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Best Schools for Performing Arts, Abu Dhabi, Dubai
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Jumeirah College

Known mainly for its position as the only fully UK curriculum GEMS Secondary only school and with a strong focus on academics, all Jumeirah College students take Drama and Music up to the end of Year 9 and the school also offers both GCSE and GCE A Level Music and Drama.

In Music, students learn a variety of instruments, as well as the basics of composition and harmony. Students take Music exams with both Trinity and ABRSM. Approximately 40% of students study an instrument. This includes both with the GEMS Music Academy and with external providers.

The College has two music classrooms for the teaching of the Music National Curriculum as well as GCSE and A Level Music. In addition, there is a fully equipped Music Technology laboratory and a state of the art recording studio, six sound proofed en-suite practice rooms where individual students can practice instruments or singing without disturbing on-going sessions. The College has a wide range of wind, string and percussion instruments as well as computer keyboards and other Music Technology equipment.

All students study drama at Key Stage 3 (KS3) for one lesson a week. The KS3 curriculum includes: physical theatre development, theatre practitioner conceptual, contextual and practical explorations. Development of skills such as: devising, script work, monologues, surrealism, effective dialogue and stagecraft. Over 40% achieved a level 7 by the end of KS3 in drama in 2016. Many of the level 7 and 8 students make the transition to GCSE Drama yearly.

Students frequently cite drama as their favourite subject. Practical exploration, discussion, reflection, working individually, in pairs, groups and as a class, script work and the use of music and lighting, ensure that drama appeals to all learning styles. Often students who struggle to achieve in a conventional classroom find the creativity from drama activities an avenue where they can succeed and reach their potential. The College notes that this can clearly be seen in the examination results of special educational needs students and their capabilities.

Drama is an optional subject at Key Stage 4 (KS4) with over 60 students currently taking the option at GCSE. Drama and Theatre Studies is an optional subject at A Level (KS5) – and some of the most gifted and talented students opt for these subjects at this level.

Ex JC Students are currently studying drama and performing arts at some of the best drama schools and universities for drama all over the world. This year’s cohort, six students have secured places, and three of those students have secured unconditional offers at prestigious drama schools in the UK, USA and New Zealand.

GEMS_INARTICLE  

The College supports students in the examination classes in Trinity College London Speech and Drama. Students have been offered tuition for the past 4 years and achieve among the highest scores in the Middle East for both individual and group devised examinations with over 100 students taking an examination ranging from Grade 2 to Grade 8, all receiving merit or distinction.

The College has two Drama Studios one of which has a high quality wood, sprung-board floor and facilities for en-suite sound and light requirements.

Performing Arts are popular extra-curricular activities, with a variety of clubs across all year groups. A dance subject specialist works with students when creating links to physicality and movement. Approximately 100 students who are involved in the Dance opportunities. 

Students take part in a wide range of external competitions. These include GEMS organised events, such as the GEMS Young Musician of the Year, as well as other events – for example the BSME Young Musician of the Gulf, and the CMA Young Musician of the Year.

At a glance:

Dance Drama Music
Number of staff 5 (including 1 Dance specialist)
Grade/year groups taught Extra-curricular only Years 7-9 – core curriculum one lesson per week;

Years 10-11 – GCSE Drama option;

Years 12-13 – GCE A Level Theatre Studies option

Years 7-9 – core curriculum one lesson per week;

Years 10-11 – GCSE Music option;

Years 12-13 – GCE A Level Music option

Instruments are taught as part of the core curriculum n/a n/a Keyboard, guitars, xylophone, recorders, percussion.
External Examinations Trinity Speech and Drama ABRSM

 

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Lis ONeal

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