Music

Music is at the heart of Westonbirt School and over two-thirds of students play a musical instrument.   Music is offered at both GCSE and A Level as well as music lessons across a range of instruments.  There are several choirs and ensemble bands, including the outstanding Chamber Choir who have performed at Highgrove House, Gloucester Cathedral and at Westonbirt Arboretum’s Enchanted Christmas.  Several performances take place each year and have included Folk Night, Jazz Night and The Magic of the Movies.  Students participate in ISA musical competitions; a student won the ‘Musical Theatre’ competition in 2023.

Pupils are actively encouraged to learn an instrument or take up singing lessons, as we consider this an important part of a child’s musical development. The benefits of individual music lessons are considerable and will provide skills and engagement that can last a lifetime.

Drama and Performing Arts

From Years 7 – 9 students enjoy timetabled dance lessons, as well as drama, and can opt to take BTEC Performing Arts in Dance from Year 9 and to study Drama at GCSE and A Level, as well as Performing Arts and Dance.

Musicals, drama productions and dance performances are frequently staged in the Orangery, the Great Hall or within the natural amphitheatre in the grounds and students have taken productions to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.  A showcase whole-school production takes place each year as well as a Key Stage 2 production, and recent shows have included We Will Rock You, Frozen Jr, Matilda and Grease.

Many students opt to take individual or paired Speech and Drama or Speech Improvement lessons, working towards ESB and LAMDA examinations to build both their confidence, English spoken word and performance skills. These students also have the opportunity to compete in the Mid-Somerset and Cheltenham Festivals of Speech and Drama.

Art

Spacious art studies and specialist teachers inspire students who regularly go on to study at prestigious art institutions such as University of the Arts London and Central Saint Martin’s. Design Technology is popular and forms an integral part of the curriculum along with Product Design, Textiles and Food and Nutrition.

In 2024,  80% of art students achieved grades A*-B at A Level and 100% achieved grades 9-6 at GCSE. The fine art course at A Level provides students with the opportunity to learn and develop a range of skills in relation to drawing, painting, sculpture and mixed media. Students’ studio-based practice is contextualised with educational visits to exhibitions of historical and contemporary art.

Visiting artists and tutors also expand student experience and skills and students have the opportunity to exhibit work and enter competitions. Individual students have previously won ISA Art competitions including Digital Art and Sketchbook.

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