We embrace and advocate creative potential, on any level, to unleash talent, dedication and motivation”
Mrs Donia Pieters, Head of Senior School Music
Clifton High School’s Creative Arts curriculum nurtures young talent to ignite imagination and extract the confidence and skills necessary to unleash all pupils’ creative energy. It is an avenue for children to flourish emotionally, where they can explore ideas, stimulate their imagination, unearth talent and be exposed to a lifetime journey of art and culture.
Artistic development, at any year group level, plays a vital role in a child’s education the tools for children to think creatively, innovate and appreciate the far-reaching value of the arts, to maximise their own creative flair. Music, theatre, art and photography are incorporated into Clifton High School’s curriculum from the outset, developed throughout all the Year groups.
As a School, we believe that ‘artistry’ is a voice that all individuals can use to express themselves, and by providing a diverse mix of initiatives, we can ensure the arts are accessible for each of our pupils to explore and develop, and fully maximise their talents.
Please explore our variety of enriching offerings below.
Drama
Drama at Clifton High School cultivates creativity, confidence and empathy; it transforms pupils into articulate and well-rounded individuals ready to face life's stage"
Mrs Holly Adams, Head of Drama
Clifton High School’s Drama Department is focused on developing a passion for performance, offering a transformative space for pupils to hone their acting skills, explore improvisation, role play and delve into the world of stage management. Pupils learn from the grass roots up to consider set design, costume creation, acting, directing, sound and lighting to ultimately bring performances to life. Whatever the theme, our drama teachers encourage pupils to push boundaries, challenge themselves and others, and discover the power of storytelling.
Our in-house theatre, The Rose Theatre, provides a platform for students to showcase their individual talents as well as collaborate as a group to gain the skills necessary for the world stage! Workshops and co-curricular classes, led by industry professionals, also enhance the pupils’ wider understanding of what drama, as a subject, can offer them.
The culmination of months of dedication, our 2025 production of Beauty and the Beast was showcased in Clifton’s Redgrave Theatre to an energetic and captivated audience that matched that of the performers. Extending over three evenings from 5th to 7th March 2025, tickets were sold out months in advance of the show as families, friends, staff and community members looked forward with much anticipation to the evenings' entertainment. This is not surprising as year upon year, our pupils continue to exceed expectations in what they achieve on stage at the Redgrave Theatre. To read more, click here.
From the vision of our Drama teachers to the audition process through to the commitment required for the rehearsals and the ultimate endurance of a show of epic proportions, the camaraderie and commitment from all involved were a clear indication of Clifton High School’s dedication to drama.
Music
Music thrives within our Sixth Form, which is exemplified by our Sixth Form student-led choir. Their performances at all large-scale School events such as the Carol Service, Spring Concert and Rose Day, not only inspire younger pupils but also demonstrate the quiet resilience and determination an outstanding musician requires.
The Music Department is proud to have an industry-standard recording studio that many of our Sixth Form students take advantage of for academic A level study and by recording their own music and podcasts.
