We believe that creativity lies at the heart of great education, providing well-documented benefits in thinking skills, teamwork, leadership and health and wellbeing.
It’s at the core of our curriculum, but no more so than in the Performing Arts. We believe creativity exists in all of our pupils and through regular performances, public and internal, we seek to give them the opportunities, means and confidence to use it.
Drama performances are always a highlight of the High School year.
The Drama department produces a large-scale musical biennially, as well as plays for pupils in F2-6. Productions have included We Will Rock You, Fiddler on the Roof, Emil and the Detectives, Les Misérables and many more!Â
Performances are public, with the musical productions staged at either the Gardyne Theatre or – as was the case with We Will Rock You – as the centrepiece of a multi-day, outdoor festival at Mayfield!Â
Pupils routinely form the backstage and technical crew for all main school productions, and perform within a school band that provides the live music for the shows. Everyone plays a vital role, so even those who don’t want to be on stage have the chance to play a full part.
The Drama department has welcomed some inspiring guests to help our pupils hone their stagecraft!
Well-known actress, former pupil, Joanna Vanderham made a return to the School to host an acting session with current pupils, while West End star Sam Hiller paid a visit to take our pupils through a hands-on masterclass.
A particular highlight for our L6 and L7 pupils is the chance to perform in their own biennial musical productions, which usually run for a number of nights at the Gardyne Theatre or The Space. Shows have included Matilda the Musical Jr, Seussical the Musical, and Aladdin Jr.
And our Early Years pupils aren’t left out. Every year children in L1-L3 take part in a Nativity performance, which is always a big hit with parents, grandparents, pupils and staff!
The High School of Dundee is a charity, registered in Scotland under the following nomenclature: Corporation of The High School of Dundee (SC011522), High School of Dundee Foundation (SC030842) and High School of Dundee Scholarship Fund (SC011441)
