The Arts
Performing Arts
Pupils at Handcross Park are exposed to Music, Drama and Dance from an early age and enjoy performing in front of their peers and parents on a regular basis.
Every child receives lessons each week in Music and Drama with our specialist teachers. Essential skills are developed, including singing, internalising rhythm, coordination, confidence and public speaking.
Music
Most of the children at Handcross Park play a musical instrument and are involved in a plethora of ensembles and bands. Our school orchestra, jazz band, brass band, string ensembles and choirs are all thriving, and they offer multiple opportunities for performances each term. All individual instrumental and vocal lessons are delivered by our team of excellent peripatetic teachers, who are all successful practising musicians outside of their teaching commitments.
The hard work and determination of our young musicians are evident in our 100% pass rate in the ABRSM, Trinity and Rockschool examinations.
Most pupils here learn instruments, and music lessons are an energetic business
The Good Schools Guide
Drama
Drama offers a range of benefits that contribute to a well-rounded education. It provides a platform for self-expression and creativity enabling pupils to develop their individuality and unique perspectives. There are opportunities for teamwork and collaboration and enhances pupils critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Drama helps to build confidence, self-esteem, and resilience, as students face and overcome challenges, take risks, and receive feedback. These skills are essential for success in all areas of life, making drama a valuable subject that contributes to students' overall development
At Handcross Park School, Drama plays an integral role in the curriculum, with four productions a year and termly Drama showcases. Recent productions have included; Star Warts, Rock Bottom and Elf Jr. Productions are an inclusive activity, with all pupils actively participating. Regardless of their level of experience or ability, pupils are encouraged to get involved which provides a platform for them to showcase their skills and develop their confidence. The School's commitment to nurturing its pupils' talents and providing them with opportunities for growth and development is at the heart of everything we do.
“It was great to see the whole year group clearly thoroughly enjoying being part of the production. I know it's a huge amount of work, so thank you very much - it's definitely been a festive highlight so far!”
HXP Parent 2022
LAMDA
LAMDA lessons are increasingly popular. These lessons cover acting, verse and prose, public speaking, musical theatre and devising. Our results are outstanding with 100% of those pupils receiving distinctions in the last year. Our commitment to drama education has not only produced exceptional results but has also allowed pupils to develop their creativity and self-expression, providing a platform for their personal growth and development.
Creative Arts
Art is taught in a brand new, purpose-built, light and airy Art & Design Centre, with an incredible gallery to showcase our pupils superb work and its own relaxing garden space for outdoor artwork. The Art department at Handcross Park is a truly creative environment for all our pupils. There is a kiln and wheel available for pottery, a number of sewing machines available for textiles and state-of-the-art cameras available for photography. We are hugely proud of the high number of Art and Photography Scholarships achieved, which bear testament to the brilliant teaching and environment in this department.
Design and Technology is taught in a spacious and well-equipped workshop. Pupils discover the different stages of the design process and the various tools, materials and techniques to turn their dreams and ideas into reality. Pupils work with plastics, metals and wood throughout the year groups, and the outcome is often described as equivalent to GCSE-standard by visiting Senior School teachers. Pupils are given the opportunity to take part in the Green Goblin Racing Club, where they use engineering skills to design and build a car. The car is then raced competitively at the annual Green Goblin Race.
