The Arts

The Arts play a significant part in Wycombe life, not just as part of the curriculum but also as part of the wider life of the School outside the classroom.

Girls are encouraged to develop their creative abilities at the level that is appropriate and whilst we try to stretch the most talented we also aim to develop the creative side of all girls, not just those with outstanding ability.

Music is an integral part of the life of the School.  Nearly three quarters of the pupils play at least one musical instrument and many study two.   Each year girls enter for the Associated Board examinations and many achieve Merit or Distinction at Grade 8. Many are successful in open competitions, in gaining Advanced Certificates, in winning Choral Scholarships at Cambridge and in gaining selection for the National Youth Orchestra.  Pupils may also study Music to A level as part of the academic curriculum. 

The School’s strong tradition of singing is reflected in annual choral concerts, often with other schools such as Eton, and in frequent musical productions.  The Chapel Choir undertakes a bi-annual overseas tour; it has recently given concerts in Prague, Budapest, Italy and Paris.

The School has two orchestras, string, wind and vocal ensembles, a choral society and three choirs.  Professional musicians are regularly invited to perform and give master classes.

The Archer Recital Hall and the Music School give the musicians exceptionally good facilities in which to work and there are many opportunities for individual performances in frequent recitals and informal concerts

Drama and Art and Design are important in the lives of the girls.  There is enormous enthusiasm for these subjects and high standards are achieved at all levels. Facilities are continually expanding to enable pupils to gain an increasingly rich variety of experience and the opportunities to develop not only their own skills in performance, creativity and craftsmanship, but also their critical and appreciative faculties as members of an audience or as observers. 

The Lancaster Arts Centre offers equally splendid facilities to the many girls who enjoy Drama. They have the opportunity to work in a fully equipped modern theatre, performing in and/or helping to direct the frequent plays and entertainments.  They can also learn the technical aspects of theatre: stage management, costume, stage design, sound and lighting, instructed and supervised by a full time professionally qualified stage manager.