The Arts 2021-2022
Welcome to the Arts 2021-2022 This arts calendar is inspired by The Big Draw in which the whole school participated, and features tea bags carefully illustrated by pupils and staff on what helped get them through the lockdown period. We hope you enjoy reading it and it gives you a flavour of our cultural life. We are proud of the broad offering of art, drama, design technology and music across the 7-18 age range at Exeter School. We look forward to seeing you at one of our many events over the next academic year.
THE DRAMA DEPARTMENT
DRAMA
Theatre Trips
GCSE, AS & A level unit 1 & 2 Performances
VARIOUS DATES AND LOC ATIONS
The drama department organises regular trips throughout the year to a variety of theatres and venues, including the Theatre Royal Plymouth, the Exeter Northcott and Bristol Old Vic. The department also invites leading industry professionals to lead workshops with the pupils; we are part of the CSN (Complicité Schools Network), allowing pupils access to some of the best theatre practitioners around. DRAMA – JUNIOR SCHOOL
English Enrichment Club THROUGHOUT THE YEAR
Miss Cox holds an English enrichment club for Lower Two and Upper Two. Using the techniques she has learned from teaching in the able, gifted and talented programme at Exeter University, the children will be invited to explore language, and take new risks with their creative work.
DATES TBC
GCSE, AS and A2 pupils present their reinterpretations of existing plays, devised performance pieces and extracts from existing texts. These are rehearsed and performed as part of their WJEC/Eduqas courses. These are public examinations but performed in front of an audience made up of friends, family, pupils and staff (and for certain performances – an external examiner!). The performances offer an opportunity for academic drama pupils to demonstrate a wide range of performance skills in a variety of styles and genres.
MUSIC
DRAMA – JUNIOR SCHOOL
Informal Concerts
National Poetry Day 2021
SEPTEMBER 2021 – MARCH 2022 MUSIC SCHOOL 4pm
Every year Exeter School holds a series of informal concerts designed to give the pupils a chance to perform in a relaxed environment. MUSIC
Chamber Concerts VARIOUS DATES AND LOC ATIONS
Exeter School’s annual chamber concerts celebrate the high quality of the school’s many chamber groups. November’s concert in the atmospheric Exeter School Chapel heralds the start of the formal concert season. We are proud to perform chamber concerts at local churches in the area. Exeter School Chapel (18 November), St Giles’ Church, Sidbury (April TBC), and St Margaret’s Church, Topsham (5 July) – a chance to relax and say farewell and thank you to musical pupils leaving us this year. All of these concerts will take place at 7.30pm.
Scholars’ Concert 22 September Vocal 17 November & 2 March Strings 24 November & 9 March Piano 1 December & 16 March Guitar 26 January Brass 2 February Woodwind 9 February Harp 16 February All of these concerts take place in the music school on a Wednesday starting at 4pm.
THURSDAY 7 OC TOBER 2021
Every year Exeter Junior School English department holds a poetry competition for the whole school. This year, National Poetry Day takes place on 7 October 2021, and the theme is Choice. All the children will be busy composing poems, performing them, and using the super National Poetry Day resources to inspire their work. The children will be asked to submit a poem on the theme of Choice, and the winning poets from each year group will be awarded the role of Poet Laureate for the academic year, and an enamel badge.
“ It’s been great to join Swunkettes in the sixth form because it is a contrast to the type of music groups I was in before.” Alia aged 17
ART – JUNIOR SCHOOL
Art Club THROUGHOUT THE YEAR
Art club is offered across each of the year groups as an extra-curricular activity. The children enjoy a range of different activities and mediums.
“ I like art because it’s expressive ART and we are taught lots of different The Big Draw MONDAY 15 NOVEMBER 2021 techniques. The facilities are great The Big Draw, promoted by the National and the teachers are Campaign for Drawing, is an opportunity for Exeter School staff and pupils of all very supportive.” ages to take part in a collaborative artistic Daniel aged 13
activity in the autumn term. The Big Draw
promotes drawing as a tool for thought, creativity, social and cultural engagement and helps to dispel the notion, ‘I can’t draw!’ The theme for last year’s event was ‘climate for change’ and the art department interpreted this by inviting everyone to draw on top of teabags. This resulted in a series of tea bag panels hung together in the senior school art gallery that were full of life.
BLE I R R E T “ HE IS T
MPTION
TE
TO BE
GOOD.”
