The East Barnet School Expressive Arts Faculty provides students with opportunities to develop creativity, confidence and self-expression through a wide range of artistic, physical and performance-based disciplines.
Through Art, Drama, Music, Physical Education and Photography, students explore their talents, develop practical skills and gain a deeper appreciation of creative and cultural expression.
Our curriculum encourages students to think imaginatively, work collaboratively and communicate ideas in a variety of ways. Alongside technical skill development, students build resilience, confidence and a sense of personal identity, while learning how creativity and physical activity contribute to wellbeing and lifelong enrichment.
Expressive Arts encompasses Art, Drama, Music, Physical Education and Photography, with more details about each subject below.
We believe Art and Design offers students an extraordinary experience that focuses on creativity and individuality. Our projects ensure students learn how to generate, organise, analyse and refine artistic ideas.
Our experienced and dedicated teaching staff, supported by our Artist in Residence and Art Technician, embed artistic practice in students’ learning. Through creative and imaginative activities, students develop self-expression, confidence and a strong sense of individual identity. By encouraging original ideas and drawing on insights from multiple disciplines, we support the development of well-rounded students who are ambitious in their own success.
Students arrive from Key Stage 2 with varied experiences of art education. We address these differences by teaching key practical components and revisiting them throughout projects and year groups, gradually increasing complexity and reinforcing previous learning.
As students revisit and refine these skills, they build a strong foundation of knowledge and techniques that allow them to broaden their creativity and inquiry. Our Art curriculum encourages students to think critically, experiment confidently and embrace mistakes as part of the creative process.
We are committed to supporting every student and sharing our passion for Art. With high expectations and an inclusive learning environment, we aim to prepare students for the next stage of their education and creative lives beyond school.
The Drama curriculum at EBS is designed to develop essential communication and collaboration skills from the moment students begin studying the subject. Drama equips students with lifelong skills including public speaking, teamwork, physical coordination and creative expression.
From Year 7 onwards, students develop skills that progress naturally towards the requirements of GCSE and A-Level study, ensuring clear progression across Key Stages.
Schemes of work focus on both drama techniques and issue-based topics, with the core skills of communication, collaboration, coordination and confidence underpinning all lessons. Year 7 begins with teacher-led skills workshops that introduce fundamental dramatic techniques, which are then revisited and developed throughout the curriculum.
Students are assessed regularly on collaboration, performance and evaluation, helping them reflect on and improve their work.
The Drama department strongly reflects the school values of “Do the Right Thing” and educating “The Whole Person.” Respect and inclusivity are central to our classroom environment, allowing creativity and confidence to flourish. Students explore stories and perspectives from a diverse range of cultures, identities and experiences, developing empathy and understanding of the world around them.
We offer a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities, including drama clubs, theatre visits and professional workshops. Recent opportunities include trips to see Hamilton, workshops with the Donmar Warehouse and collaborations with local theatre groups. We are passionate about making the arts accessible and inspiring students through meaningful cultural experiences.
Music is one of the largest creative industries in the world, and at East Barnet School it is an integral part of school life. All students experience a balanced and ambitious music curriculum that develops performing, composing and listening skills.
Learning an instrument develops coordination, confidence and discipline, while composing and analysing music encourages creativity, code breaking and critical thinking. Lessons are designed to be inclusive and multi-sensory, while also stretching and challenging more advanced musicians. Careful consideration has been made to allow a smooth transition from KS2 and to develop the knowledge and skills needed to be successful at KS4 and KS5. Our students celebrate diversity within music and learn about a wide range of musical genres and cultures.
Our two classically trained specialist full-time teachers work alongside a team of visiting instrumental tutors, giving students access to high-quality musical instruction. Students explore a wide range of musical genres and cultures, celebrating the diversity of music from around the world.
Our music facilities include newly equipped keyboard classrooms, African drums and computers running professional music software. Students also have opportunities to compose using industry-standard digital music technology in our music computer suite. Students are trusted to “Do the right thing” whilst they work independently or in small groups in our practice rooms. We encourage them to show respect, kindness and professionalism through teamwork, organisation, following instructions and, crucially, listening to each other. We enjoy watching our students grow in confidence and resilience as they prepare to perform either in lessons or more public performances.
Music brings people together. Students regularly rehearse and perform through ensembles, choir and orchestra, and participate in concerts and the annual school musical. These opportunities allow students to collaborate across year groups and build confidence through performance.
We love inspiring our students to enjoy and excel in music. The appreciation and understanding that they gain from their lessons and extra-curricular activities stimulates creativity and provides enrichment that can last a lifetime.
In Physical Education we aim to provide all students with a Positive Experience (PE) while developing their physical literacy. Physical literacy includes the motivation, confidence, competence, knowledge and understanding needed to value and participate in physical activity throughout life.
PE supports the development of the whole person by improving physical and mental wellbeing, developing sporting skills and encouraging important life skills such as teamwork, leadership and resilience.
Our curriculum balances skill development and tactical knowledge with emotional and cognitive development. At Key Stage 3, lessons focus on life skills and key concepts alongside a broad range of sporting activities.
Student Voice has influenced the design of our curriculum, ensuring all students experience a balanced and engaging programme. Our experienced staff are committed to developing confident, capable and motivated students.
Through PE, students have opportunities to:
At Key Stage 4, students can continue their PE journey through GCSE PE or Cambridge National Sport Science, with further progression available at A-Level.
A-Level Photography allows students to develop a wide range of creative and technical skills over two years. Students explore photography through practical work in the darkroom, digital editing with Photoshop, experimental techniques and the presentation of finished pieces.
Throughout the course, students use both primary and secondary research to inform their ideas and respond creatively to project briefs. In the second year, students undertake a more independent investigation, selecting their own theme and producing an in-depth personal study.
This process allows students to develop their own photographic style and culminates in a final exhibition of their work at the school.
Our Photography course promotes high expectations and encourages students to experiment with a wide range of media and techniques. Students work with film cameras, video, 3D processes and digital editing tools, enabling them to develop confidence, creativity and technical expertise in visual imagery.
At East Barnet School, we offer a wide range of Expressive Arts courses throughout the Key Stages, providing students with a consistent opportunity to develop their creativity, confidence and artistic skills. Expressive Arts subjects are studied during Key Stage 3, where students explore areas such as Art, Drama, Music and PE, and many continue their studies at Key Stage 4 by choosing these subjects as GCSE options. Students who are passionate about the arts are also able to continue their studies into the Sixth Form or select to study Photography. Our vibrant Expressive Arts Faculty offers a variety of extra-curricular activities, performances and exhibitions, encouraging students to express themselves, develop their talents and embrace their love of the arts.
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