Senior Arts Review
TERM 3, 2024/25
THE ARTS AT TANGLIN
"It starts with a spark of curiosity that is fuelled by passion. A desire to be creative while persevering through the challenges. Discovering your artistic identity through personal expression. Developing an appreciation and mutual respect for the work of others. Encouraging inclusion and diversity so everyone can participate, succeed and achieve their personal best."
At Tanglin, we have a thriving Arts community with over 800 students participating in approximately 50 CCAs weekly, culminating in over 50 events yearly. We also achieve outstanding results in the classroom and have been awarded ‘best in the world’ for A Level 6 times in the last 4 years for individual Arts Subjects. Our talented teaching staff and Arts technicians work tirelessly with our students daily to offer memorable opportunities to be creative, collaborate and express themselves in the Arts, inside and outside the classroom.
This is the final edition of the Senior Arts Review this academic year. It has been another busy term with so many fantastic events being showcased across the Arts in the Senior School, as well as preparing students for their coursework and final examinations. I hope you enjoy reading about all our endeavours this year, and we will hopefully see you next year.
Richie Baxter Head of the Arts Faculty
We finished off Term 3 in Drama with our Lower School performance of Oliver! JR., the Broadway Junior version of Lionel Bart's classic musical based on Charles Dickens' novel, "Oliver Twist".
This amazing cast of 80 lower school students brought the streets of Victorian England to life at Tanglin as we followed Oliver’s adventures, from the workhouse through Fagin’s den to the final safety of Mrs Brownlow.
Oliver! JR. is full of classic songs like "Consider Yourself", "Food Glorious Food", and "Oom-Pah-Pah", and the double cast thrilled audiences on both nights. What a glorious way to finish the term!
Kate Edwards Head of Drama
"This term, I had the great fortune of playing Oliver in the Middle School production. It was a huge privilege, and I loved every bit of it. I particularly enjoyed working with the cast and all the drama teachers; we wouldn't have had such a wonderful play without them."
Tom H. (Year 7 Student)
“When I was chosen to play the part of Oliver in the school play, I was surprised but determined to do my best. It took hard work and commitment, but I was very happy to be able to perform in such a supportive environment and am so grateful for the opportunity . ”
Hanna-Lujza F. (Year 7 Student)
Term 3 has seen some significant film milestones and moments in the Film and Media Department. We had the final lessons and study leave for Year 11, Year 12, and Year 13, as well as GCSE, AS, and A Level examinations, along with a flurry of production days, collaboration events, and awards ceremonies. Most notable were the two awards events – the Arts Faculty Outstanding Contribution to the Arts (OCA) awards and the Film and Media Department Film Awards 2025. In both events, the amazing work undertaken by our students received justifiable recognition.
The 12 IB students had two successful production days, filming on location under the guidance of the department and our Media Technician, Andrea Bertoncelli. On day one, the students planned and filmed a series of chase scenes to be incorporated into their Film Portfolios, and on day two, they visited Chinatown to experiment with production techniques inspired by Wes Anderson and Wong Kar-wai.
The term ended with the eagerly anticipated Year 10 Collaboration Day, where students taking arts subjects at GCSE collaborated to produce a performance related to the cultural context of Tanglin. Film students created short video documentaries related to one of four contexts: Local Culture, Colonial Influence, Modern Singapore, and Tanglin.
“I was invited to a viewing and award ceremony for Film and Media Studies. A handful of very skilled filmmakers from Years 11-13 watched each other's films, received awards, and had the opportunity to see some incredible work. It was inspiring to see the creativity shown by my peers, and I felt an overwhelming sense of pride and achievement for being included in this presentation. Everyone in that room, including me, felt extremely grateful for the resources and opportunities we received at Tanglin, and not least for the always enthusiastic help from our teachers, Mr Astley, Mr Harrison, and Mr Bertoncelli, who are always there to support and nurture our ambitions.
As a Film and Media prefect this year, I’ve seen firsthand the inspiring nature and environment created by students and teachers in this department, which I can only hope I help to strengthen. Overall, this event just exemplified the unity and camaraderie within the department and made me and all the other nominated students more inspired to achieve a higher standard of filmmaking next year.”
Dextor K. (Year 12 Student)
“During the IB production days, I directed and acted in a short action film shot at Wessex Estate, learning the technical and choreographic demands of action filmmaking. I also supported other students’ projects, enhancing my teamwork and adaptability. Additionally, I helped produce a Wes Anderson-style travelogue in Chinatown, capturing cultural landmarks and artefacts to highlight Singapore’s heritage. This broadened my understanding of documentary filmmaking and the importance of framing in representing culture. These experiences deepened my appreciation for cinematic storytelling and the collaborative process.
Across both projects, collaboration was the anchor: we worked seamlessly to problem solve, while ensuring that every voice was heard and valued. Overall, these days not only refined my practical skills in cinematography and direction, but also helped me develop adaptability, communication, and leadership, fostering a deeper connection for the filmmaking process.”
Ashita A. (Year 12 student)
ART & DESIGN
Term 3 has been an extraordinary season for the Senior Art Department, filled with creativity, innovation, and memorable events. From the return of Interpretations at the National Gallery Singapore to our Buoyant Summer Exhibition and Centenary Summer Festival, our students have once again impressed with work that is both visually striking and conceptually rich.