THE CAUCASIAN CHALK CIRCLE
“ Drama at Exeter School has helped me develop my creativity, imagination and passion for the arts in a fun and safe environment.” Felicity aged 15 DRAMA – SENIOR SCHOOL PL AY
The Caucasian Chalk Circle Bertolt Brecht THURSDAY 25 NOVEMBER 2021 FRIDAY 26 NOVEMBER 2021 SATURDAY 27 NOVEMBER 2021 SCHOOL HALL, 7.30pm
With many of the current debates swirling around modern society, it seems appropriate to stage this play; it focuses on a woman’s epic journey that centres on the ideas of love and risk. Grusha, the governor’s kitchen maid, flees from a city in revolt, rescuing her employer’s baby which has been left behind. She passes off the baby as her own after the governor is beheaded in the coup. The new rulers are soon overthrown and Grusha returns to the city to face a trial which will determine whether she must return the child to
his cruel and uncaring mother, who only wants custody so she can claim the child’s inheritance. A metaphorical ‘chalk circle’ is drawn around a society which has been misdirected in its priorities. Few writers have had such a dramatic impact as Bertolt Brecht – his writing has shaped a generation of writers, theatregoers and thinkers, and his dramatic theory has shaped modern theatre into what it is today. This is one of his most famous plays – funny, brutal and challenging, this is a production not to be missed. Directed by Jamie Brough.
ART
Staff Art Show MONDAY 6 DECEMBER 2021 CHAPEL, 5pm
MUSIC
Advent Carol Service SUNDAY 28 NOVEMBER 2021 CHAPEL, 5pm
A magical occasion with carol singing, traditional readings and prayers in flickering candle light. This informal occasion enables the school community to usher in the Christmas season together.
“ I love my double bass lessons because they are challenging and exciting.” Robbie aged 17
This year’s staff art show is focused on staff recreating famous pieces of artwork through photography. Staff have been encouraged to look for a piece of art to reproduce with themselves or their loved ones as the central character. The staff art show happens every year, with participants responding to either a set of materials provided or their own creative calling.
DESIGN TECHNOLOGY – JUNIOR SCHOOL
STEM Mornings THROUGHOUT THE YEAR
Each year group in the junior school will take part in a STEM morning where the focus is on using technology creatively to solve problems. Activities will include making musical instruments with Makey Makey controllers, a Lego WeDo Robots Moon project and building robots using Crumble controllers.
MUSIC
National Trust Christmas Concert WEDNESDAY 8 DECEMBER 2021 EXETER C ATHEDR AL, 7.30pm
The annual concert in aid of the Friends of the National Trust in Exeter Cathedral showcases the breadth of musical talent spanning the Senior School. Almost 200 pupils take part in various ensembles, choirs and orchestras, performing a mixture of traditional and modern pieces with a festive theme. The groups that perform are the Chamber Choir, Senior Choir, Middle School Choir, Junior Choir, Belles Canto, Vocal Ensemble, Barbershop Boys, Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra and the Senior Brass. The evening always includes a selection of readings and congregational carols.
ART – JUNIOR SCHOOL
MUSIC – JUNIOR SCHOOL
Art Monitors
Junior School Carol Service
THROUGHOUT THE YEAR
Pupils from Upper Two are given the opportunity to help with the running and organisation of the art room and also contribute towards art projects throughout the year. They are also responsible for running and ‘teaching’ small art projects to the younger children in a more informal art club.
TUESDAY 14 DECEMBER 2021 SCHOOL HALL, 2.15pm
The Carol Service is a joyous event in which every junior school pupil takes an active role. Families enjoy readings, congregational carols and a variety of musical performances. The Junior Orchestra and Junior Wind and Brass Group play a selection of Christmas numbers, and each year group sings a song telling the Christmas story. The Junior Choir and Junior Singers also contribute to this seasonal favourite in the calendar.
“ I like drumming because my teacher makes it energetic and fun!” Charlie aged 9
MUSIC
Christmas Concert THURSDAY 16 DECEMBER 2021 SCHOOL HALL, 7.30pm
A festive musical feast for the entire school from the junior school to the sixth form. The packed programme features over 15 different ensembles including Symphony Orchestra and Concert Orchestra. The diversity of styles extends to the choirs, vocal ensembles and other chamber groups. The wide range of musical genres also includes swing and funk, rock, brass and drumming.
