the Exeter School 2019 - 2020
Welcome to the Exeter School 2019 - 2020 The 2019-2020 Arts Calendar celebrates the huge range of Art, Drama, Design Technology and Music on offer across the 7-18 age range at Exeter School. The calendar design features artwork produced by Middle Fifth pupils studying GCSE Art. Inspired by a visit to the school archive, the pupils undertook observational studies
of the school’s large collection of school memorabilia, from uniforms, to military badges, to photographs of previous Headmasters. We hope you enjoy this snapshot of Exeter School life and look forward to seeing you at one of our many events over the next academic year.
THEATRE TRIPS
CHAMBER CONCERTS
VARIOUS DATES AND LOCATIONS
VARIOUS DATES AND LOCATIONS
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 the Bristol Old Vic. The department also invites leading industry professionals to lead workshops with the pupils; we continue to be part of the CSN (Complicité Schools Network), allowing pupils access to some of the best theatre practitioners around.
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.
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JUNIOR SCHOOL DRAMA PERFORMANCES YEAR VARYING IN STYLE FROM SHAKESPEARE TO THE GRUFFALO
All of these concerts will take place at 7.30pm. Exeter School (Nov), Sidbury (April), Sidmouth (July)
INFORMAL CONCERTS Every year Exeter School holds a series of informal concerts designed to give the pupils a chance to perform in a relaxed environment. Strings // 13 November and 12 February Piano // 20 November and 4 March Brass // 4 December Woodwind // 22 January Guitar // 29 January Vocal // 5 February Harp // 26 February All of these concerts will take place in the Music School on Wednesdays at 4pm.
GCSE, AS & A LEVEL PERFORMANCES JANUARY-MAY
GCSE, Upper and Lower Sixth Formers 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.
BETWEEN 75 AND 80 CHILDREN TAKE PART IN DRAMA CLUBS ACROSS THE JUNIOR SCHOOL
NATIONAL POETRY DAY THURSDAY 3 OCTOBER
THE BIG DRAW PRIVATE VIEW THURSDAY 14 NOVEMBER ART GALLERY, 4-5PM
The Big Draw, promoted by the National Campaign for Drawing, is an opportunity for Exeter School staff and pupils of all ages to take part in a collaborative artistic 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 ‘Play’ and the Art department set up a series of games that participants engaged with in order to determine their colour, shape and time to produce their mark.
Every year the Junior School English department holds a poetry competition for the whole school. We choose the date to coincide with National Poetry Day and lessons are taught around the specific theme. This year, the theme is ‘Truth’. The children are hugely imaginative and inventive when it comes to exploring the theme. Last year, for the first time, we collected every one of the 148 entries into our own ‘Junior School Anthology’, which holds pride of place in our wonderful library. The children love to read it and enjoy their friends’ poems.
DESIGN AND ENGINEER A MARBLE RUN DAY AUTUMN TERM
Upper Two pupils are invited to spend a day designing and making their own marble run.
COMPANY SENIOR SCHOOL MUSICAL THURSDAY 28 NOVEMBER SATURDAY 30 NOVEMBER SCHOOL HALL, 7.30PM
Recently in the West End, Company is a Grammy and Tony award-winning musical. Written in 1970, with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by George Furth, the original production was nominated for a record-setting fourteen Tony Awards and won six. Its plot revolves around ‘Bobby’, the five married couples who are Bobby’s best friends, and Bobby’s three girlfriends. Full of brilliant music, this is going to be a really exciting and entertaining production which showcases the incredibly talented actors and musicians at Exeter School.
FORM ONE PUPILS USE HARIBO TO MAKE MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
ADVENT CAROL SERVICE SUNDAY 1 DECEMBER CHAPEL, 5PM
COMPANY
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.
NATIONAL TRUST CHRISTMAS CONCERT TUESDAY 10 DECEMBER EXETER CATHEDRAL, 7.30PM
The annual concert in aid of the Friends of the National Trust 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.
THERE ARE FOUR ART TRIPS EVERY YEAR FOR SENIOR SCHOOL PUPILS INCLUDING LONDON, BRISTOL AND ST IVES THE SENIOR SCHOOL ART DEPARTMENT IS SUCH A LOVELY WORKSPACE WITH WELCOMING, SUPPORTIVE TEACHERS AND GREAT FACILITIES. IT IS A PLEASURE TO BE A PART OF CHARLOTTE, AGED 16
CHRISTMAS CONCERT TUESDAY 17 DECEMBER SCHOOL HALL, 7.30PM
JUNIOR SCHOOL CAROL SERVICE FRIDAY 13 DECEMBER 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.
