 1000 years of core repertoire. Composition is taught using IT and through direct experience of practical music-making, forming class bands and rudimental skills on bass guitar, keyboard playing and drumming.
Our hugely impressive staff of instrumental musicians are members of some of the country’s leading orchestras and West End theatres.
Instrumental Music teachers encourage all pupils learning an instrument to be part of an ensemble, and everyone is given the opportunity to join a choir. The Department provides frequent performance opportunities and formal concerts, and pupils, and excel in, graded ABRSM music examinations every term.
The drama Department
“Life is not a dress rehearsal, the curtain is up, and you are on, so get out there and give it your best shot”
The School provides opportunities for all pupils to participate in performances, Drama and Dance Clubs, and we also host termly LAMDA Platforms, perform at external festivals and enter a range of competitions.
The Drama Department at Edge Grove provides an excellent and enriching learning environment for all pupils, and has developed inclusive atmosphere in which pupils can explore their individual passions; they can also gain invaluable skills through being valued and challenged to achieve their full potential.
Performances emphasise collaboration, working together to build confidence in pupils, who in turn learn to express themselves on stage, and in life. The Department provides pupils with an ever-growing number of opportunities to perform at tiered levels throughout the year; these include platforms, assemblies, workshops, concerts, external events & festivals.
Cocurricular Programme
Pupils further develop their skills through participation in dance classes encompassing tap, jazz, and modern styles. Additionally, they have the opportunity to engage in choral singing; orchestra; rock band; string ensembles; musical theatre; and LAMDA. Graded LAMDA examinations are held annually, and LAMDA performances are held termly, as well as opportunities to perform at The Watford Festival. Our aim is to provide a safe and nurturing space which encourages pupils to take risks, make mistakes and learn from them, in so doing developing self-belief and an inquisitive mind.
"Our daughter's confidence and ability to perform and her new found passion for acting and singing has blown us away. We have you and your team to thank for that"
"Our child has grown so much this year and is thoroughly enjoying her new found love of drama and singing. Thank you for taking a chance and letting her have this opportunity, we can see how much it means to her and how she has grown in confidence since it all began"
"Performing Arts is impressive here. Balfour’s background is in Drama and he was wowed by the standard when he joined the school. The number of clubs and activities to get involved in reflects that passion. There’s a Year 3 and 4 Drama Club, a Year 5 and 6 Glee (musical theatre) Club, LAMDA Clubs and Drama Scholarship Club, plus myriad opportunities to perform "