In May, we were excited to return to the National Gallery Singapore for our annual Interpretations event. The stunning venue provided the perfect backdrop for showcasing student talent across a wide range of media and themes. Each piece offered a window into individual artistic journeys, reflecting both technical skill and the ability to express complex ideas through art. Shortly after, our Summer Exhibition, Buoyant, captured the spirit of resilience and creative lift. After months of intensive coursework and experimentation, our GCSE and A-Level students presented a diverse and energetic collection of artworks. The show was a celebration of their skill, risktaking, and perseverance.
In June, we joined the school’s Centenary Summer Festival with a major exhibition in the Level 2 Atrium. A highlight was the unveiling of a large-scale mixed-media installation created in collaboration with acclaimed British artist Ian Murphy Featuring contributions from students across Infant, Junior, and Senior levels, the piece was a true community effort. We are thankful to Ian Murphy for his mentorship and inspiration throughout this unique project.
We concluded the term with our Year 10 Art Collaboration Day an offcampus creative adventure where Art and Graphic students explored printmaking and digital media in response to their surroundings. It was a day of exploration, experimentation, and teamwork.
As we close the chapter on Term 3, we extend our congratulations to all our students for their hard work, imagination, and fearless creativity, and we look forward to what the next academic year holds in store for us!
Elizabeth Anstiss Head of Senior Art and Design
“It was incredible to see my artwork displayed and used as the poster for our exhibition in the National Gallery of Singapore - I never thought my work would be displayed there! It was such an exciting event - the talent and the atmosphere were fantastic.
Art is one of my favourite subjects, and this unique opportunity has encouraged me to continue creating art, as it can lead to amazing things!”
Lara C. (Year 8 Student)
MUSIC
This term has been nothing short of extraordinary for our Senior Musicians, who have remained as active and dedicated as ever. While our Year 11 and Year 13 students wrapped up their coursework with finesse submitting exceptional performances and compositions for their IGCSE, A Level, and IB exams their musical journey extended far beyond the classroom
In celebration of the school’s Centenary, we launched the year with a stunning concert at the Esplanade. This memorable evening featured a wide array of ensembles. It culminated in the world premiere of our specially commissioned piece, “Bridge Across The Sea” by renowned composer Jonathan Dove a truly magnificent highlight.
The excitement continued with a visit from percussionist Andy Gleadhill, who led vibrant samba workshops that had students drumming with enthusiasm. Shortly after, a group of 15 instrumentalists and choristers represented the school at the FOBISIA Intermediate Music Festival in Bangkok, collaborating with peers from across Asia to deliver a powerful and inspiring concert.
Back on campus, our musicians contributed to a variety of events, including the Summer Art Exhibition, Year 6 Transition Day, the Graduation Ceremony, the Outstanding Contribution to the Arts Awards, and several school assemblies. Beyond school grounds, they also performed at prestigious venues, such as the National Gallery and the Esplanade Recital Hall, showcasing their talents to a wider audience
The Centenary Summer Festival was another highlight, featuring a rich lineup of ensembles, Senior Bands, and soloists. Despite the sweltering heat, our musicians delivered outstanding performances during the Friday evening concert and throughout Saturday’s festivities.
To celebrate their hard work and achievements, our Senior Musicians enjoyed their much-anticipated annual pizza party—a well-deserved treat and a joyful way to end the term.
Helen Owain Head of Senior Music
“Throughout the past year, I have been very active within the music department, participating in studentled bands, the jazz fusion group and as a coach for younger bands. My involvement in the jazz fusion group led me to explore drumming in genres beyond my typical punk rock and metal, expanding my playing style to include elements from Latin and funk. This all played into my performance with the Sixth Form ensemble at the graduation ceremony, which I felt was my best performance as a drummer with a school-led band.
Beyond just drumming, I also coached several bands from the lower year groups in the lead up to Battle of the Bands, which reminded me of how my own bands had once started. I had forgotten what it was like to not be a confident musician, and being able to help the less experienced performers put on an incredible performance was a great experience.”
Ethan S. (Year 13 Student)
COLLABORATION IN THE ARTS
Year 10 IGCSE students studying Art, Graphics, Drama, Film and Music rounded off the year with a collaboration day. 138 Year 10 Artists gather to create a piece around the theme of ‘Tanglin Community’. This culminated in a performance featuring four scenes: One-North, Local Culture, Kampong Glam, and Tanglin. All scenes included a drama scene with music, a film showreel, and related artwork. It was a fantastic day full of teamwork and creativity.
Tanglin hosted a Centenary Summer Festival to celebrate our centenary year. It was a whole-school Arts extravaganza across two days and three performance venues. Some senior highlights include:
Oliver! Jr. preview
Senior choirs, rock bands, soloists, and instrumental ensembles
Art gallery
Dance performance
Film Awards Showcase
The Arts faculty hosted its annual Outstanding Contribution to the Arts awards evening. This is an opportunity for each subject to nominate students who consistently display their dedication and passion for the Arts outside of the classroom. This culminated in an evening full of creativity, celebrating over 70 students through film showreels, art exhibitions, and musical performances.