A grand finale to the term 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 African drumming.
ST IVES ART SHOW MONDAY 6 JANUARY - FRIDAY 17 JANUARY 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 Newlyn and Exchange Galleries and an exclusive 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.
MACBETH / THE TEMPEST JUNIOR SCHOOL DRAMA CLUB MACBETH - MONDAY 11 NOVEMBER, 7PM THE TEMPEST - WEDNESDAY 11 MARCH, 4PM EXETER PHOENIX AND DRAMA STUDIO
JUNIOR SCHOOL ART CLUB AUTUMN TERM
Art Club runs throughout the autumn term for the younger pupils. It offers the chance to be creative outside of the curriculum! In the past we have included string art, dream jars, clay projects and a lovely polar bear inspired project making our own sock polar bears.
The Lower Two and Upper Two Drama Club is held after school on Wednesday, every week during the school year. Every other year, the children take part in the Shakespeare Schools Festival – the largest Shakespeare Festival in the world. This year, in November, the children will be performing Macbeth at Exeter Phoenix. In preparation, they work with the Festival’s team of professional directors and actors. The children will also be working on a performance of The Tempest, which will take place in our own, purpose built, Drama Studio.
THE SCHOOL’S OWN ART GALLERY EXHIBITS PUPILS’ ARTWORK ALL YEAR ROUND
BEING JUNIOR SCHOOL ART MONITOR HAS BEEN A PRIVILEGE. I ENJOY THE RESPONSIBILITY, THE ART PROJECTS WE ARE INVOLVED IN AND SETTING UP ACTIVITIES FOR THE YOUNGER CHILDREN CAITLIN, AGED 11
LOWER SIXTH ART EXHIBITION PRIVATE VIEW THURSDAY 27 FEBRUARY ART GALLERY, 4 - 5PM
DT: F1 IN SCHOOLS JANUARY
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.
An exhibition in the Senior School Art Gallery in February showcases the body of interdisciplinary work produced by 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.
THE LOVE OF A NIGHTINGALE MIDDLE FIFTH PLAY FRIDAY 31 JANUARY SATURDAY 1 FEBRUARY DRAMA STUDIO, 7.30PM
Timberlake Wertenbaker’s play, The Love of the Nightingale, is an adaptation of the myth of Tereus, Procne and Philomela, from Ovid’s Metamorphoses. The play powerfully fuses elements from Greek myth, history and drama to make a play that is as original as it is modern. This is a fast paced tragedy which pulls at all your emotions. It holds up a mirror to humanity’s flaws and though it provides no answers its central argument is that questions should at least be asked.
CHORAL SOCIETY
JUNIOR SCHOOL CONCERT
THURSDAY 12 MARCH EXETER CATHEDRAL, 7.30PM
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, the Choral Society Concert is conducted by Mr Tamblyn, Mr Brimelow and Mrs Guthrie. This year’s piece is Carmina Burana, with several solos sung by pupils.
TUESDAY 24 MARCH SCHOOL HALL, 7PM
DT TRIP TO LAND ROVER, MORGAN AND JAGUAR SUNDAY 15 - MONDAY 16 MARCH BIRMINGHAM AND MALVERN
Middle Fifth DT pupils will visit the Land Rover, Morgan and Jaguar automotive factories to study their different production styles. The day truly brings manufacturing to life and complements pupils’ classroom learning.
The biggest musical event of the Junior School year, this themed concert involves the entire school singing a selection of songs together. This year the theme will be ‘Colours’ and we will be performing Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat in the second half. The concert also features each of the instrumental and vocal ensembles and reflects the wide variety of musical opportunities for this younger age group, from African drumming to the harp.
WATERAID CONCERT WEDNESDAY 6 MAY ST MICHAEL’S CHURCH, HEAVITREE, 7.30PM
ROMEO & JULIET LOWER SCHOOL PLAY THURSDAY 30 APRIL FRIDAY 1 MAY SCHOOL HALL, 7.30PM
The Lower School take on an abridged version of Shakespeare’s most famous play. This tragic love story is about two young star-crossed lovers whose deaths ultimately reconcile their feuding families. It was among Shakespeare’s most popular plays during his lifetime and, along with Hamlet, is one of his most frequently performed plays. This promises to be fast-paced, exciting and have a modern twist. The young cast will amaze you with the retelling of this fantastic play.
For the 19th year running, Exeter School’s musicians and singers will 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 and Jazz Band 1 while the younger members perform in the Concert Orchestra.
