Performing Arts Secondary School in London

Arts Educational Schools London:
The choice of secondary school is one of the most taxing decisions that parents and children face. When a child is particularly talented in a specific area it becomes even more difficult. How can ability in a discipline like the performing arts be balanced with the necessity of maximising academic potential? At The Arts Educational School, we have the ideal solution. Based in Chiswick, London Borough of Hounslow, West London, The Arts Educational School has been nurturing and developing the artistically talented since 1939. Splendid facilities enable our pupils to flourish in all aspects of the arts, under the watchful eyes of a superb, dedicated and highly qualified staff. The academic standards are extremely high, with examination results regularly making the school the highest ranked Performing Arts school in national league tables. A full and rich curriculum, delivered to small classes by specialist teachers, ensures that every pupil achieves to the very best of their ability.

Academic Curriculum 11-16 year olds:
The academic curriculum is full and varied, allowing the pupils a rich and exciting educational experience. In Key Stage 3 (Years 7 to 9) the pupils follow a wide-ranging course of study. In the core subjects of English and Maths some setting into ability groupings takes place, to ensure every pupil is given the differentiated help that they require. They also study Science and French. Other academic subjects undertaken in these years are History, Geography, Religious Education, Music, Art and Citizenship allied to Personal, Health and Social Education (PHSE). This is in addition to the wide range of practical vocational subjects enjoyed by the pupils, including Dance, Drama and Music.

Years 10 and 11
In Years 10 and 11, English Language and Literature, Maths, Science and Expressive Arts (an examination subject where the relationship between two different art forms is examined in a practical study) make up the core GCSE curriculum. Pupils will then choose from the optional subjects of Art, Drama, Dance, French, Geography, History, Media Studies and Music.

Technology
Arts Educational Schools, London, believes that computers and new media technologies offer pupils the opportunity to study, engage in and report on the world in exciting new ways. Our intention is therefore to allow pupils to use, explore and exploit these new technologies as an integral and integrated part of their learning. We believe that our pupils must learn to master and exploit the opportunities available in order to make effective and creative use of these new learning tools.

Vocational Curriculum 11-16 year olds:
The vocational curriculum is wide ranging, varied and rich. We offer high quality tuition in Dance, Drama and Music and pupils are encouraged to participate in, and enjoy, a diverse and exciting array of disciplines in their studies.

Dance
The Dance Course has Classical Ballet at its core, and the pupils also receive tuition in Modern, Tap, Contemporary and Choreography. In Year 10 the course is further expanded to include Jazz, Repertoire, GCSE Dance and Expressive Arts, a comparative study of two different art forms. The pupils take both Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) and Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance (ISTD) examinations, and a variety of performance opportunities exist, in both large-scale productions and smaller performance platforms. A number of visits to theatres, concerts, museums and galleries are arranged throughout the year.

Drama
Through Drama, children can explore both themselves and their environment. Drama gives students the opportunity to generate and develop opinions and gives the invaluable skills in which they are able to communicate successfully and to work as part of a team. It promotes creativity, confidence and literacy. These skills are essential not only to drama, but to everyday life. Students study schemes of work that explore social issues through a creative medium. In Year 9 students study Expressive Arts and then in Year 10 take on the challenges of GCSE Drama. Students experiment with physical theatre, mask work, stylised and abstract work, naturalism, improvisation, musical theatre, text and off text work as well as devising and creating their own pieces of theatre. There is much written work, but this is balanced with the practical elements. Students also undertake the London Academy of Music and Drama (LAMDA) examinations, as well as taking part in numerous performance opportunities.

Music
Music is multi-faceted, exploring traditions from all over the world, and a kaleidoscope of performance opportunities are available to pupils of all ages. They experience many different types of music through a combination of listening, composing and performing. Singing, percussion instruments, keyboards and computers are all used to develop musical ability, and those who learn an instrument are encouraged to incorporate their playing into class music lessons.

All pupils belong to at least one of the Junior Choir, the Senior Choir or the Chamber Choir. A team of peripatetic music teachers visits the school every week to deliver individual musical instrument lessons which include piano, violin, saxophone, clarinet, flute, guitar, percussion and voice.

Sixth Form 4 A levels:
Students in the Sixth Form enjoy the opportunity of studying in depth those subjects with which they feel most interested and comfortable, whilst at the same time developing further their vocational and performing skills. In Year 12, most students study three or four AS Level subjects, which include the following options:

Drama and Theatre Studies
Dance
Music
Art and Design
English Literature
English Language and Literature
Philosophy
Media Studies
History
History of Art

A range of other subjects can be offered, depending on demand. Classes are small and results excellent. Careful assessment and individual monitoring ensures that each student maximises their ability and achieves at the highest possible level.

In Year 13, students continue with their chosen subjects through to A2, usually concentrating on the three disciplines that are their strongest. Some will pick up another subject at AS Level to increase their qualification portfolio. Students have enjoyed a 100% pass rate at A Level for a significant number of years.

Vocational Curriculum:
The vocational curriculum in the Sixth Form is both varied and exciting. The students have the opportunity to experience a wide range of subjects, some leading to formal qualifications whilst others give valuable performing experience. In Year 12, the students study a number of subjects, which include the following:

Acting
Ballet
Body Conditioning
Contemporary Dance
Musical Theatre
Group Trinity College Examinations in Musical Theatre
Choral Ensemble
Jazz Dance

Performance Opportunities include:

AS Drama and Theatre Studies Production
Carol Concert
Music Concert
Dance Show
Choreographic Platform
Musical Theatre Live Examination Performance
Summer Musical

In Year 13, vocational studies are similar to those in Year 12, but also include:
Acting – Audition preparation and coaching
Solo Trinity College Examinations in Musical Theatre
Singing – Audition preparation and coaching
Dance Audition preparation
Choral Ensemble

Performance Opportunities include:
A2 Drama and Theatre Studies Student Devised Performance
A2 Drama and Theatre Studies Self-Directed Play
Carol Concert
Music Concert
Dance Show
Trinity College Musical Theatre Solo/Duet Examinations