Music, Art & Drama At Pembroke House
The talents developed through our music, art and drama activities add a further dimension to the lives of pupils at Pembroke House.
Every child will have the opportunity to perform, dance or play a musical instrument in one or more of our regular, eagerly-anticipated stage performances or concerts. Those who are less inclined towards the performing arts may enjoy a broad range of arts and handicrafts.
MUSIC
Pembroke takes pride in having one of the most dynamic music departments in the region. More than 100 children have instrumental and voice lessons every week from specialist resident and visiting teachers. Our new, purpose-built music school resounds with the sounds of music, including guitars, pianos, flutes and voices throughout the day. The majority of Pembroke's pupils participate in the senior and junior choir and new children are encouraged to join. There is also a junior and senior jazz band.
The rehearsals for these events take place throughout the school week. These students add to the immense cultural wealth of the school by performing in the regular school concerts, recitals, and inter-school music festivals. Music is also a vital part of Pembroke's morning assemblies, chapel services and the annual Christmas carol service. At Pembroke music provides opportunities and links between home, school and the community at large.
Music is also taught as part of the curriculum to all classes at Pembroke, introducing students to different forms of music-making and encouraging objective judgement of musical quality. At Pembroke we believe that Music contributes to the personal development of students by providing a powerful and distinctive form of communication and personal expression, enhancing emotional well-being. It also develops and stimulates the acquisition of many skills, attitudes and attributes, which can be transferred to other areas of experience and learning.
DRAMA
All pupils in the middle and senior school have drama lessons, which fall under the English department. Drama is also integral to the curriculum with major dramatic productions of exceptional quality taking place over the course of the year. Senior school plays are performed before Easter, while the Trinity term offers a middle school review. Recent performances have included Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Joseph and his Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat. Oliver is currently being rehearsed.
Our annual Nativity Play is also performed by our very youngest children at the end of the Christmas term, with every child proudly performing a speaking part. These nativity plays are unique and popular with members of the local Gilgil community, as well as people from further away, who attend annually. Pembroke House Nativities are fondly remembered by many for their unique sets (including some outdoor ones) and for their guest stars in the form of live animals!
There is also a Drama club at Pembroke House. Lamda is offered as a weekly extra at all levels and its popularity and success at external exam level is an indication of the confidence and talent shown by pupils at Pembroke House. An Examiner travels from the UK each year to adjudicate these exams.
ART AND DESIGN TECHNOLOGY
We are also very proud of our well-established art department at Pembroke House - always worth a visit as it provides a feast for the eyes.
Creative skills are developed in a broad range of media, including the traditional painting and sketching, plus more abstract expressions through pottery, sculpture, photographic interpretation and collage. Children are encouraged to participate through individual efforts and within group projects.
The vibrant design and technology department hums with creativity and activity during the academic day. It also proves very popular with our pupils as one of our many, successful extra-curricular activities.