MIDDLE SCHOOL CONCERT THURSDAY 14 MAY MUSIC HALL, 7.30PM
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.
“THE NATIONAL TRUST CONCERT WAS SIMPLY THRILLING; PERFORMING INSIDE THE CATHEDRAL WAS SUCH A GREAT EXPERIENCE” TRISTAN, AGED 13
SIXTH FORM LIFE DRAWING EXHIBITION TUESDAY 5 MAY - THURSDAY 21 MAY ART GALLERY
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.
THE GRUFFALO FORM ONE AND UPPER ONE DRAMA CLUB WEDNESDAY 6 MAY DRAMA STUDIO, 4PM
Form One and Upper One Drama Club are going to be tackling ‘The Gruffalo’. This timeless and magical story will be told using extra songs and dances and every member of the cast will have their part to play in making this a magical experience for the audience of parents, family and friends.
JUNIOR SCHOOL MUSIC CELEBRATION MONDAY 8 JUNE MUSIC SCHOOL HALL, 2.30PM - 3.30PM
WESC EXHIBITION
This event is an opportunity for 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, Wind Band and Brass Group, along with solo performances by pupils learning orchestral instruments.
PRIVATE VIEW MONDAY 8 JUNE ART GALLERY, 6-7.30PM
Exeter School is delighted to host the eighth 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.
JUNIOR SCHOOL ART AND DT SHOW SUMMER TERM TBC
At the end of the year, there will be an opportunity to visit the Junior School Art & DT Show, demonstrating the wealth of work created over the year by Junior School pupils.
UPPER TWO ART MASTERCLASS
JAZZ CONCERT FRIDAY 26 JUNE SCHOOL HALL, 6.30PM
SUMMER TERM TBC
Upper Two pupils attend a printing workshop run by Senior School Staff in the summer term. This forms part of their Textiles project, and is another opportunity for transition into the Senior School.
SUMMER ART AND DT SHOW PRIVATE VIEW MONDAY 22 JUNE ART AND DT DEPARTMENTS, 6 - 8PM
“I CAN USE MY DT SKILLS IN THE FUTURE!” FAN YE, AGED 10
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. (FYI held in two separate departments)
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.
OVER 500 INDIVIDUAL MUSIC LESSONS EVERY WEEK
I LOVED THE SPRING CONCERT; IT WAS MY FIRST TIME IN AN ORCHESTRA KATE, AGED 9
HOUSE SONG THURSDAY 2 JULY SCHOOL HALL
HOORAY FOR HOLLYWOOD FRIDAY 26 JUNE SATURDAY 27 JUNE DRAMA STUDIO
Upper Two children say farewell to the Junior School with a performance extravaganza. This year, we are going to be travelling to America for Hooray for Hollywood. The show will be an homage to all those wonderful old Hollywood musicals. The performance is split into three acts, one for each class, and each act tells a different story, including well-known songs. Every child will take part in a way which suits their talent and leave the Junior School with wonderful memories and the applause still ringing in their ears.
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, and compete in a school competition for the entertainment of their peers and teachers.
“I REALLY ENJOY ART AND DT BECAUSE THE TEACHERS MAKE IT FUN” ANDREW, AGED 10
KEYRING CAD PROJECT SUMMER TERM
Upper One pupils will learn how to make their own keyring using Computer Aided Design Software in the Senior School DT department.
HOUSE TALENT SHOW JULY
This biennial event is open to pupils from Exeter Junior School’s four Houses, Grenville, Blake, Scott and Gilbert. Pupils put on a wide variety of acts from juggling to singing to represent their Houses. An entertaining afternoon for the whole school to watch, this event is usually judged by the Governors of Exeter Junior School.
“THE VARIETY OF PRODUCTIONS WE SEE AS WELL AS THE WORKSHOPS WE ATTEND FROM VISITING PRACTITIONERS HAS BEEN INCREDIBLY INSPIRING” FRANCESCA, AGED 17
DT COURSEWORK RANGED FROM LAMPS TO RADIOCONTROLLED AIRCRAFT AND SURFBOARDS IN 2019
I LIKE THE FREEDOM WITHIN DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY TO MAKE YOUR PROJECT YOUR OWN WAY DANNY, AGED 15
ART MONITORS 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.
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.
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.
Exeter School, Victoria Park Road, Exeter EX2 4NS | 01392 258712 Follow us @ExeterSchoolUK For more information please visit www.exeterschool.org.uk This publication was produced at Exeter School and printed by Brightsea Print Group