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

All pupils at Radnor House Sevenoaks study Music from Year 7 through to Year 9, and is focussed on developing practical skills, creativity and confidence through hands-on music-making. 
In Year 7, students are encouraged to try a wide range of instruments from ukulele and keyboard to drum kit, bass guitar and xylophone, as well as exploring vocal work through singing.  The first year focuses on sparking curiosity and joy, helping pupils uncover their interests and where their talents lie.

As they move into Year 8, students begin to focus more closely on an instrument or area of interest, while continuing to explore a broad musical curriculum. This includes the study of popular music and musical styles from around the world.   As students reach Year 9, they are developing their ensemble performance skills and exploring more advanced topics such as jazz and film music, building the experience and confidence needed to take music further into their educational journey, if they wish.

Group work plays an important part in our lessons, and students take part in regular team-building activities and collaborative projects designed to support social development as well as musical growth.  Performing in front of peers is a regular part of the course and helps to boost self-confidence, resilience and pride in progress.
Alongside their practical work, students have dedicated theory lessons – typically one in every three – where they work towards formal music theory milestones. Most pupils reach Grade 1 standard by the end of Year 8 and aim for Grade 2 by the end of Year 9.

Pupils are also encouraged to use our music rooms and facilities during break times or after school to practise for class, performances or simply for their own enjoyment. The aim throughout Key Stage 3 is to foster a love of music, develop core skills, and build a solid foundation for future musical learning.

As students move into Key Stage 4, GCSE Music follows the OCR specification, focusing on performance, composition and appraising.  Students develop as solo and ensemble performers, with two assessed recordings forming part of their coursework. Regular in-class performances help build confidence and refine skills.

During composition sessions, pupils create original pieces using Logic Pro, with one free composition and one in response to an OCR brief.  The course encourages creativity, structure and exploration of both acoustic and digital music.

Appraising work includes the study of a wide range of music – from classical and film to world and popular styles. Pupils develop their listening and analytical skills while studying set works in detail.

Students are encouraged to use the extensive facilities in the music department to practise, compose and rehearse outside of lessons. The course not only prepares pupils for further musical study but also gives them the confidence and skills to enjoy music throughout life.

Co-curricular music is a vibrant part of life at Radnor House, and we offer a variety of ensembles including Show Band, Jam Band, String Quartet and Choir, each welcoming musicians of different styles and abilities. 

These groups rehearse weekly and perform regularly in concerts, assemblies and events both in and outside of school.  Every year the Show Band will perform the music for the school show and at the end of each term our Music and Drama evenings (M.A.D.E) provide a stage for our budding young soloists and bands to show off their latest musical achievements. Whether students are advanced players or just starting out, there is something for everyone to enjoy and be part of.

To find out more about the we offer – CLICK HERE

Music scholarships are available to students who demonstrate musical potential and passion for performing.  We look for candidates who show commitment, enthusiasm and a willingness to contribute to the musical life of the school. Scholars receive tailored support, extensive performance opportunities and are expected to take a leading role in our ensembles and concerts.

Find Out More - CLICK HERE

Drama is taught to all students in Key Stage for three 50-minute lessons over a two-week timetable where they explore a wide variety of text-based, thematic and devised topics in dynamic and engaging lessons.

Students develop an understanding of technical theatre through units on puppetry and Shakespeare, as well as exploring classic and modern play texts, extending their understanding of theatre practitioners, genres and styles and creating devised performance material. Students are assessed in both their practical and evaluative skills throughout Key Stage 3.

Key Stage 3 focuses on developing six fundamental qualities: 

• Control
• Creativity
• Concentration
• Co-operation
• Co-ordination
• Communication

Every year the Drama Department highlights the talents of our pupils through a variety of productions, these include an annual Lower School (Years 7 & 8) and Senior School Production (Years 9 to 13). Productions for both Lower and Senior School have included a range of musicals, plays and comedies including recently Guys & Dolls, The Snow Queen, Charlie & The Chocolate Factory, We Will Rock You and The Wind in the Willows.

Each performance is a celebration of the hard work, dedication and commitment that the pupils and the Performing Arts Faculty put into the process of developing performance opportunities for our students.

Our drama scholars represent students who have demonstrated outstanding ability in performance or technical theatre, take a leading role in promoting the drama department at Radnor House and as ambassadors, support students in the wider school community.

Scholar students are extensively supported in developing their talent, skill and craft through performance opportunities and workshops during the academic year such as developing challenging performance material to perform for a live audience and serving to stretch and challenge the very strongest performers and technicians.

Opportunities for drama scholarships are available at entry to Year 7, Year 9 and Year 12 – click here to find out more.

An essential part of the drama curriculum is a theatre visit!  The Performing Arts Department organise a wide variety of theatre visits and backstage tours for students to experience different forms of theatre first-hand.

Recent theatre visits have included SIX in the West End, War Horse at The New Wimbledon Theatre, A Raisin in the Sun at the Lyric Theatre Hammersmith, and The Other Place at the National Theatre.

We regularly attend the National Theatre Student Conference where students can speak with professionals from the creative industries to gain insight into the process behind developing a show from inception to curtain up.