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Performing Arts

From the very beginning of their time at Bilton Grange children are encouraged to express their creativity and enjoy the many performance opportunities available to them.

Music is an important thread throughout Bilton Grange, with ensembles, choirs and musical productions taking place from an early age.  We have some of the best performance facilities in any Prep School and our pupils enjoy the challenges and rewards that these evolving subjects bring. Our fully equipped theatre, which is supported by a professional technical manager, hosts regular school productions, smaller plays put on by our keenest actors, and visiting performers. Alongside this our Music School is a hub of activity from practicing soloists and choirs to big band rehearsals and string ensembles. Children develop and are supported in their progression through ABRSM and LAMDA exams which enable them to develop further skills and confidence.

Music

Music contributes a sense of vitality and energy to Bilton Grange and is very much part of our essence and character. It plays an important role in helping children to feel part of a community, and is an integral element of school worship.

All children experience playing an instrument from Year 1 and experience singing at the core of the curriculum. Specialist instrumental teachers deliver over 190 lessons a week, inspiring pupils in a range of studies, from Singing to Saxophone, and from Oboe to Organ. Choirs, ensembles and soloists are provided with a platform, both publicly and at School, on which to shine – termly Soloist Evenings, Musical Soirées, Ensemble Concerts, Services and other special events provide meaningful performance goals for all our pupils. We are also proud of a strong record of music examination results, powered by our outstanding team of 15 Visiting Music Teachers.

Aims of the Department

  • To enable every pupil to GROW in their musical learning, encouraging the setting of achievable Goals, Resilience in the face of difficulties, Ownership of learning and practice, and a sense of Wonder in making and listening to music.
  • To be a beacon of best practice in Music Education, creating intelligent, literate, and creative musicians.
  • Emphasis is placed on aural musicianship, individual musical development, and enjoyment through progress and achievement.

Drama

From the Nativity plays in Reception, drama starts at a young age – Christmas sees several productions in Pre-Prep, and parents are regularly amazed at the standard of performance. From Year 2, pupils are able to take Speech & Drama lessons – even our youngest children enjoy the challenge of preparing for an exam and taking part, often achieving excellent results in the different disciplines as they progress.

We take an inclusive approach to Drama with pupils having the opportunity to take part in plays or musicals. All are encouraged to have speaking roles, and pupils are often inspired to develop an interest in both lighting and staging of performances and to contribute to the writing of some scripts. We are lucky to have a fully equipped theatre within school, with extensive lighting and an amazing costume department containing everything from flamenco outfits to pantomime cows! When the weather allows, we take Drama outside to the stunning grounds of the school. Recent productions in the Ravenscroft Theatre include AnnieBugsyTreachery at Traitors QuayHonkMacbeth for the Shakespeare Schools’ Festival, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor DreamcoatThe Quest, and our annual 6th Form Revue.

Aims of the department

  • To put on high quality dramatic performances by year groups and wider cross year selective groups
  • For Drama at Bilton Grange to be inclusive and creative, and encourage our pupils to shine, either on stage or working behind the scenes
  • Drama can enhance wider learning, often incorporating literacy, history or PSHE topics

Music and Speech & Drama Tuition for New Pupils

Additional Music or Speech & Drama tuition is available from Year 2 onwards. Please complete the form on the parent portal if you would like to enrol your son or daughter.

Headmaster's Blog

13 Nov

Bilton Grange pupil is crowned World Champion

Bilton Grange pupil is crowned World Champion
06 Nov

BG Pupil offered place in National Children’s Orchestra!

BG Pupil offered place in National Children’s Orchestra!
06 Sep

Finalists in the Independent Schools of the Year 2023 Awards!

Finalists in the Independent Schools of the Year 2023 Awards!

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The Rugby Choristers at Bilton Grange