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PERFORMING ARTS

Although not timetabled as a subject, drama and the performing arts are very much part of our curriculum offering children another medium through which they can express their thoughts and ideas.

At Archdeacon, children are encouraged to sing on a regular basis from the moment they join the school, in class, Collective Worship and in church. Studies have shown that singing as part of a larger group has a positive impact on mental health and on children's reading and vocabulary. In Nursery, children begin by singing simple songs and nursery rhymes. From Reception onwards, children begin to attend Collective Worship, with one Singing Assembly every week Year group assemblies and Christmas performances provide an opportunity for children to showcase their learning through drama, dance and music. These events also develop children's sense of being part of a team, developing a sense of accountability to others.

Other opportunities are offered by contributions to displays, exhibitions, instrument tuition, participation in the Infant and Junior choirs, History Days such as Victorian, Tudor and Roman days, RE Day, Book Week, the celebration of the European Day of Languages and concerts are all expressions of the talents and learning opportunities developed through the curriculum. Regular visits are made to theatres, museums, galleries and historical buildings as we move our curriculum out into the local environment.

Choir Performances

In line with other clubs, our choir is non-selective. Opportunities to perform are an important part of being a member of a choir, but performing is not compulsory. Regular events to perform with other schools include the Richmond Music Trust Singing Festival and Prom Praise for Schools (PP4S). In previous years, we were selected to perform as a solo choir in the Royal Albert Hall in PP4S and as one of the lead choirs in the virtual PP4S in 2021.

In addition to these opportunities, regular performances as an individual choir include school fairs, the Twickenham Baptist Church and an annual Christmas concert with the West London Chamber Choir.

This year we were very proud to be invited to sing at the Richmond Jubilee Beacon Lighting Ceremony on Richmond Hill Terrace at the beginning of June. Our most recent performances have been at the Mayor's Thanksgiving Service at St Mary's Church in Twickenham, Squire Twickenham Christmas Shopping Evening and a joint concert with the West London Chamber Choir.