The arts at Highgate Sixth Form

We inspire our sixth formers to study and to work creatively.

MUSIC

At Highgate, our musical activities encourage the beginner or further the talented musician. We have the following instrumental ensembles open to our sixth formers:

  • a senior symphony orchestra
  • chamber orchestra
  • senior woodwind ensemble
  • several jazz bands
  • brass group

Our three choirs provide music for Sunday Choral Evensongs, with a further three covering a range of repertoires. Numerous chamber groups rehearse weekly and we have regular concerts, plus masterclasses, workshops and an annual House music competition.

Read more in our Music Booklet

Pupils develop excellent creative and performance skills in music and drama — ISI Report 2021
Pupils achieve exceptionally high levels of execution in both art and technology — ISI Report 2021

INDIVIDUAL MUSIC LESSONS

Individual music lessons are available with specialist visiting teachers in all the main instruments and in singing.

MUSIC SCHOLARSHIPS

A Highgate music award can consist of tuition in one or two instruments or voice and/or a remission of a percentage of school fees. Music awards are open to applicants at 16+ and are awarded following two rounds of auditions.

Interested candidates should submit a music scholarship application form to our Admissions Office. All candidates must satisfy the academic requirements for a place at Highgate before they will be considered for a music award.

 

DRAMA

Every encouragement is given to those at Highgate to participate in drama, as actors, in stage management, or assisting with sound and lighting via skills learnt at our Theatre Tech Club. We have a separate drama studio that provides additional rehearsal and performance space, as well as a Theatre Technician and Director in Residence.

In the Sixth Form, pupils have the opportunity to work entirely independently by directing their entry into the House drama competition.  In addition, we stage a biennial musical at a professional theatre, and take a Sixth Form production up to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August.  Recent productions include: Antigone, Chariots of Fire, Macbeth, Death and the Maiden, Great Expectations and Guys and Dolls; as well as original, devised work.

ART

Our excellent Art Department has facilities for painting, printmaking, life drawing, sculpture, pottery, photography, and film-making. Beyond the classroom, sixth formers can take part in a number of clubs and societies, ranging from life drawing to experimental printmaking.

At A level, pupils can select from Art or Interdisciplinary Design (ID). ID starts with a series of design focused workshops where pupils will develop their own personal design projects. The course bends design technology with art and is especially suitable for those interested in further studies or careers in fashion, interior design, architecture and many other creative pathways.

Our Mills Centre for Art and Design provides studio spaces, which remain open from 4pm-6pm, if pupils want to continue to make work. The Centre’s dedicated Kyffin Williams gallery can be used by sixth formers to regularly exhibit their projects and art work.

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