The creative arts are a vital part of the curriculum and enormously enrich the cultural life of QCPS. Through music, dance, art and drama the girls mature physically, emotionally, socially and cognitively, discovering talents and reaching high standards.
From the very start of Reception, the girls are expertly taught by specialists who are passionate about their subjects. Our bright and spacious art studio, dance studio and suite of music rooms provide an inspiring and enriching environment for them to explore their creativity. Our theatre around the corner at Queen’s College, London enables pupils to produce outstanding theatrical performances. In every year group, our girls develop confidence in performance, enjoying regular opportunities to participate in festivals, concerts, shows and proms.
The cultural and creative opportunities afforded by our central London location are exploited to the full, and the girls regularly visit museums, art galleries and professional theatres to reinforce their learning in school.
Dance is popular and vibrant at QCPS and is the responsibility of Ms Rosy Thompson, a professional dance teacher, choreographer and former West End performer.
Classical ballet forms part of the dance curriculum for all pupils in Reception through to Form III, following the International Dance Teacher’s Association syllabus. The building blocks of ballet technique are encouraged early on in our creative choreographed classes, improving posture and poise, imagination and expression whilst raising levels of confidence in a caring, positive, disciplined environment.
From Form IV upwards Jazz and Musical Theatre are the main focus of the dance curriculum. We cover a wide variety of styles within classes specially created to stimulate creativity, self-confidence, focus and social interaction.
We hope to instil a lasting enjoyment and appreciation of dance and the performing arts in all our pupils at QCPS.
Pupils study a mix of:
In addition to the school dance curriculum, pupils have the opportunity to enrol at our popular resident Dance Academy with weekly lessons taking place after school and on a Saturday.
The Academy offers classes in all aspects of dance and performing arts, while providing access to some of the world’s most highly respected performing arts examining boards.
Pupils can take exams in:
As well as the class music lessons, which are a part of the curriculum for all pupils, individual music lessons are available to girls from Form I onwards, with the majority of girls learning at least one instrument.
Over 150 music lessons take place each week during the school day, taught by a team of experienced and talented visiting music teachers.
A wide range of instruments are taught, including:
Lessons take place in five new, purpose-built music teaching rooms. Instruments currently offered include bassoon, cello, clarinet, flute, guitar, piano, recorder, saxophone, singing, trumpet, viola and violin.
A large number of QCPS pupils choose to take formal music examinations with the ABRSM and Trinity/Guildhall examination boards.
We are very proud of a 100% pass rate and the many girls who achieve Merits and Distinctions.
Instrumentalists are able to develop their ensemble skills in the many music groups, including junior and senior string, recorder and marimba ensembles and school orchestra. In addition to communal singing assemblies, there is also a popular school choir.
We strive to instil an understanding of the importance of commitment and perseverance within all music pupils; that progress requires dedication and daily practise.
Music performance is at the heart of the music department. In order to become a confident performer, we believe in giving all girls as many opportunities to perform as possible.
All girls participate in regular performances right from the onset of Reception. Within six weeks of starting school, Reception girls make their first public appearance at our Harvest Celebration at All Souls, Langham Place, along with the rest of the school. At the end of the Michaelmas Term, the Pre-Prep department take to the stage of our theatre at Queen’s College, London for the much-loved Nativity production.
The Senior girls in Forms V and VI always impress the public at the local Marylebone Lights event and the whole school comes together to celebrate Christmas at our annual Carol Service held at the beautiful All Souls Church. These performances give our talented girls opportunities to perform together as a school and in various ensembles, choirs and solos.
On a more intimate and informal level, we hold separate Prom Concerts during the Lent and Summer terms for each year group from Form II onwards. The purpose of these concerts is to give girls the chance to perform as soloists and in smaller ensembles to an audience of family and friends in a relaxed atmosphere. All levels and instruments are welcomed.
The year concludes with a spectacular Form V and VI Musical Production in our theatre at Queen’s College, London. Recent past productions include:
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