Performing Arts

The Performing Arts Department has been delighted to return to some more practical elements of Music and Drama and we have seen a real creative mindset from pupils when approached with challenges and tasks. Pupils have explored the different elements of Performing Arts, effectively using technology to support their learning which has resulted in some excellent pieces of music and theatre.

Drama

In Key Stage 3 Drama, pupils have had the opportunity to work collaboratively to develop and perform pieces of theatre. Year 7 developed a number of skills, including vocal techniques and physical movement, and these were demonstrated in the storytelling of ‘Adventure Island’ in which they used soundscapes, physical theatre and dialogue to captivate and engage an audience. Year 8 delighted audiences with their puppetry where we saw some outstanding puppets and puppet theatres which were designed to communicate children’s stories. Year 9 engaged in physical theatre, stage combat and expressionism, learning about different ways to tell the story of Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth’ on our beautiful new theatre stage.

Our i/GCSE and A Level pupils have devised and performed original pieces alongside extracts of the plays ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’ and i/GCSE scripted ‘The 39 Steps’ There has been some excellent and thoughtprovoking work emerging from the groups as they establish their creative process and unique performance styles.

The enrichment programme has allowed pupils to take part in an online performance of ‘Bad Auditions’ in which pupils from Year 7-13 collaborated to perform a series of terrible auditions from a variety of challenging characters. This was rehearsed and performed over teams and zoom. The characters were great fun to explore, and actors experienced creating their own costumes and settings for their scenes. We ended the year watching a showcase of previous school performances and celebrating the contribution of all pupils who have taken part over the past years.

Sherborne Qatar Radio has gone from strength to strength. Run entirely by pupils, the team have published engaging podcasts which highlight significant events in Qatar and across the world such as the ‘International Women’s Day’, the ‘Ramadan Diaries’ and an interview with renowned musician, Maya Azucena – the team has even been featured in Marhaba magazine! The pupils were delighted to take part in a Q&A session with the lead presenter of Al Jazeera, Kamahl Santamaria, where they were given a fascinating insight into the world of professional broadcasting.

We are excited to see where our pupils’ creative journey takes them next!

In Key Stage 3, pupils have explored a variety of topics, developing their understanding and skills in active listening, composing and performing. Year 7 learnt about ‘alternative instruments’ in the topic ‘Stomp!’ and shared original percussive performance pieces of their own, using household objects. Year 8 showed how they could take an existing piece of music and turn it into something new in their ‘Theme and Variation’ topic and Year 9 used online composition platforms to create an original film score, demonstrating their understanding of how music is used in movies to create a particular effect or mood.

Our i/GCSE and A Level pupils have worked really hard to develop excellent compositions and performances, worthy of a wider audience and we are looking forward to sharing their work with the community over the coming year.

This year, pupils had the privilege of performing on the main stage at the inaugural D’Reesha Festival in Education City. D’Reesha is the first of performing arts festival of its kind in Qatar, bringing together unique performances, from theatre, to music, poetry and storytelling.

This high-profile event saw Sherborne Senior pupils perform alongside many notable artists and musicians, including the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra. They shared and excellent selection of material including a choir performance of ‘This is Me’ from The Greatest Showman, ‘See You Again’ and the popular Arabic song ‘Fairuz’. We heard a fabulous Arabic poem from a Year 11 pupil and group of Year 8 pupils performed an original piece of poetry based around the Sherborne values. This was in addition to piano, guitar and vocal performances, and rounded off by a showstopping performance of ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’ from the Senior Band.

It has been such a long time since the pupils were last on stage and they conducted themselves with the upmost professionalism, enthusiasm and excitement. One of the organisers commented on their exemplary behavior - she was amazed with how respectful and polite they all were (although it was no surprise to us!) and even invited them back to represent the school at the closing ceremony. We are looking forward to being part of the event in the future as it grows.

Mrs Wolfe Head of Performing Arts Mr Arts Head of Music Mr Hake Head of Drama