MUSIC
Carol Service FRIDAY 17 DECEMBER 2021 EXETER C ATHEDR AL, 11am
A new addition to the Christmas celebrations, in 2021 the whole school will be finishing the autumn term with a service in Exeter Cathedral.
ART
DRAMA
St. Ives Art Show
National Youth Theatre Auditions
MONDAY 10 JANUARY 2022 ART GALLERY
Upper Fifth pupils studying GCSE art and design visit St Ives for three days to gather first-hand contextual research for their coursework projects in the autumn term. The trip includes visits to the Tate St Ives, the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden, the Newlyn and Exchange Galleries and a tour of the Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens. During the course of the weekend, the pupils work on a series of practical workshops with a professional artist, inspired by the historic artist colony in St Ives. An exhibition of the work created in response to the trip is on display in the senior school art gallery in January.
FEBRUARY 2022 DR AMA STUDIO
Every year, the drama department arranges for the National Youth Theatre to visit Exeter School so that more pupils will have the opportunity to audition for the NYT. The day consists of a three-hour workshop exploring ensemble theatre led by a National Youth Theatre associate in the morning, followed by one-toone auditions in the afternoon. In the afternoon, every pupil taking an audition will have the chance to perform their prepared three-minute speech from a published play. This is open for pupils in Middle Fifth and upwards.
“ Doing drama at Exeter School has been a great experience; whilst it was hard work and a real challenge, I’ve been able to relax and have lots of fun whilst learning.” Jodie aged 16
THE ODY S S E Y
DRAMA – MIDDLE FIFTH PL AY
The Odyssey David Farr FRIDAY 4 FEBRUARY 2022 SATURDAY 5 FEBRUARY 2022 DR AMA STUDIO, 7.30pm
David Farr’s adaptation of Homer’s epic poem mixes classical mythology with contemporary social commentary through a playful and imaginative style. When Odysseus is found shipwrecked on the shores of the present day, he is assumed to be an illegal immigrant and interrogated by immigration officers. Under interrogation, he recounts his fantastical journey which Farr has based on the original text. All the while he pines for his home and the comforting arms of his wife, a sentiment expressed through the musical refrain: this home is not my home. The excitement of the original tale – with its battles, peril and even a cyclops – is all preserved in this light-hearted reworking of an ancient story. Directed by Chris Harknett
ART
DESIGN TECHNOLOGY
Lower Sixth Form Art Exhibition
F1 in Schools
MONDAY 28 FEBRUARY 2022 ART GALLERY, 4-5pm
An exhibition in the senior school art gallery in February showcases the body of interdisciplinary work produced by the Lower Sixth Form pupils for their coursework unit. It includes directed tasks from the start of the project, as well as larger scale independent outcomes in a diverse range of media. The pupils are involved in selecting and curating the work for the exhibition, as well as producing the publicity materials to promote the event.
SPRING TERM 2022
Teams of up to six pupils compete to design, build and race an F1 style vehicle powered by compressed gas over a 20-metre course. Pupils learn CAD/CAM including CNC milling and 3D printing to create their designs after studying aerodynamic theory. The teams design a brand and raise sponsorship as part of business side of the challenge. Once they have presented their design journey to judges, they race and hope to get through the regional event to the nationals, before dreaming of the world finals.
DRAMA – JUNIOR SCHOOL
MUSIC
Junior School Drama Club
Choral Society Concert
THROUGHOUT THE YEAR
THURSDAY 17 MARCH 2022 EXETER C ATHEDR AL, 7.30pm
Drama club rotates to allow all children to participate. It is held after school and at lunchtimes. Miss Cox, Mrs Pettet, and Miss Buckingham will be working with the children on theatre skills, drama games, and an Upper One Christmas production, as well as the Upper Two summer term production. DRAMA – JUNIOR SCHOOL
Greenaway Shadowing Club SPRING AND SUMMER TERM 2022
In the spring and summer term, Miss Cox will be holding a shadowing club in the library. Children from across the junior school are invited to read the titles shortlisted for the Greenaway medal, share the books with one another, post reviews on our web page; and choose the book they would judge the winner.
DESIGN TECHNOLOGY
Trip to Landrover and Morgan SPRING TERM 2022
Middle Fifth design and technology pupils will visit the Land Rover and Morgan automotive factories to study their different production styles. The day truly brings manufacturing to life and complements pupils’ classroom learning.
