Art, Music & Drama

In St. Joseph’s Grammar School / Scoil Iósaef, we understand the value of participating in the creative arts. 

 

With global employers crying out for graduates with skills that meet the needs of the 21st-century economy – from innovation to critical thinking and adaptability – we consciously place a high value on creativity and are constantly looking for exciting and engaging ways to nurture these skills in our students. In St. Joseph’s / Scoil Iósaef we believe that the arts can act as a key, unlocking many of the skills that inspire children to engage with their studies and love learning.

 

Art, music and drama are a vital and enriching part of education at St. Joseph’s / Scoil Iósaef. They allow the students to develop alternative approaches and strategies for problem-solving and thinking. Even if students do not follow on to a creative career, they take with them the ability and skills to think differently and numerous studies have shown that employers value individuals with fresh viewpoints who can find alternative means to solutions.

 

Drama

​

In 2016, our state-of-the-art Drama Suite was opened as part of a £4 million capital investment project, providing our students with a first-class facility equipped with the latest technology. Students at Key Stage 3 have Drama once per week, with the curriculum designed to inspire creativity, selfexpression, and critical thinking.

​

The focus of Key Stage 3 Drama is underpinned by William Shakespeare’s mantra, “All the world’s a stage.” We believe that every student should have the opportunity to express themselves fully and freely. In Year 8, students develop fundamental dramatic skills such as facial expression and body language. In Year 9, the curriculum explores a range of playwrights from Willy Russell to Brian Friel, while also engaging students in creating and analysing short films using our Green Screen. Year 10 builds on these skills, with students analysing scripts and developing detailed character profiles in preparation for GCSE. We are delighted to now offer GCSE Drama, allowing students to deepen their understanding of performance, theatre theory and practical skills.

​

Dramatic play is essential for children’s learning, particularly in fostering empathy and self-control. Students learn to empathise by viewing the world from different perspectives; those of peers, adults and characters in stories, developing crucial social and emotional skills that underpin academic success and personal growth. Research in educational theory consistently shows that engagement in Drama enhances cognitive development, communication skills and creativity, making it a vital part of a balanced curriculum.

​

Many of our students showcase their talents on stage at Bardic, CRAIC and Armagh Market Place, demonstrating the vibrancy of our performing arts culture. Some students have gone on to develop careers in Drama and you will see them on Television series such as Blue Lights and Derry Girls. Our afterschool Drama Club is very popular, and a recent highlight was our sellout performance of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in October 2022, showcasing the talent and dedication of our students.

 

Art and Design

​

Art and Design at our school is about unlocking potential and inspiring creativity. From the moment students join us in Year 8, they embark on an exciting journey of self-expression and discovery. They learn to think independently, experiment boldly, and develop the skills that will shape their future.

 

Our curriculum builds strong foundations in artistic techniques while encouraging imagination and innovation. At GCSE and A Level, students refine their craft and explore personal ideas, preparing for opportunities in the thriving creative industries - one of the fastest-growing sectors in the UK and Ireland.

 

Learning does not stop at the classroom door. Students work alongside professional artists and craftspeople in dynamic workshops, gaining real-world insights. They visit galleries, attend artist lectures, and travel abroad to experience world-class art and architecture - broadening horizons and sparking inspiration.

 

Art and Design is not just a subject; it is a gateway to creativity, confidence, and limitless possibilities.