Performing Arts | Prep School | Radnor House Sevenoaks | Private School in Kent

IN THIS SECTION


 

Performance For All

At Radnor House Sevenoaks, we believe in the transformative power of the performing arts. Guided by our philosophy of Performance for All, every pupil - from our youngest Nursery children to our Sixth Form students - is encouraged to take part in music and drama as a joyful, expressive part of daily school life.

We see performance not just as an artistic pursuit, but as a powerful tool for personal growth. Whether on stage, in rehearsal or in the classroom, pupils are supported so they can build confidence, find their voice and connect with others through creativity.

By making the arts inclusive and accessible, we nurture an environment where every child can flourish - developing collaboration, self-belief and a strong sense of community.

Music

At Radnor House Sevenoaks, music is an integral and inspiring part of our Prep School curriculum.  From Pre-School through to Year 6, our programme nurtures creativity, confidence and musicality through a rich variety of activities that include solo and ensemble performance opportunities, both within the classroom and on-stage during school productions, assemblies and special events. 

Each year, our pupils take to the stage in a series of vibrant, fully produced musical performances. From Reception’s heart-warming Nativity to large-scale productions by Years 1 to 6, every show combines drama, music and movement and these performances offer every child the chance to shine, build confidence and celebrate their creativity, in front of a live audience.

In the classroom, music comes to life through a rich blend of creative and dynamic approaches. Pupils explore sound and movement, take part in interactive musical games, and delve into an eclectic mix of genres - from classical masterpieces to contemporary hits. Through this varied experience, they build core skills in listening, rhythm, musical literacy and grow in confidence as performers.

We believe that every child holds musical potential, and we aim to nurture this through a joyful, inclusive and aspirational environment, and one that fosters a lasting love of music.

DIGITAL LEARNING

We are proud to offer a future-facing digital music programme that empowers pupils to explore music through cutting-edge technology. With access to a brand-new suite of iPads, MIDI inputs, and high-quality headphones, children from Year 3 upwards can compose, experiment and deepen their understanding of music production in an inspiring and immersive environment.

Using GarageBand and other creative apps, students develop compositional skills, learn digital recording techniques and hands-on experience of sequencing, mixing and music production in a fun and accessible way.  During the annual Prep Music Week, students have the chance to explore tools such as a loop pedal and a DJ booth, providing unique insights into modern music creation and performance.

MUSIC LESSONS
We offer individual and small-group instrumental lessons for pupils in Year 2 to Year 6 across a wide range of instruments including piano, violin, guitar, woodwind, brass, percussion and voice. Our experienced team of visiting music teachers support each child's individual journey, whether they are beginners or progressing through graded exams.
CLUBS

Our co-curricular music offering enriches the musical life of the school and further encourages collaboration, creativity and performance skills.  

  • Prep Orchestra – open to all instrumentalists, promoting ensemble experience and regular performance opportunities at school events.
  • Radnor Choir – a vibrant vocal group for pupils who love to sing, performing at school and community events.
  • Songwriting Club – where budding composers can craft and record their own original music with the exciting opportunity to visit a professional recording studio.
  • Production Band – brings Prep School productions to life with live music, while building pupils’ ensemble skills in a performance setting.

Drama

Our philosophy, ‘Performance for All’, reflects our commitment to harnessing the power of drama to enrich every pupil’s learning journey - beginning from the earliest years.  The children at Radnor House love their drama lessons, and the impact on their confidence is evident.  Pupils become more self-assured and willing to participate in group activities, showing a marked improvement in their ability to communicate and express their ideas. 

We invite everyone to join our vibrant drama community, where every child has the chance to explore their creativity, develop new skills, and experience the joy of performance. Whether on stage, behind the scenes or in the production ensemble, there is a place for everyone in our drama program.
At Radnor House, we celebrate every individual, recognising that each child brings unique talents and perspectives to our community.  Our drama program is a vital part of this mission, helping every child grow and flourish.

Pupil performing on stage at Radnor House Sevenoaks

KEY STAGE 1 DRAMA (YEARS 1 & 2)

Our Key Stage 1 drama lessons are designed to reinforce classroom learning and broaden our students' experiences of the drama and the theatre world. Each week, our young learners engage in activities that underpin their academic topics, while also exploring new and exciting themes that expand their understanding and appreciation of the performing arts.

Our drama sessions include a variety of games and exercises aimed at building vital skills such as confidence, teamwork, and self-expression. Through these activities, children learn to evaluate the work of their peers and value their own voices, fostering a supportive and reflective environment.

A highlight of our drama program is the annual Christmas play, where each child is given a unique part and lines to learn. This performance provides every student with a moment to shine, building their confidence and enthusiasm for the stage. These early experiences instil a lifelong love for the expressive arts, encouraging our students to participate in the wider drama provision.

In addition to our regular drama lessons, we offer the Arts Award 'Discover' and 'Explore' programs. These awards, recognised by Trinity College, allow our pupils to learn about the arts all around them whilst developing new skills. Students record their progress in their Arts Award book and upon completion, receive a recognised certificate for their projects.

Key Stage 2 Drama (Years 3 - 6)

Drama is a powerful catalyst for creativity, confidence and collaboration.

In Key Stage 2, our drama curriculum invites pupils to explore both scripted and original work, using a wide range of techniques to develop their expressive voice. We champion originality and provide a supportive space where every child is encouraged to take creative risks and thrive.

Our drama curriculum includes:

  • Scripted Work: Students engage with classic and contemporary scripts, learning to interpret and perform them.
  • Devised Work: Students create their own performances, developing their storytelling and improvisation skills.
  • Drama Techniques: We teach essential techniques such as voice projection, movement, character development and stage presence.
  • Drama Evaluation: We help our pupils understand the importance of their voice and their opinions matter. We teach them how to give feedback in a kind, specific and helpful way, to encourage a learning environment where positive criticism is welcomed.
ANNUAL PRODUCTIONS

Every year, the Prep School stages a major production giving students the opportunity to participate in musical theatre shows such as Peter Pan, The Lion King and Matilda.

These productions are a highlight of the school year, showcasing the talents of our students and bringing the school community together.  Pupils in Years 5 and 6 learn about different areas of drama and theatre, and gain knowledge and enthusiasm for the creative industries, preparing them for future endeavours in the arts. 

Year 5 and 6 have further opportunities to get involved in the technical aspects of theatre such as:

  • Light and Sound Desk: Learning how to operate with hands-on experience of technical equipment that brings a production to life.
  • Backstage Crew Support: Understand how behind-the-scenes work is crucial for a successful performance.
  • Production Band: Year 5 pupils accompany the performance with live music, enhancing the overall experience of the show.

Where Next?