More than 200 pupils, parents, staff and guests take part in the annual Exeter School Choral Society concert in Exeter Cathedral. Supported by a professional orchestra, including many of the school’s visiting music teachers, Choral Society is conducted by Mr Tamblyn, Mr Davies and Mrs Guthrie. This year’s repertoire will include Mozart’s ‘Coronation Mass’, Handel’s ‘Zadok the Priest’ and ‘The King Shall Rejoice’, Rutter’s ‘Gloria’ and Parry’s ‘I Was Glad’.
ART
Sixth Form Life Drawing Exhibition SUMMER TERM 2022 ART GALLERY, 6-7.30pm
MUSIC – JUNIOR SCHOOL
MUSIC
Junior School Concert
WaterAid Concert
THURSDAY 24 MARCH 2022 SCHOOL HALL, TIME TBC
The biggest musical event of the junior school year, this themed concert involves the entire school singing a selection of songs together. The concert also features each of their instrumental and vocal ensembles and reflects the wide variety of musical opportunities for this younger age group, from drumming to the harp.
THURSDAY 5 MAY 2022 ST. MICHAEL’S AND ALL ANGEL S’ CHURCH, HEAVITREE, EXETER, 7.30pm
Exeter School’s musicians and singers will once again perform a special charity concert to raise funds for international charity WaterAid. All proceeds will go directly to WaterAid projects in countries like Zambia, helping some of the country’s poorest communities gain access to clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene. The concert features the Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, Chamber Choir, Vocal Ensemble, Belles Canto, Barbershop Boys, Senior Brass, Jazz Band and the Concert Orchestra.
An exhibition of work produced by Lower Sixth and Upper Sixth Form pupils between November and February during the after school life drawing classes run by the art department. The studies range from quick, gestural depictions of the human form to carefully rendered tonal studies of cropped sections. The pupils’ practical work is influenced by artists such as Nicky Basford, Bill Brandt and Antony Gormley and forms an integral part of the A Level art curriculum.
“ I love art at Exeter School because of the creative freedom I’m given within the set tasks.” Tom aged 13
ART & DESIGN TECHNOLOGY – JUNIOR SCHOOL
Junior School Art & Design Technology Show SUMMER TERM 2022 ART GALLERY
At the end of the year, there will be an opportunity to visit the junior school art and DT show, demonstrating the wealth of work created over the year by junior school pupils.
DRAMA – LOWER SCHOOL PL AY
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Roald Dahl – adapted by Richard George FRIDAY 6 MAY 2022 SATURDAY 7 MAY 2022 SCHOOL HALL, 7.30pm
A version of this Roald Dahl classic written for younger pupils, this is the ‘golden ticket’ of theatrical productions this year! With lots of imaginative and creative staging, an exciting set, and all of the famous characters brought to life, this is a production that is set to be ‘scrumptious’. Once those Oompa-Loompas start singing, you will be transported to the wonderful, wacky world of Willy Wonka. Directed by Jamie Brough
MUSIC
MUSIC – JUNIOR SCHOOL
Middle School Concert
Junior School Music Celebration
TUESDAY 17 MAY 2022 MUSIC HALL, 7.30pm
MONDAY 13 JUNE 2022 MUSIC SCHOOL HALL, TIME TBC
This annual concert is an opportunity for younger senior school musicians to perform a variety of musical styles from jazz to classical, in duets and as soloists, in orchestras, choirs and bands.
This event is an opportunity for the younger junior school pupils to share their musical achievements and inspire and encourage one another. Every pupil in Form One plays the violin and a number of Upper One pupils play recorder pieces learned in class. There will also be performances by Junior Singers, Junior Orchestra, and the wind and brass group, along with solo performances by pupils learning orchestral instruments.
“ I’ve been playing the sax for four years and I love playing with other musicians in a senior ensemble.” Fred aged 14
MUSIC
MUSIC
DRAMA – JUNIOR SCHOOL
Old Exonian Concert
Jazz Concert
Declamations Finals Evening
SATURDAY 18 JUNE 2022 CHAPEL, 2.15pm
On a day when the school welcomes back many alumni, this concert provides our senior musicians with an opportunity to entertain them with solo and small ensemble items.
FRIDAY 1 JULY 2022 SENIOR SCHOOL HALL, 6.30pm
Exeter School’s hall transforms itself into an atmospheric jazz club where the audience enjoy a buffet meal with wine and the relaxed atmosphere of the end of the school year. The entertainment is a mixture of big band, swing, blues, funk, rock and world genres performed by several of the school’s jazz ensembles. An enjoyable way to usher in the summer.
