Performing Arts
Encouraging Creative Expression and Exploration
Creative & Performing Arts form an important part of our educational provision. All children are involved in class lessons with specialist teachers, learning key skills and having an opportunity to express their creativity and emotions. There are opportunities for everyone to take part in performances and additional opportunities for greater involvement, as part of our activity programme.
Art
Art is taught in the lively, stimulating Junior School Art Room. The curriculum is covered using a large variety of media and techniques enriched by regular gallery trips, workshops and visits from artists and is often related to the topics studied in class. Part of the art curriculum focuses on Art History and the study of a wide range of great artists. High standards are expected and small classes allow each child to follow their own creative path.
Dance
Dance lessons are part of the curriculum for everyone in Years 4-7, to enable children to experience the physical, social and cultural benefits of traditional Scottish dancing. Extra lessons are also available as after school activities, in disciplines such as Ballet, Highland, Hip Hop and Musical Theatre.
Drama
Drama is a very popular subject at Loretto Junior School. We organise theatre trips, workshops and visits from professional actors. Drama skills are developed through play, stories, mime, drama games, poetry, and film. Year 7 pupils are able to start LAMDA lessons and take exams.
Loretto provides opportunities for live drama productions in front of an audience, and we make use of the Loretto Theatre for these. There is an annual Pre-School & Early Years Nativity Play, and a Junior Play involving Years 4 and 5. Recent productions include Ernie’s Incredible Illucinations by Alan Ayckbourn and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl.
One of the many highlights of the year at the Junior School is the annual Junior School Musical. The school has staged ambitious and highly successful musical productions, such as: Annie, Calamity Jane, Grease, Bugsy Malone, Anything Goes, The Sound of Music, The Wizard of Oz, Oliver, Summer Holiday, Mary Poppins and Matilda – The Musical.
Music
Music is at the heart of the school, with singing being a core part of assemblies, chapel services and the popular annual ‘Songfest’. In class lessons, there is a wealth of opportunities available for every child to perform, compose, listen and appreciate music from a range of different genres and cultures. Activities such as choir, orchestra, pipes and drums are available for those who wish to extend their experience and there are many concerts and opportunities to perform during the school year.
One to one music lessons are available to all children at Loretto. The lessons, which are provided by a team of specialist visiting music teachers, greatly enhance and support the work of the music department and the musical life of the school. Early Years have the option of learning the piano, violin, recorder, singing, ukulele or percussion (including the drum kit). These lessons take place after school or on a Saturday morning. Years 4 to 7 can receive lessons on piano, singing, strings (violin, viola, cello, double bass), brass (trumpet, trombone, horn), woodwind (flute, clarinet, saxophone, recorder), percussion (including the drum kit), guitar (acoustic, electric, bass, ukulele), bagpipes and corps drums. Lessons are during class time and work on rotation. Children are invited to join weekly lunchtime groups to support what they learn in lessons.
