Performing Arts
Nurturing Creativity And Its Expression
Loretto’s uniquely rounded approach focuses on the development of the whole person and the performing arts form an important part of our educational provision.
Drama is vibrant at Loretto, with both staff and pupil-led productions playing a starring role. These are rehearsed and performed in the School’s state of the art theatre facilities.
Drama skills are developed from Junior School through play, stories, mime and poetry. Broader experience and knowledge is gained with visits to theatres, concerts, opera and ballet performances in Edinburgh, as well as workshops and masterclasses delivered by visiting specialists.
Subjects covered include physical theatre, puppetry and improvisation techniques. Pupils enjoy many excellent opportunities to put these into practice, including the annual Junior and Senior School plays, which feature contemporary theatre, and musicals.
Dance also plays its part here at Loretto, with girls and boys of all ages enjoying the chance to get involved in a range of styles – from traditional genres such as Highland and Ballet through to contemporary expressions like Hip Hop. Pupils have ample opportunity to perform and showcase their skills in our whole school dance shows.
There is a well-established and vibrant Highland Dancing troupe. Pupils study Highland and Scottish National technique during their classes and are prepared for British Association of Teachers of Dancing (BATD) examinations. They are also registered with the Scottish Official Board of Highland Dancing (SOBHD) and compete in SOBHD competitions.
All of the above is on top of performing regularly with the Pipe Band at School Open Days, sporting events, such as Lord’s Cricket Ground and Combined Cadet Force events.
All at Loretto are encouraged to get involved in music, with a large number of children learning to play musical instruments from Junior School upwards and a talented team of visiting music teachers and in-house specialists.
Within Senior School, our music programme is delivered by specialist teachers in our dedicated Music School, which includes a concert hall, a recording studio and individual practice rooms.
Pupils can join the School Orchestra and various Ensembles, including string, wind and percussion. Concerts, recitals and performances encourage pupils to develop and demonstrate their talents. This includes whole school singing in our Chapel, and our highly popular Junior and Senior Song Fests taking place each year.
Many pupils participate in the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) examinations, as well as ABRSM and Trinity Rock and Pop instrumental examinations.
The Loretto Pipe Band plays a huge role in our community and school life. Part of the school for over 100 years, the band combines the best of Scottish traditions combined with Loretto’s own. Since its introduction, the band has only grown in popularity amongst pupils – both girls and boys.
Pupils in Junior School who are interested in piping can begin learning the chanter or drums, prior to choosing to join the pipe band once they reach Senior School. Forming part of the co-curricular programme in Senior School, pupils have regular opportunities to practice and learn from experts, developing into excellent musicians.
The pipe band performs regularly throughout the year, both within and outwith school. The band supports school events such as Speech Day, as well as Combined Cadet Force (CCF) events when required. Performances beyond campus have included the Beating Retreat at Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyrood House, as well as the Torchlight Procession and the Royal Company of Archers Silver Arrow events in Musselburgh. No matter the location, with accompaniment from Loretto’s Highland Dance Troupe, every performance is guaranteed to be a spectacle.
For those eager to test their abilities, there are plenty of chances to compete. Whether at competitions hosted by other schools or the annual Loretto Waterhouse competition, our pipers and drummers develop self-confidence as well as their musical talents by taking part in these events.
Constantly seeking new talent, Loretto’s Pipe Band is enthusiastic about recruiting pupils to join, no matter what stage of their musical journey they are at.
Pupils undertake a rigorous grounding in the fundamentals of art, with an emphasis on observational drawing and understanding the nature and value of their own practice.
A number of specialist workshops are offered, including ceramics, photography and textiles, as well as trips to Edinburgh’s many renowned galleries.
Loretto makes unique provision for developing art beginning in Junior School, with a specialist teacher and a well-equipped dedicated Art Studio. Within Senior School, the Art Department has six studios, a dark room, facilities for ceramics and equipment for working with stone and wood. The Upper Sixth have their own studio, allowing them to work in an Art College style environment.