“ I really enjoy music lessons as they are so fun. We sing lots of pop songs as well as traditional tunes.” Anna aged 11
SUMMER TERM 2022
This year, each junior school child will be asked to learn by heart one declamation. It could be a poem, an extract from literature or a film, a speech; anything that grabs their hearts and their minds. The form teacher will watch each declamation, and then put their favourites through to the Declamations Finals Evening. Parents will be invited to watch all the children recite; and guest judges will decide the winners and runners up.
“ Art is something I really enjoy and with the help of the school over my past three years here, my passion for the subject has grown more and more.” Isabelle aged 13 DESIGN TECHNOLOGY – JUNIOR SCHOOL
ART
WESC Exhibition SUMMER TERM 2022 ART GALLERY
Exeter School is delighted to host the annual exhibition of artwork produced by WESC Foundation pupils. The sensory artwork, produced by visually impaired pupils, highlights how art can provide a valuable means of expression – a vehicle to communicate different ideas and feelings using a range of exciting tactile mixed media.
Keyring CAD Project SUMMER TERM 2022
Upper One pupils will learn how to make their own keyring using CAD software. They will then watch the laser cutter in action, creating their personalised keyrings in the senior school DT department. ART – JUNIOR SCHOOL
Upper Two Art Masterclass SUMMER TERM 2022
Upper Two pupils attend a printing workshop run by senior school staff in the summer term. They can use the printing press to create collagraph prints.
DRAMA – JUNIOR SCHOOL
End of Year Production SUMMER TERM 2022
All Upper Two children will participate in our end of year show. Details will be provided closer to the summer term.
ART & DESIGN TECHNOLOGY
Summer Art & Design Technology Show SUMMER TERM 2022 ART & DT DEPARTMENTS, 6-8pm
The summer art and design technology show celebrates the artistic, design and engineering achievements of pupils from the Third Form through to the Upper Sixth. Across the two departments, there will be a range of exciting interdisciplinary displays of pupil work. It is an excellent opportunity to see the studio and workshop spaces in which the work has been produced and view the creative journeys undertaken by pupils in their sketchbooks and portfolios, as well as a wide range of well-executed final outcomes. A range of traditional and contemporary skills will be shown including laser cutting and 3D printing. Wood, plastic and metalwork are represented in a variety of classic designs involving engineering problem solving. Pupils and parents are invited to enjoy the exhibition and refreshments.
DESIGN TECHNOLOGY – JUNIOR SCHOOL
MUSIC – JUNIOR SCHOOL
Lower Two Robot Day
House Singing Competition
SUMMER TERM 2022
SUMMER TERM 2022
In teams, pupils will build a robotic vehicle capable of navigating a range of mazes. They use Crumble controllers and a variety of sensors to make their robot come to life.
An opportunity for pupils to come together in their houses and share their singing talents.
“ I think design technology is very useful for the future; it’s important to know about all the tools and materials and how to use them best.” Sam aged 11
“ Even though it might be challenging, DT is always fun and you can use your imagination.” Isabelle aged 10 DANCE
House Song SUMMER TERM 2022
DESIGN TECHNOLOGY
Greenpower ALL YEAR
The Greenpower Challenge is a club where pupils aged 11-16 design, make and race an electric endurance racing vehicle and combines many disciplines. A standard motor and 24-volt battery ensures racing parity. Innovation regarding aerodynamics, chassis design, mechanical and electrical design mean grids show great diversity over the 1.5 hour race.
The House Dance and House Song competitions alternate every two years and are a chance for every member of the senior school to work on a performance with other members of their house, across the 11-18 age range, to compete in a school competition for the entertainment of their peers and teachers – an occasion not to be missed!
JUNIOR SCHOOL
Range of curriculum opportunities THROUGHOUT THE YEAR
Throughout the junior school, pupils enjoy the opportunity to investigate many different mediums of art, as well as working on a sketchbook to record their journey. From sketching pencils and charcoal, to clay and papier maché, the pupils enjoy a varied curriculum. Many of these projects include cross-curricular links, for example, beautiful clay sea turtle inspired tiles complemented Upper One pupils’ geography lessons.
Victoria Park Road Exeter, Devon EX2 4NS 01392 307080 www.exeterschool.org.uk @ExeterSchoolUK