PERFORMING ARTS
Should pupils, even those showing exceptional musical or artistic talent, be directed into the science and maths subjects that feel like a safer haven (and whose popularity continues to soar), or be encouraged to follow their dreams? While performing arts specialists in our area’s schools accept that there are challenges, they are notably upbeat, making a forceful case for ensuring that drama, music and dance remain an essential part of their schools’ education offering. “The pressure that schools are under, and that parents and children can feel in order to achieve the milestones required to reach the next steps are significant and [can] sadly push out the very things that make people more human,” says Simon Kirk, director of music at St John’s College School, whose performing arts offering includes around 350 instrumental and vocal lessons a week, multiple choirs and ensembles, and up to 60 concerts annually. “Music, drama and art are all about the human experience and are a crucial part of a child’s personal development.” Our schools’ ability to nurture elite actors, musicians and singers who seek a career in performing arts is virtually a given. Many, including Parkside Community College, invite outside speakers from the world of performing arts to inspire pupils and provide practical advice. Something for everyone Proud though they are of their top talent, schools in our area tend to extol something rather different: the opportunities that exist for every child to shine. So, while performing arts, by definition, can translate into some of the highest-profile aspects of
school life, teachers stress some of the less visible benefits they bring. Not just glorious exam results, important though they are, but a tried-and-tested way of fostering a spirit of inclusion where the emphasis on collaboration and creativity can allow every pupil to take part and, with support, shine. “I would say that there’s a very good understanding of not only what these creative subjects do for individuals in terms of the progression in that art form specifically, but all the extra skills that children are learning by partaking in them,” says Chloe Stone, dance teacher at St John’s College School. There, dance is on the menu in one form or another all the way through the school, from reception to year 8, even bringing an extra dimension to other subjects. You might find pupils in year 3 bringing their studies of the Romans to life by using dance to create battle formations CENTRE STAGE The offering at St John’s College School spans choirs, ensembles and concerts, as well as instrumental and vocal lessons
88 NOVEMBER 2026 CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK
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