The Creative Arts at Greenfields School
13 Nov 2020
The creative arts lie at the core of Greenfields – we have a particular focus on encouraging students to demonstrate strong creative skills in writing, art, drama, dance and music.
It’s possible to have academic accomplishments side by side with artistic endeavour. From age 2 years old, children are introduced to all forms of art and this progresses and is built upon as they go through the years until they are 18 years old.
We believe that individual creativity is an essential part of education, providing an important vehicle to nurture the creativity, passion and individuality of each student. The students are given the chance to embrace a wide range of media and disciplines and to respond to the work of other artists. This includes fine art, abstract art, photography, sculpture, ceramics and more.
Drama
In the lead up to Christmas, the Infants and Junior students prepare for their annual play. The children sing, act and dance in their highly anticipated production, which is attended by many friends and family. A lot of preparation goes into putting on a wonderful show as well as making the props, scenery and costumes.
The Senior Drama Department aims to engender confidence in all students so that they may be able to stand up in front of others and perform. Through drama, students learn to plan and deliver a project as a group and hence learn to work as a team.
We aim to enable students to pursue a career in the performing arts if they wish and we have had many students go on to do so.
Greenfields Theatre Company
The Greenfields Theatre Company (GTC) is a well-established part of the Senior school which is formed in the final three weeks of the Summer Term each year and is looked forward to enthusiastically by both students and staff.
Providing that their academic targets have been met, senior students are invited to participate in GTC, which puts on a full-scale theatrical production with several performances each July as part of the school’s Gala Weekend, the end-of-year celebration.
Beginning in Year 7, GTC gives the option for students to choose not only acting roles on stage but also behind-the-scenes jobs ranging from props, costumes, lighting and sound, stage management, carpentry and machine-work to promotional design, ticket-selling and accountancy. Students can vary their choices throughout their years of involvement and gain ‘hands-on’ experience with each aspect of theatre production under supervision from the Drama department and senior teachers since academics are halted for this time. The productions have become well-known for their quality and professionalism.
Dance
At Greenfields, dance pervades the school. Your child can join any number of dance classes that they wish, from the age of 2 years old to 18 years old.
Through caring, structured classes the dance teacher seeks to enhance the development of the students throughout their entire educational experience. Our dance teacher has worked at the school for over 20 years and is highly skilled, qualified, talented and most importantly passionate about providing the best dance education for your child.
The aim is for children to have fun, enjoy dancing, express themselves creatively and develop their love for dance and theatre.
Classes on offer: Ballet, Jazz, Modern, Tap, Contemporary, Hip Hop and Tumbling.
Children have the opportunity to advance through the ISTD grades and vocational graded examinations. They also perform annually in either choreographic shows or dance productions, as well as competing in festivals.
Children who choose to progress into vocational dance and musical theatre colleges are supported and encouraged and many have gone on to have successful careers in these fields.
Music
From Reception to Year 9 children have weekly music lessons, where they are encouraged to explore rhythm, musical composition, a range of instruments and improve their singing. Private music lessons can also be arranged.