Pupils at Tudor Hall join us with a range of gifts and talents; opportunities abound to share these within and beyond our community. Taught by inspirational professionals in their field, the performing arts offer builds confidence and resilience, encouraging risk-taking and creativity.

Pupils use our first-class Creative Arts facilities to be both creative and interpretative and can develop their skills in a broad range of disciplines, encompassing Fine Art, Ceramics, Design and Technology, Textiles and Food Technology, under the guidance of a highly-skilled teaching team.

All aspects of dance are celebrated at Tudor Hall and pupils can explore a range of dance styles; each individual’s talent is nurtured and we build confidence in those who are new to dance. Twice a year, pupils can perform on stage to an audience of friends and family; our showcases are a fantastic opportunity for all aspiring dancers and are a joy to watch.

Ballet*

Syllabus material is taught with the aim of learning new ballet steps to build more confidence. The sessions are inspiring, exciting and challenging. All groups explore and learn choreography to be performed at school dance shows. Pointe work is also offered to pupils who are considered physically ready.

Tudor Hall Dance Crews: Evolution and Reaction Dance

Pupils who show a keen interest in dance and demonstrate commitment are invited to join Evolution, with the potential to progress to Reaction Dance. In weekly choreography sessions pupils work as a team, sharing ideas and skills with the goal of producing original movement material for performances at the end of the Autumn and Summer terms.

Our in-house school dance company made up of pupils who have a real passion for dance and who show maturity, independence, reliability and a willingness to use their individual skills to improvise and choreograph imaginative sequences. The pupils work in a supportive, proactive environment, demonstrating solid technique and knowledge of dance components.

Dance clubs include: Group Dance, Solo and Duo Choreography, Commercial, Hip Hop, Open Dance

*Note that some options in Music, Dance and Drama are paid-for extras.

Drama at Tudor Hall allows pupils a multitude of opportunities to develop their theatre skills, acting talents, gain confidence and, most importantly, have fun.

Rarely a week goes by without a drama event taking place in our wonderful purpose-built and fully equipped Drama Studio with tiered seating, opened by Old Tudorian and Academy Award Winner, Serena Armitage.

Whether it be rehearsals for the Whole School Production or the Junior Production, LAMDA Showcase or pupil-directed dramas, there is something for everyone. There is a genuine buzz around the Studio in which the pupils are encouraged to play and be creative, to immerse themselves in new worlds and walk in other people’s shoes.

Each year we perform either a Senior Production and a Junior Production or one Whole School Production. Drama at Tudor aims to be inclusive and, therefore, casts are often large. Pupils in all years have the chance to take part and this starts in Todd when the whole year group are involved in the Christmas Play.

Drama clubs include: Todd (Year 7) Drama Club, Tudor Techies, Improvisation Club, LAMDA Speech and Drama Lessons*, Sixth Form Play Club, Whole School Production Rehearsals and Junior Production rehearsals. Chipping Norton Youth Theatre We have an exciting partnership with Chipping Norton Youth Theatre, who run their sessions at Tudor Hall. Pupils who are keen to get involved in this exciting opportunity can sign up for this club as a paid extra activity. Pupils will work with a variety of other young people from the local area to produce performances at the end of each term.

The Music School is always a hub of activity and creativity. Over 140 individual music lessons happen every week; we believe that being able to play an instrument or sing is a fantastic asset, whatever the level of expertise. Pupils gain confidence and intellectual acumen, build spatial and sequencing skills, bond with others in ensembles, and can relax whilst playing their instruments or singing with friends.

Our calendar of concerts caters for all musical tastes, including:

• Tudor Fest – a real music festival where our pupils are given the opportunity to perform Musicals – junior and full school productions each year

• Music department concerts - every half term

• Performance Platforms - termly full school concerts for all years

• Open mic evenings – for any pupil who wishes to perform contemporary music, in an informal setting

• ‘Songs From the Shows’ - musicals evenings

• Annual House music competition

• Parent lunch performances

• Music tours and trips

• External events - Christmas Carol concert and Confirmation at St Mary’s Church; local music festivals and competitive opportunities; local community events and performances for local charities

Music ensembles include: Orchestra, Chamber Choir, Senior Choir, Syncopation (Junior Choir), Flute Ensemble, String Group, Senior and Junior Contemporary Bands and Theory Group.

Individual music lessons*

Pupils can take lessons in the following disciplines and, if any girl requires lessons in an instrument not listed, we will endeavour to source an appropriate visiting teacher to join our existing peripatetic music teachers: Piano, Singing, Guitar, Drum-kit, Percussion, Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Harp, Flute, Recorder, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Saxophone, Cornet, Trumpet, Trombone, French Horn, Euphonium, Tuba.