The wise musicians are those who play what they can master
Music plays a major role in the life of Dr Challoner’s High School, thanks to a thriving and extensive Co-Curricular programme which caters to all levels of musical experience.
We currently boast five choirs, two orchestras, a wind band and a variety of instrumental chamber ensembles, all of whom rehearse on a weekly basis and have multiple opportunities to perform both in school and within the wider community. Student leadership forms part of our vision and as such, some ensembles are directed by senior musicians in the school. Around one-quarter of students have instrumental lessons in school. Students regularly achieve at the highest levels in performance examinations, from the initial grades through to the prestigious Diploma examinations.
In addition to a busy school concert calendar, we are also keen to enable our students to collaborate out of the school setting. One example of this is our work with Dr Challoner’s Grammar School, where we form a joint choir, and Orchestra as well as the very popular Swing Band.
Drama at Dr Challoner's High school has grown from strength to strength in recent years. Teaching and learning takes place in the Courtyard Drama studio which doubles as a studio theatre and two teaching rooms, equipped with digital stage lighting and sound equipment.
Students throughout the school study Drama as a discrete academic subject. At Key stage three, students are introduced to a variety of performance styles and develop skills in collaboration and teamwork, text analysis and independent research as well as performance and technical theatre. We follow the Eduqas specification at GCSE and AQA at A level.
We offer a range of opportunities to particate in extra-curricular productions, including the Dr Challoner's Musical, in which we collaborate with the boys at Dr Challoner's Grammar school, the senior play for Years 11 - 13, the Junior Musical for girls in years 7 - 9 and a sixth form studio play. Past productions have included 42nd Street, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Legally Blonde, Pride and Prejudice and The Accrington Pals.
In addition to a busy programme, we also offer LAMDA classes and host Drama clubs that focus on skills in performance and introduce students to technical theatre.
Drama at Dr Challoner's High School is a thriving department which caters to all of our girls, what ever their strengths or interest in the subject.
