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Top Schools For Art, Music and the Performing Arts in the UAE. Part 1. The SchoolsCompared.com Guide for Parents..
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Best School for the Performing Arts and Broader Arts Programmes Nomination 2021:

Brighton College Abu Dhabi

Photograph of the Faculty of Fine Arts at Brighton College Abu Dhabi including a Gallry showcasing children's work and achievement

Web site: here.

Our review: here.

Contact information: here

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +971 (0) 28156504

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Curricula: A-Levels, GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education), National Curriculum for England with specialist adaptation for the UAE.

Our rating: Five stars rating

 

Background

Photograpg of students enagaged in pottery and sculture at Brighton College Abu Dhabi

Brighton College Abu Dhabi offers pupils a vibrant and challenging learning environment, and a distinctive British independent school ethos, which reflects the values and dynamic culture of Abu Dhabi and the United Arab Emirates. The College is open for pupils from Nursery to Year 13.

The three core elements that underpin all endeavours at Brighton College Abu Dhabi are Kindness, Curiosity and Confidence.

The three pillars are promoted at every grade in the college and the leadership team believes that this is one of the main reasons why they do so well in examinations and go on to some of the top universities around the world, but also have a richness and depth to their education that goes beyond exam results.

Music teaching at Brighton College Abu Dhabi is showcased here by a student playing classical guitar as part of the orchestra

The pursuit of Music and the broader Arts at Brighton College is considered as an activity worthy of great dedication in its own right, but also as a vitally important vehicle to nurture the creativity, passion and individuality of each child at the College. BC considers artistic endeavour an activity that will encourage the pupil body to be curious, courageous and original and in doing so will enliven and complement the academic life of the College in a very special way.  

Theatre productions are a mainstay of cultural life at Brighton College Abu Dhabi

“We as a College encourage the Performing Arts not least because as research has shown it increases vocabulary and IQ, and unlike some other academic disciplines Performing Arts enhance relaxation and teamwork. In all sorts of ways, I feel these things conspire to make people, in the end, more civilised than they already are.”

Mr Simon Corns, Head Master Brighton College Abu Dhabi

“It has been a privilege to lead Art and Design at Brighton College for the past three years. We are lucky to have such tremendous support for our pupils learning from both our parents and colleagues, which makes a huge contribution to our story of success. Our pupils make fantastic progress under the care of our staff and leave us to attend some of the top universities globally to study courses such as Architecture, Fine Art, Fashion, Concept Art and Art History.”

Lyndon Evans, Head of Art

 “The Music program at Brighton College is full of exceptionally hard-working pupils and staff. Both the academic and instrumental teachers work with incredible diligence to provide a differentiated learning environment that inspires children of all musical abilities. The Music team schedules a wide variety and number of performances from assemblies, to musicals, to performances in the community to showcase our students’ musical abilities. Our students have performed with passion and excellence both within the school and throughout the region in various performances and competitions.”

Elizabeth Gray, Head of Senior School Music 

“Drama and Theatre is alive and kicking at Brighton College Abu Dhabi! Teaching Drama at Brighton is a joy, as the levels of engagement and talent are exceptional. Every year we open our Theatre doors to parents, pupils, staff and the wider community, to join us in watching one of our many shows. There are performances throughout the year, which involve every year group at College. The pupils are all encouraged to participate, and are given specialist acting training, in addition to assisting with operating the technical equipment for shows, which include the follow spot, the motorised curtains, lighting rig and the sound board. There is also our House Drama competition, and a range of fantastic CCA’s, which include set design and creation, and Trinity Drama.”

Ben Daniels, Head of Senior School Drama

 

Fee range

From AED 48,900 to AED 77,720

 

Prospectus

Brighton College Prospectus 2020

 

Key Features

Mixed media and acrylics are a focus of Art study at Brighton College Abu Dhabi

 

Music

 

Performing Arts Art
Capital Investment For our 10-year anniversary in 2021 plans are in place to completely upgrade our Theatre both in furnishings and technical equipment.

 

New iMac computers for Photography

New Canon high quality photographic printer.

 

Facilities/

Infrastructure

One dedicated specialist Music teaching room in Pre-Prep along with 2 instrumental teaching rooms. For Prep and Senior School we have 3 large teaching rooms, one apple mac suite, a recording studio

4 instrumental teaching rooms, and a large ensemble rehearsal space and 6 small break out rehearsal spaces.

The school has nine pianos two are grand pianos. 5 digital full-size pianos for practicing the Rock Music Program.

Academic music classrooms and practicing rooms have over 40 digital music keyboards.

 

500 – seat Theatre with a dedicated Theatre Technician

Dance Studio with mirrors and ballet dance Barres

2 large drama studios and one teaching room

An outdoor amphitheatre used to host our annual Pre-Prep Proms and Festival of Music.

 

3 large Art classrooms

1 photography studio/IT room,

Large Art Gallery and a kiln area.

 

Recent Achievement Alexandra Vuilleumier (Year 8) won Best Bowed Instrument at the Young Musician of Gulf Competition in 2019, and was a finalist 2020

At GCSE 100% A*/A for the past two years.

