The Arts

Music

Music is embedded in our school’s history and is an important part of our curriculum. Children receive weekly music lessons from a specialist teacher, weekly song practice in Lower School and many children choose to have individual instrumental or vocal tuition. (We currently offer tuition on piano, classical guitar, flute, clarinet, saxophone, drum kit, violin, ‘cello, trumpet, recorder and voice. We are able to source tuition on other instruments.)

Children develop general musicianship skills largely based on the Kodály methodology. The voice is used as the principal instrument with folk songs and rhymes being the emphasis of the lessons. Children develop skills in beat keeping, simple rhythm work, developing the aural memory, an awareness of pitch and other musical concepts through simple games. These musicianship classes serve as a firm foundation for whole class music making, listening to music and simple composition work.

There are extensive extra-curricular music opportunities open to all children in the school including String Ensemble, Classical Guitar Ensemble, Concert Band, Percussion Group and five school choirs, in addition to our elite RGS Godfrey Searle girl and boy choristers.  Children enjoy performing regularly in school and community events.

Pupils achieve commendable results in instrumental examinations, many achieving merits or distinctions. They grow in confidence through regular participation in choirs, concerts, school plays and presentations in assembly.

ISI inspection Report Feb 2023

Drama

Drama at RSM explores all aspects of the subject, from improvisation to stage craft, performance poetry to mime/movement, and characterisation to devised pieces. Lessons encourage self-confidence, collaboration and the development of vital public speaking skills. Perhaps the highlight of the RSM Drama year is the Upper School production. Years 5 & 6 pupils perform an exciting upbeat musical and commit to extremely disciplined rehearsals for many weeks beforehand. The standard is always extremely high, and everyone thoroughly enjoys collaborating to bring together a full-scale show. Confidence blossoms and it is always wonderful to see children, who may be initially reticent, performing on stage with poise and self-assurance.

Our annual music and drama productions are of an exceptional standard and the highlight of the year

Art

Art is taught by enthusiastic teachers who bring out the creative potential within each child. Specialist teaching in the Upper School ensures that children develop both core skills and processes to build their artistic experience. Using a variety of media such as paint, collage, printmaking, ceramics, mixed media, sculpture, drawing and Computer- aided Design (CAD) children are encouraged to explore freely as well as refine their technical skills. Working from a range of different sources, cultures and inspirations children are encouraged to see the visual arts as both a discreet subject and an effective way to understand themselves and the world around them. Integrated critical study of the work of artists, designers and craftspeople from a diverse cultural range enables children to understand the place of the visual arts in the world and how the practitioners work, drawing inspiration from their ideas, techniques and explorations.