Performing Arts
At Bassett House, we believe that every child is a performer. We encourage performance in music and drama for the self-expression it gives our pupils, to promote teamwork, as a means of building confidence and to cultivate public speaking, singing and instrumental skills. We aim to recognise each pupil’s strengths and talents and to develop these to their fullest potential.
All our pupils perform. Whether in class assemblies, nativity plays, whole-year theatre productions, our Harvest Festival and Christmas carol service, young musicians’ assemblies, orchestra, choirs, instrument ensembles, Eurhythmics dance movement lessons, or even carolling for tourists on the Portobello Road (in aid of charity). The emphasis is on participation, not perfection.
We study music in the curriculum through movement, composition, Drama, dance and improvisation and look to engender a lifelong love of music through exposure to a breadth of musical genres. We also offer drama and performing arts clubs.
Art
We consider every child to be an artist. We encourage creativity and self-expression through a variety of media, including painting, drawing, sculpture, and digital art. We also explore different cultural and historical connections, as well as contemporary references. We celebrate the artistic and cultural riches on our doorstep by taking trips to London galleries, holding a Royal Academy life drawing workshop for our older children and visiting local professional art studios. Each week one child’s effort is recognised by our Artist of the Week award and we celebrate the whole school’s creativity in our Annual Art Week Showcase. We are very proud that our alumni have won art scholarships to prestigious senior schools.
Music
We believe that music is an essential part of a well-rounded education. We offer a wide range of musical opportunities for our pupils, including:
- Class music lessons
- Choir
- Orchestra
- Instrument ensembles
- Individual music tuition
We also have a number of visiting music teachers who offer tuition in a variety of instruments.
