At Burlington House School, Senior Performing Arts is made up of both Music and Drama, offering students an exciting, hands-on route into the creative industries through vocational qualifications. Our inclusive approach ensures all students, including those with SEND, thrive in a supportive environment where individual progress and self-expression are prioritised.
A Pathway to Progression
In Year 9, students begin a foundation course designed to introduce them to the key elements of the specialist programmes available in Years 10 and 11. This foundation year acts as a bridge between exploratory learning and vocational study, helping students build confidence and make informed decisions about their creative pathway.
In Years 10 and 11, students can pursue:
- Pearson Level 2 BTEC in Music
- RSL Level 2 Acting Vocational Qualification
Both qualifications are coursework-based, providing a practical and supportive route to learning. Students complete three units over two years to meet the Level 2 standard, equivalent to GCSE.
Transferable Skills Through the Arts
Our Music and Drama courses go far beyond performance. They help students develop a rich set of transferable skills, including:
- Communication and articulation of ideas
- Focus and discipline
- Creative problem-solving
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Time management and independent learning
- Critical thinking and evaluation
- Resilience and confidence in front of others
These skills are especially beneficial for SEND learners, as the practical and expressive nature of Performing Arts supports:
- Emotional regulation and confidence building
- Multi-sensory learning approaches tailored to individual needs
- Safe spaces for social interaction, risk-taking, and personal expression
- Increased self-esteem through regular performance opportunities and positive feedback
- Improved concentration, memory, and motor skills through musical and physical engagement
Every performance, rehearsal, and classroom activity is designed to help students grow in confidence, express themselves fully, and feel valued as individuals.
Meet Our Performing Arts Teachers
- Drama Teacher – Ms Mara Leah
- Music Teacher – Ms Maria Blasco
1:1 Peripatetic Lessons
In addition to class-based learning, we offer 1:1 peripatetic (peri) lessons with experienced professionals. These sessions are personalised and student-led, enabling learners to explore their passions and develop technical skills at their own pace. Many lessons lead to accredited qualifications, such as LAMDA.
Available Lessons & Instructors:
- LAMDA Communication – Mrs Francesca
- Drums – Mr Aran
- Singing – Ms Stephie
- Piano – Mr Sebastian
These lessons not only enrich our Performing Arts offering but also provide additional confidence-boosting and skill-building opportunities for students of all abilities.
Performance Highlights by Term
Autumn Term
Festival Concert
Spring Term
Music and Drama Level 1 & 2 Showcase
Summer Term
Festival of Colour
Senior Summer Production
