Performing arts

Pupils demonstrate courage through frequent performances both inside and outside of lessons. Risktaking is embedded into our culture and we encourage bravery and celebrate effort as much as outcome. Performance opportunities range from in-class showcases, to regular concerts at the Academy and in local churches, to large-scale Ark and borough-wide performances in prestigious venues such as The Barbican and Royal Festival Hall – and everything inbetween!

We run a large number of school ensembles who are celebrated in regular concerts and assemblies, as well as in the wider community. Whether singing at Clapham Junction station at Christmas, performing at a local care home, or running Open Mic Nights at a local café, Bolingbroke has many longstanding musical links with the wider community. The annual school production epitomises community collaboration, linking all the Creative Arts alongside staff and parent volunteers, as well as our feeder primary schools, who are invited to watch the matinee. We have strong links with our alumni, with many returning to perform with the school production band, as well as coming back to support our annual music events. 

Our most prestigious scheme is the Music Scholar and Apprentice Programme, which identifies gifted musicians and enables them to develop their musicianship and leadership further through a number of opportunities, including performances, trips and visits, and planning and delivering pupil rehearsals. 

Lessons are available on all instruments and fees must be paid per term in advance. We fund a number of Pupil Premium lessons at a 50% subsidy for which pupils may apply to be considered. Please contact b.stone@arkbolingbrokeacademy.org for more information.

Costs per term:

• £105 Group Lesson
• £55 Group Lesson for Pupil Premium and Free School Meal pupils
• £196 Solo Lesson
• £98 Solo Lesson for Pupil Premium and Free School Meals pupils
• £50 Instrument Hire Cost 
• £30 Instrument Hire Cost for Pupil Premium and Free School Meals pupils

For further information or to book a lesson please contact music@arkbolingbrokeacademy.org

At Bolingbroke, pupils have the opportunity to take peripatetic acting lessons, either 1-to-1 or as a pair. This tuition is perfect for those seeking a creative and expressive outlet and to LAMDA examinations, if and when they would like to. LAMDA examinations are internationally-recognised, Ofqual-regulated, graded exams in acting.  Pupils can take an exam on their own (monologues) or as a pair (duologues). As pupils progress, those being entered for Grades 6-8 also gain UCAS points upon successful completion, which further broadens university prospects.

Pupils receive ten 25-minute lessons at the school per term, and travel to LAMDA (The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art) in Hammersmith in order to take their exams. These last between 20-30 minutes, and consist of presenting 2-3 monologues or scenes, and answering some Q&A-style knowledge questions. Pupils are then awarded a Pass, Merit or Distinction.

All lessons are paid for a term in advance at the following cost:

• Solo lessons - £160                     
• Duo lessons - £80
• Solo FSM - £80                           
• Duo FSM - £40

To discuss the opportunity of taking up LAMDA lessons, please email a.parker@arkbolingbrokeacademy.org