Performing Arts

Music

Music is an integral part of life at Stover. Over the years, many very talented musicians have been educated here and their legacy lives on through our activities across the entire school year. We encourage all pupils to develop their musical abilities and become confident performers.

Music is taught at GCSE and at A Level and we also prepare pupils for music theory and practical examinations. It is rare to walk through the school without hearing the sound of music somewhere and pupils have access to practice rooms and recording equipment during the day and in the evenings.

Pupils are encouraged to play an instrument and be involved in the school orchestra, wind and string chamber music, rock and pop bands and various other small instrumental ensembles. Individual lessons are available in all orchestral instruments and we have a team of excellent teachers who visit the school throughout the week to incorporate music lessons into the school day.

Throughout the year there are opportunities to perform in public. We have a busy and varied programme of concerts, not only in school but also in the local community and our services are often in demand at local events around Devon.

We have three school choirs, run by our accomplished singing teacher, who also offers individual singing lessons. The choirs are often asked to sing outside school for weddings, concerts and VIP visits. We also compete very successfully in local music competitions.

The choir recently visited Paris and were able to give a concert on the stage at the Euro Disney resort, and the choir and chamber orchestra were invited to Brussels where they performed in the Cathedral there, which was a fantastic opportunity for our pupils.

Art

We have a purpose built Art Centre at Stover and we are able to offer a full range of art subjects, from Fine Art and Ceramics to Textiles, Sculpture, Print & Photography, Technical Drawing and Fashion Design.

Pupils study Art throughout their school life and we offer a range of subjects both at GCSE and A Level. We benefit from small class sizes where pupils can follow their chosen specialism with our full support. Each year, work of the highest quality is produced for examinations, portfolios and display. Art Scholarships are available.

Drama

Drama features in the curriculum from Reception to Year 9 and as an option at GCSE and A Level. Drama at Stover is all about learning through disciplined 'play'. Pupils learn to communicate effectively through words and through movement.  We encourage a safe and open forum for children to explore their own identity and that of others in real and imaginary worlds. Our focus is to unlock young people's imagination and empathy and give them courage to take risks.

Drama is an ideal platform for pupils to gain confidence, particularly when faced with an audience and we encourage everyone to participate in our dramatic productions. We have a dedicated drama studio and a performance space equipped with stage lighting.

We aim to develop important life skills that pupils will find essential in an adult world - communicating, negotiating, collaborating and problem solving - and we see pupils confidently and successfully mastering these through their Drama work.