Yuexuan Li (Year 5) she has participated in the First International Piano Fujairah competition and won the second place in her category.

Murray Wang (Year 6) has participated at the aforementioned piano competition and won first place in his category.

 

Top Schools Award – Best for Art in UAE.

Outstanding academic results, far exceeding national and international averages.

Doubling participation within the Art and Design department at GCSE through the inception of Photography.

Increased profile of Art and Design around the college campus

Founder of British Schools Art Exhibition in Abu Dhabi and Continuous Professional Development (CPD) group.

 

Scholarship
Specialisms Music is taught as a specialist subject to pupils from Nursery to Year 9. We offer GCSE and A Level Music. We have a vibrant instrumental scheme offering the full range of orchestral, rock and pop and vocal tuition. Pupils can learn an instrument starting in Year 1. Pupils have the opportunity to take ABRSM, Trinity and Trinity Rock and Pop instrumental examinations as well as Grade 5 Theory.

 

Our Music and Drama departments are vibrant and active throughout the whole College. HavinDance within the curriculum has also improved the standard of stage productions. Drama is taught in the curriculum for all pupils from Year 5 to Year 9 and is offered at GCSE and A Level. Trinity Drama examinations are also offered for pupils from Year 5 – 13.

 

Art, craft and Design is part of the curriculum from Nursery to Year 9. Art and Design is offered at GCSE and A Level along with Photography GCSE.

Pottery, Photography

Prop

Set design

 

Stand out features Vast amount of performance opportunities

Pre-Prep have 3 large music concerts featuring every child along with weekly performance opportunities for the instrumentalists.

Our flagship Prep School Choir has an annual booking at the Emirates Palace Tree Light Ceremony.

We have End of Term concerts for Prep and Senior School.

Introduced fortnightly Senior School lunchtime House concerts, which are attended by up to 400 pupils at a time.

Co-curricular programme provides pupils the opportunities to develop their instrumental skills either through the Orchestra, String Ensemble, Guitar group and various choirs, but also gives pupils the experience to learn a new Music skill through technology or small group theory and aural sessions. Hosts of the Abu Dhabi auditions for ChoirFest this year

The official rehearsal venue for the NSO Symphony Orchestra.

 

During E – Learning the performance of music has continued with an online community performance of the UAE National Anthem. Our pupils in both Prep and Senior School have enjoyed performing as a virtual choir and also in the competition Brighton’s Got Talent. Each Thursday we have continued our Early Morning Music series with various online solos from our instrumentalists.

 

Pupils from Nursery to Year 13 can perform in our 500-seat Theatre with a dedicated Theatre Technician in a Music concert and or a Musical Theatre production. Through the year we have 8 full-scale Musical Theatre shows with Pre-Prep to Senior School pupils.

Our Festival of Movement involves 300 pupils from across the 3 schools. Each show takes on a theme and includes 17 dance routines: plus a routine for boys.

 

Pupil leadership is encouraged within all areas of the Performing Arts whether it is through stage management, programme designing, sound and lighting skills.

 

We offer a Performing Arts trip to New York every other year, which includes workshops with Broadway Performers, an intensive tour of Broadway the sites of New York plus a Broadway show.

Pupils also have the opportunity to attend Theatre productions at New York University in Abu Dhabi.

We recently formed a relationship with Sharjah University, for GCSE and A Level Drama pupils to take part in specialist workshops.

We also host visiting Theatre companies.

 

During E-Learning pupils have had the opportunity to take part in House Drama competitions, performing monologues from Shakespeare.

 

Specialist Art Gallery.

Annual Pre-Prep Art Exhibition. Each Year group in Prep School have an exhibition Senior School viewing of the outstanding GCSE and A Level Art and Photography work.

Display (in collaboration with other British Schools in Abu Dhabi) at New Beginnings, the annual British School in Abu Dhabi Art Exhibition at Warehouse421.

 

We celebrate pupil’s artwork by displaying it on the corridor walls.

 

Annual visits to the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Art Fair and visits to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

 

During E-Learning our pupils have still been able to showcase their creativity in the Ramadan Art competition and the ‘Can’t cancel Spring’ Art and Photography competition.

 

The department adopts a daily open-door policy for pupils to work during both lunchtime and afterschool sessions under the supervision of their teachers and support staff.

 

 

 

What the Students say about Music

Student playing the violin as part of orchestral opractice at Brighton College Abu Dhabi

“At Brighton College Abu Dhabi, Music is at the heart of our life.

Our Music teachers help us foster an appreciation, knowledge and understanding of all types of music from around the world.

At Brighton College Abu Dhabi we have every opportunity to undertake individual instrumental lessons from our highly skilled international team of instrumental music teachers. We are also encouraged to participate in various musical performances at the school and in the community.

For me, last year’s highlight was the “Concertini at Emirates Palace” which enthralled everybody.

Many pupils from Brighton College Abu Dhabi have excelled in Graded Music Examinations like ABRSM and Trinity College of London.

