Expressive and Performing Arts
Drama and theatre studies
Collegiate's drama department is one of the largest and most successful in the country. AQA Drama’s chief examiner uses our students’ performances as evidence of excellence for other schools, and Collegiate's drama has been appreciated and experienced throughout the world.
In addition to having extensive teaching expertise and a full-time technician, students regularly work with world-class theatre practitioners, academics and performers. There are also frequent theatre trips to Bristol, Bath, Cheltenham, London and Stratford, as well as in-house performances by British and global theatre companies.
The department enjoys close links with Bristol Old Vic. Many students are part of Bristol Old Vic’s Young Company and have gone on to be core members of Bristol Old Vic’s graduate companies. Our students have gained coveted places at top drama schools, LAMDA, ArtsEd, Royal Welsh College, Central School of Speech and Drama, Institute of the Arts Barcelona and Rose Bruford.
The drama department’s home is the Harry Crook Theatre, an exceptionally well-equipped, 200-seat auditorium designed for lessons, workshops and performances. Here, students practise multiple acting styles and genres and explore design and technical theatre. Drama Club and the Technical Club open up weekly opportunities to journey deeper into the world of drama.
Music
Music at Collegiate is vibrant, creative and inclusive. We encourage every student to find their joy in music, so they can develop confidence as well as reduce stress, boost memory and increase focus – all proven benefits of learning an instrument.
Many of our students enjoy instrumental lessons from our team of specialist peripatetic teachers, either taking graded examinations or learning purely for enjoyment. Whether they choose to keep their music to themselves or participate fully in concerts and annual house competitions, the emphasis is on the pleasure of creating music, both as a soloist and in a group.
We hold regular concerts, and our musicians frequently perform in the local community. Singing at Charter Day in Bristol Cathedral is a prestigious annual event and one which involves all school vocalists, and the Bristol Eisteddfod offers all performers an opportunity to compete against other independent schools.
Performing is at the very heart of the school, and we also believe in enhancing students’ musical experience with trips to local concerts and theatres throughout the year.
Our teaching space, Chatterton Hall, is a 210-seat concert hall, equipped with retractable seating, a grand piano and an electronic organ. Our teaching and practice rooms and band room are well-equipped, and our music classroom has industry-standard PCs, Macs and keyboards.
Physical Education
Collegiate has a strong competitive-sport ethos. Yes, our games programme promotes physical health and social interaction, but we also believe in giving every student the chance to represent the school in team and individual sports.
Key Stage 3 students learn skills in practical lessons. As they progress to GCSE and BTEC, they develop their sporting performance through an improved understanding of sports physiology, psychology, diet and nutrition, health and fitness and explore contemporary issues in the world of sport.
Collegiate has a strong tradition of inter- and intra-school competition. Regular fixtures against other schools are midweek and on Saturdays, and we run termly house matches, so there are many opportunities for students to participate competitively.
Beyond organised sport, in lunchtime and after-school sports clubs, we encourage students to develop an active lifestyle and find a routine that they can continue as a fundamental part of their lives.
