Music is integral to life at Avon House Preparatory School. We provide a high-quality musical education to engage and inspire our pupils and develop their talent, believing that every child is a musician. In the process, we increase their self-confidence, creativity and sense of achievement.
From the earliest age, our pupils are encouraged to realise their creative talents. Music is a vitally important and stimulating part of school life and pupils are encouraged to share their music with one another, working together as a team, and respecting each other’s playing and singing. There are three choirs: Pre-Prep Choir for Years 1 and 2, Prep Choir for Years 3, 4, 5 and 6, and a Chamber Choir.
At Avon House Preparatory School, we encourage our pupils to learn a musical instrument, finding the best possible to suit them through consultation with the parents and trials with the music teachers. We are very lucky to have a team of professional musicians who make up our peripatetic staff. They teach a whole range of instruments including brass, clarinet, drums, flute, guitar, keyboard, piano, recorder, saxophone, ukulele and voice. Our music curriculum is also richly enhanced by every pupil having the opportunity to learn the clarineo in Year 3 with our woodwind specialist.
There is an ensemble for pupils learning instruments who have reached the standard of Grade 1 and above. There are regular informal and formal music concerts at school, as well as performances at local venues and churches. Our pupils work very hard for these events, and parents are encouraged to support whenever possible.
Our Music Department is a significant strength in our School and we enjoy listening to the pupils as they develop their skills and expertise throughout their time at Avon House Preparatory School.
Drama
Drama is introduced into the curriculum up to Year 5 at Avon House Preparatory School. We feel that the power of drama can help to spark pupils’ creativity and help them build confidence as well as developing their speech, communication and presentation skills.
We aim to advance our pupils’ critical thinking by engaging them in creative problem solving and decision-making. Drama can also help children to develop an understanding of their own emotions and establish empathy with others. It encourages teamwork and co-operation and nurtures positive friendships.
“We attended last night’s performance and I was blown away by the quality and complexity of the show. It was not something I was expecting from a prep school! The cast and performers were all excellent but the sheer numbers and coordination for the whole production was what struck me the most. So impressive – I can’t imagine how much effort it took to put this together. There was so much going on, involving so many kids. I know from my children that it has been a hard few weeks for you, the staff and the performers but it certainly paid off!”
