This half term, our school has been buzzing with creativity as we progress toward achieving the Artsmark accreditation. Across classrooms and beyond, we’ve embraced the arts in exciting and impactful ways. Here’s a glimpse of some of the many inspiring initiatives and activities taking place:

Integrating Arts and Cultural Activities into the Curriculum

  • To empower teachers, we hosted a Pick ‘n’ Mix professional development session all about unveiling the magic of the arts. Staff explored how dance, art and music can enhance student engagement and well-being, leaving them inspired to incorporate these elements into their teaching practices.
  • Our curriculum has grown, including an expanded dance program with the new addition of ‘The Moververse’ dance scheme, which will bring vibrant movement and creativity to our lessons.
  • We held a Scholarship Open Mic Night, providing art scholars and other students an opportunity to showcase their work and share their creative ideas with an audience, highlighting their accomplishments and learning from this term.
  • In the Junior School, we continued to integrate the arts into our curriculum through themed days linked to key topics. For example, Year 3 experienced Roman Day, where they engaged in Roman crafts such as clay pot making and mosaic making, culminating in drama and dance performances. Year 4 participated in Tudor Day, exploring artwork from the time such as tudor portraits. Meanwhile, Year 5 enjoyed a visit from a theatre company, which used storytelling and acting to immerse students in Victorian history.

Enrichment for All

  • Students have enjoyed a range of arts enrichment trips. Year 5 explored the works of Charles and Renate Keeping at the Keeping Gallery, while Year 8 celebrated the festive season with a trip to Greenwich Theatre for the pantomime Dick Whittington. Meanwhile, 14 Sixth Form Art students visited Paris, immersing themselves in world-class art at landmarks like Musée de l’Orangerie, Musée d’Orsay, and the Pompidou Centre.
  • Junior School students were also treated to an afternoon of entertainment when a pantomime came to the school, delighting everyone with comedy, drama, song and dance.
  • Our wide range of clubs has continued to thrive. From music ensembles and performing arts to creative crafts and STEM challenges, there’s been something for everyone to explore and enjoy.

Building Strong Connections Within and Beyond Our Community

  • Junior School parents were welcomed to watch pupil-led class assemblies, where girls used dance, song, shadow puppetry and poetry to celebrate their learning.
  • Our annual Fireworks Night brought 3,000 people together for a spectacular celebration.
  • The Silver Screen in Motion showcased the incredible talents of 90 pupils. This dazzling production featured performances inspired by iconic films, leaving audiences in awe.
  • The Christmas Fair was another highlight, with live performances, student-made crafts for charity and art activities creating a festive and creative atmosphere.
  • Our commitment to giving back also shone this term as we supported local and global charities, including Bromley Foodbank, MacmillanDihlabeng School in South Africa and more. 
  • Reception and Key Stage 1 classes have delivered some fantastic Christmas productions this December, with students from other year groups and parents enjoying performances filled with singing, dancing and acting from our youngest pupils.
  • Our parent community thoroughly enjoyed the Key Stage 2 Christmas Carol Concert at St. George’s Church in Bickley, which was a wonderful celebration of the arts. The concert featured a variety of choirs, soloists and orchestras, creating a festive and joyful atmosphere. It was particularly heartwarming to see some of our teachers and the senior leadership team performing alongside the students. Additionally, our Year 5 Art Club played a key role by designing the front cover of the program. 
  • Sixth Form students have continued their weekly visits to Elmwood Residential Home, engaging with residents through dance, movement, conversations and singing their favourite songs. These visits have also included student performances, bringing joy and entertainment to the residents. This initiative has proven to be a deeply rewarding experience for both the residents and the Sixth Formers, fostering meaningful connections across generations.

Inspiring Students to Narrate Their Own Stories

  • Our Mini-Mini Minerva Lecture Series continued to inspire, with students presenting on diverse topics ranging from sports to culture. 
  • Middle School Ambassadors organised a karaoke and disco session, taking full ownership of planning and running the events. Their leadership made the experience even more rewarding for everyone involved, creating a fun and memorable occasion.
  • We launched the Arts Council this term, a dynamic group of students from Year 4 upwards dedicated to celebrating and enhancing the arts in our school. Their first meeting included exciting plans for badges, a collaborative art installation, student surveys and arts-focused trips.

This is just a snapshot of the creative energy flowing through our school this half term. As we continue our Artsmark journey, we welcome your ideas, contributions and stories.

Whether you’d like to lead a workshop, share expertise or celebrate your artistic achievements, we’d love to hear from you!