The arts at Highgate Sixth Form
We nurture creativity; within the classroom and in our co-curricular programme.
MUSIC
At Highgate, our musical activities encourage the beginner or further the talented musician. We have a number of instrumental ensembles, including a senior symphony orchestra, chamber orchestra, senior woodwind ensemble, several jazz bands and a brass group.
Our choir programme offers ensemble options that anyone can access, regardless of their entry point, with a framework to develop sight-reading, aural skills and vocal technique. All pupils take part in our popular House Singing competition and there are many other opportunities to perform throughout the year.
Highgate’s long tradition of choral singing is a defining feature of the school. Catherine Harrison, Head of Academic Music
Pupils develop creative thinking, collaborative working and self-confidence. Juliet Fehr, Head of Drama
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 an audition an interview. All candidates must satisfy the academic requirements for a place at Highgate before they will be considered for a music award.
If you wish to apply for a music award, please check the relevant box on our 11+ Application Form or 16+ Application Form and you will receive an email explaining the next steps. Good luck!”
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 large Art Department has facilities for painting, printmaking, life drawing, sculpture, pottery, photography, and film-making. In the Sixth Form, Art and Design students are given their own dedicated space to work, which they can use after school or during free periods.
At A level, the focus is pupil-centred, with a series of workshops at the beginning of the year to work out where their interests lie. Pupils are introduced to new ways of working such as wearable sculpture, digital image manipulation and experimental drawing. One to one tutorial time enables teachers to support pupils with their individual projects. Each year, pupils successfully apply to highly regarded university degree courses, paving the way for diverse careers in the creative industries.