Performing Arts

Drama at Tockington Manor School

Drama has an integral role within the school curriculum and throughout the year various productions take place – from short pieces presented at morning assembly or in class through to full-scale musicals involving the entire school. We are extremely proud of our whole school musicals, as they are particularly beneficial to our Year 7 and Year 8 children who have the chance to audition for the lead roles (it would be unlikely for this age group to play a lead if they were in a senior school).  Several of our past pupils have gone on to perform in London’s West End.

Performances from last year included:

Year 3 & 4’s annual Shakespeare Festival

This included some excellent performances of Romeo and Juliet, MacBeth and Hamlet.

Year 5 & 6’s magical production of Finding Nemo

This year’s performance meant all hands on deck for make up and costumes!

Year 7 & 8’s Wind in the Willows

A brilliant way for the Year 8 performers to end their time at Tockington

Music at Tockington Manor School

Taught by our specialist Music Teachers, all children benefit from whole class music lessons – even including our Nursery children! Over the years we have invested in purcha,sing a wide range of musical instruments that are readily available for use meaning each and every child can ‘have a go’.  Children often go on to achieve wonderful things including high grades in ARSBM and Trinity exams.  In the past a number of children have gone on to perform in the National Youth Choir and gained scholarships to senior schools.

Choir, Orchestra and Ensembles

The school runs choirs for each age group and they perform at various times during the year including the Carol Service, Fun Day and Speech Day. We also run instrumental groups and an orchestra. 

Private Music Lessons

Children have the opportunity to learn a variety of different instruments including trumpet, strings, piano and many more through private lessons on site and during the school day. Practical and theory examinations may be taken each term. If they wish children are encouraged to perform to the rest of the school during assembly.

Music Tech

Pupils use state-or-the-art technology and the latest music and multi-media software as part of a fully rounded curriculum. 

Dance

Boys and girls between the ages of three and ten take part in class dance/drama lessons. The aim is to use the body in a rhythmical and expressive way, using a variety of stimuli.  Pupils are encouraged to participate at their own level and, where they demonstrate particular interest and talent further specialist tuition can be made available.

Visiting dance teachers provide tuition in Ballet, Tap and Limbering Jazz Dance and if they wish children can be entered to the Children’s Grade Examinations of the Royal Academy of Dancing.

Facilities

Our Russell Music & Performing Arts Suite features a multi-use music and dance studio plus individual music practice rooms for one-to-one music lessons provided in school time by peripatetic teachers. This suite was made possible thanks to the fundraising efforts of the Friends of Tockington Manor (FOTM) and with support from Clifton College.

Partnerships

Strong links to The Bristol Hippodrome support the school’s music and drama curriculum and offer many opportunities for our pupils. Building on our objectives within arts and music, older children can attend a careers insight morning with the theatre, giving them the opportunity to explore behind the scenes, experience lighting and sound demonstrations and hear first-hand from people