A brand new £3 million building dedicated to the study of Dance, Drama and Music. Large open-plan areas, lift to all floors, recording studio, practice rooms, production facilities, ticket office, bars and restaurant, open air theatre, full sound, lighting and IT wiring looms, courtyard, disabled acces all areas, professional acoustic divisions, props storage, video, filming and broadcast compliant.

Art and Drama ~ Creativity, and imagination

Anyone thinking Art is just splashing some paint onto paper would be wrong. At Queen Ethelburga’s, Art enhances and improves so much in a pupil. It develops the ability to think and act creatively, building sensory awareness and imagination by looking and seeing.

We therefore think Art is important. Students cover such topics as; Drawing, Painting, Printmaking, Photography, Collage, Textiles, Design, Computer and raster generated images, Sculpture, Crafts, Architecture, Model making and Constructions.

Above all else Art develops creativity which spills over into so many other subject areas.

Drama classes in Queen Ethelburga's provide a safe environment for students to explore situations, roles and relationships derived from real and imaginary life. This can be for such purposes as communicating ideas and feelings to an audience, investigating possible causes and consequences, or exploring the use of language in different contexts

Drama provides students with the opportunity to develop a range of skills such as movement, mime, improvisation, play building, scriptwriting and public speaking.

The ability to communicate well is vital at all ages and never more so than latter in adult life. An enjoyable early start in this area can develop confidence for years to come.

Appreciation of Drama is also important and many individuals have found their life long enjoyment of the theatre started when they were young.

Students are encouraged to work with confidence and enjoyment. Cooperation is fostered and each year level presents performances to the other students in Senior School, parents and friends.

Choral and Music ~ Performing ~ listening ~ composing

'Music for all' is a fundamental principle of the department's work. Participation in instrumental and choral ensembles inspires loyalty, confidence and an appreciation of quality. All pupils follow a course based on performing, listening and composing. A wide range of vocal music is available from Year 7 to 13, encompassing many styles of music including: rounds, canons, folksongs, sea shanties, hymns, spirituals, show songs, rhythm and blues, classical, rock and pop.

A number of students receive individual tuition in at least one instrument, and a wide range of instruments are enjoyably played with various degrees of skill and enthusiasm. Students are encouraged to play in the various ensembles and groups. There is a superb choir which has sung at York Minster and Ripon Cathedral. The musical course includes form singing, simple composition and theory, and an aural instruction to music classical and modern.

We feel that it is particularly important that those who play and sing should hear and enjoy good 'live' music so there are occasional visiting musicians, and visits to local concerts.

We are fortunate to be situated in an area so well provided with opportunities to see professional drama and music of the highest standards.