CREATIVE ARTS

The Creative Arts are a hallmark of a West Buckland Prep education with opportunities for every pupil.

MUSIC

We consider learning music an important life skill, although the key aim is for every child to enjoy making music in whichever form fits them best. From the earliest age, our children are introduced to the joy of music under the watchful eye of our Director of Music, Dominic Carter.

From Reception to Year 3, each class has three 30-minute music lessons a week, with Years 4, 5 and 6, as well as the Nursery children, receiving two lessons. There is also an orchestra, wind band and two choirs for all pupils in Year 3 to 6. The Prep Chamber Choir is the flagship ensemble in the Prep School, frequently performing in local venues and taking part in competitions and services around Devon.

The Prep Music Department stages informal and formal music concerts to a variety of audiences in a variety of settings both in and out of school. Giving the children opportunities to perform is a great way to build self-confidence and enhance presentation skills.

Individual music tuition is available on a wide variety of orchestral instruments (flute, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, French horn, violin, viola, cello and double bass) as well as piano, voice, percussion, Music Theatre and guitar. Most Prep children learn at least one instrument and almost 100 individual music lessons take place each week.

Lessons last 30 minutes and are scheduled on a rotation system during the normal school day. For more details, please contact our Director of Music, Dominic Carter ([email protected]).

DRAMA

Every year group performs a play or musical during the year and these are always a highlight of the Prep School year. Drama is extremely popular amongst the children and they thrive on the opportunity to experience the excitement of being part of a theatrical production.

In addition, children have the opportunity to take part in speech, drama, poetry and public speaking exams through LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts), guided by specialist visiting drama teachers.

ART and Design

We are lucky enough to have our own dedicated Art Studio within the stunning 150 Arts Building, where children can explore the use of different mediums, create individual and group pieces and enjoy seeing new creations evolve!

Older pupils will also start to explore the world of design and technology, working with plastics and wood and, under close supervision, experiencing using 3-D printing and digital design to produce their own creations.

Tour the Prep Art Room