GWC Performs: How the Performing Arts benefits pupils across the School

In our society’s ever-evolving, tech-focussed world, it’s easy to overlook the profound impact the performing arts can have on young people. The advantages of which extend far beyond the stage, concert hall or classroom.

As we hurtle through December, our junior and senior pupils have been busy participating in a multitude of Christmas performances in the lead up to the end of term. As a community, we can see first hand how transformative such music and drama experiences can be for our pupils. 

Whether it’s our P1s' Barmy Bethlehem nativity, Upper Primary Carol Services, S3’s Bugsy Malone and Christmas Drama or Senior School’s Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at St Giles Cathedral, each performance offers pupils emotional, social and academic benefits that will support their learning as they progress through Watson’s:

Emotional Benefits

Boosting Self-Confidence and Self-Expression

Through classroom based activity and enrichment opportunities here at Watson’s, pupils have the freedom to channel their creativity in a supported environment, allowing them to learn to trust their abilities and take pride in their accomplishments. This boost in self-confidence often extends into other areas of their personal and academic journeys, helping them to tackle challenges with greater assurance.

Enhancing Emotional Intelligence

Acting, in particular, encourages our pupils to explore a wide range of emotions and characters, helping them to develop a stronger understanding of themselves and others. By stepping into different roles and scenarios, they learn empathy and the ability to manage their own feelings more effectively. This emotional intelligence is crucial for personal development and forming healthy relationships in and out with the school environment.

Social Benefits

Building Teamwork and Collaboration Skills

The performing arts are renowned for being inherently collaborative. For example, our S3 production of Bugsy Malone (staged at the end of November) saw our pupils adopt roles both on and off stage. Not just as part of the cast but as members of the band, assisting with choreography and also as part of the tech and stage crew. They work in harmony to achieve a shared goal - creating an engaging production with professionalism and flair. This collaboration teaches them the value of teamwork, communication, and mutual respect. They learn to listen to others, share ideas, and compromise—skills that are essential in any group setting, and will naturally be of benefit to them in their future careers.

Improving Communication Abilities

The performing arts transcends language and connects cultures. It encourages our pupils to ‘find their voice’ as they explore diverse worldly perceptions and emotions, in verbal and non-verbal ways. In our Junior School Drama lessons, pupils are taught the art of improvisation, mime and role play. This practice enhances their communication skills, making them more articulate and confident speakers. Capabilities that are invaluable as they progress academically, engage in social interactions across year groups, and of course, within future professional environments.

Academic Benefits

Enhancing Cognitive Abilities and Academic Performance

Research has proven that engaging in the arts correlates to improved concentration, cognition and as such, increased academic achievements in other subject areas. For instance, when pupils learn to play a musical instrument and engage in music theory, they are immediately benefiting their mathematical and numerical skills. On the flip side, acting (whether that be as part of academia or not) can enhance pupils’ reading comprehension and critical thinking.

Cultivating Discipline and Focus

Performing, of any kind, demands a high level of discipline and focus. Pupils must be diligent and practise regularly, memorise lines or routines, and continually strive to improve. This commitment instils a strong work ethic whilst reiterating the importance of acute concentration skills. These attributes are transferable to all areas of life, helping pupils to manage their time effectively and pursue their goals with determination.

At Watson’s we encourage pupils to experience the joy of the performing arts - whether that be in or out with the classroom environment. Exploring their own creativity not only offers a sense of empowerment but also equips them with invaluable life skills and opportunities for personal growth. As Philanthropist, David Rubenstein once said “the performing arts tend to unify people in a way that nothing else does”.

For more information about the performing opportunities available at Watson’s, please contact info@gwc.org.uk