School Life
In Friends’ Preparatory Department, we nurture and value creativity.
Artistic expression is actively encouraged and celebrated. We know that pupil wellbeing is enhanced through meaningful creative expression, and we aspire to embed a cultural appreciation of the Arts that will last a lifetime.
Each class uses the Charanga music platform as part of the curriculum and all children are taught to play the recorder from Prep 4 onwards. The PTA has invested in both instruments and workshops to enhance our provision. Our Choir regularly performs at school events including the Friends’ School Annual Spring Concert at the Ulster Hall.
AS well as curriculum based drama and role-play, Friends’ Prep pupils perform in two school productions each academic year in the Assembly Hall. At Christmas, the whole school joins together to perform the traditional Nativity Story. The Key Stage 2 play, usually performed at the end of the spring term or early in the summer term, is a highlight of the academic year for our older pupils who work collectively on delivering a high- quality musical show for their families. Past performances include Fantastic Mr Fox, The Wizard of Oz, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Oliver!. It is important to us that any pupil who wishes to play a role on stage will have the opportunity to do so during their time in the Prep.
Art and Design plays a central role in the Preparatory Department curriculum and the children are encouraged to observe the world around them, express their own individual creativity and have lots of messy fun! We are fortunate to work in close collaboration with Grainne Kielty of ArtworksNI, who has provided workshops to pupils as part of the curriculum. Past projects with Grainne have included collaborative projects to produce large scale felting and clay pieces.