I personally feel very enriched and fulfilled in my musical journey at Brighton College Abu Dhabi.”

Kushaal Baviskar, Year 9

 

“Music at school is so much fun.  I like learning about different types of music and also playing the violin and piano. “

Emily Durkin, Year 4

 

What The Parents Say About Music

“The music program at Brighton College Abu Dhabi is delightfully varied with children having a number of opportunities to participate in all aspects of the music curriculum.

What is really wonderful though is the great sense of inclusivity no matter what musical level your child is– the school welcomes performances and contributions in ensembles from all abilities.

The teachers are supportive and encouraging and I highly recommend the music program.”

Prep and Senior School Parent 

 

“Brighton College provides exceptional opportunities for all children in music, including the opportunity to learn instruments in school.

As a non-musical parent, I am delighted that my children have had the opportunity to learn the piano, violin, and cello and generally broaden their music education.”

Prep School Parent 

 

What the Students say about Performing Arts

Photograph of stuents learning balet and performing on stage at Brighton College Abu Dhabi. Dance plays a vital role in the cultural life of the school.

“I couldn’t be happier with the Drama department here at Brighton College.

Every lesson is exhilarating, providing each student with the ability to enjoy themselves, whilst encouraging them to step outside of their comfort zones. Whether it be the amazing productions held in our beautiful Theatre, or our day-to-day lessons, the department works tirelessly to ensure that all students can thrive in a challenging yet enthusiastic environment. Drama in our school is never boring.

There is always something new to learn from, and to look forward to!”

Sophie Helena Biervert, Year 12

 

What the parents say about Performing Arts

“Our Son has been at Brighton since Year 7 and is now in Year 12.

As a sporting child he unexpectedly immersed himself into Drama, – a true testament to the offerings available from a high-class Drama Department. From Shakespeare to Dr. Seuss, our son has participated in performances that have delighted audiences and made parents very proud.

We cannot speak more highly about dedication from staff, and their genuine interest in the well being of their pupils.

The skills learnt during Drama lessons, along with support from the Drama Faculty has developed our son into a confident young man that has a genuine interest in this subject.

His love for the congenial atmosphere and camaraderie which evolves from school practices and performances has spurred him into studying Drama at A-Level.”

Senior School Parent

 

“I am delighted with the both the quality of teaching and co- curricular provision provided by the Drama department at Brighton College.

Pupils are developed in an encouraging and supportive manner and under the guidance of experienced teachers my son has thrived.

Performing Arts is central to developing well rounded and confident young people and nowhere does this better than Brighton College Abu Dhabi.”

Prep and Senior School Parent

 

What the Students say about Art

Students dveloping drawing skills in the Faculty of Fine Arts at Brighton College Abu Dhabi in 2020

“My experience of Art in Brighton College has been exceptional.

I have grown immensely as an artist as they have taught us so many different medians and styles to expand our knowledge.

They have been able to push me to receive a 9 for my GCSEs as well as a predicted A* for my A-levels and this is attributable to both the facilities and products that are made available to us. These include a rich variety of oil paints, acrylics and water colours, which, together, allow us to develop the broadest range of skills across artistic disciplines.

Our amazing teachers push us to improve,  identifying our weaknesses to pinpoint areas of learning – and inspire us to learn new techniques to excel.”

Lilliana Givanakis, Year 13

 

What the Parents say about Art

Painting in oils, watercolour, acrylics and drawing are taught as independent disciplines at Brighton College Aby Dhabi.

“Both our daughters have flourished and excelled in their ‘A’ Level and GCSE courses under the guidance of the Art Department.

The encouragement to be ambitious with their work has allowed them to explore and develop their own styles, which has been instrumental in their University degree and Sixth Form further education choices.”

Senior School Parent

 

“Teachers and students work in partnership exploring a myriad of techniques to develop the pupils individual creative potential.”

Prep and Senior School Parent

 

Student Slipstream Graduating Institutions

Dance, contemporary and traditional ballet are just some of the features of cultural life and the Performing Arts at Brighton College Abu Dhabi

University of Aberystwyth – Drama and Theatre Studies with International Politics

University of Leeds – Comic and Concept Art

University of Edinburgh – Fine Art

St Mary’s University- Acting

Brunell

Kings, University of London

Queen Marys, University of London

NYU Tisch School of Art – Arts

Royal Conservatoire Scotland

 

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About The Author
Jane Talbot
Special Projects Reporter on SchoolsCompared.com, Jane Talbot is a renowned features journalist and researcher recognised for her in-depth and inciteful documentation of key issues facing parents in education worldwide. She brings to SchoolsCompared.com more than two decade’s experience in journalism and an authentic, deeply compassionate commitment to writing that places the welfare of children and families centre stage. “I write to support families facing the hardest decisions in education – whether that is the first day at school or navigating challenges like dyslexia. I see journalism as a vocation that promises, little by little, to change the world for the better. SchoolsCompared gives me the chance to play my part, for parents and children, in that bigger picture.”

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