"Our mission is to provide stimuli that inspire, to observe and, in turn, to be inspired in a continuous cycle."
Emma Rattigan, Principal
At EMAS, the creative arts are a vital part of everyday learning. From their earliest years, children’s formative and explorative experiences, together with their familiarity with a range of expressive techniques, allow them to integrate creativity into every aspect of their work. The arts are not separate subjects but living languages through which children think, communicate, and make sense of the world.
In the classroom, creativity infuses all areas of study. Elementary children plan how to illustrate projects, craft pieces of creative writing, dramatise their own stories or those of others, and even invent rules for outdoor games. Each afternoon, students work with our specialist arts teachers in music, drama, dance, and visual art. These sessions are often inspired by themes emerging from classroom studies, such as The Great Stories, allowing children to explore knowledge and understanding through artistic expression.
As students move into adolescence, the creative arts become both a means of personal expression and an avenue for academic study. Teenagers use the arts to give form to their ideas, emotions, and evolving sense of identity. Through visual arts, music, drama, dance, and writing, they explore complex questions about self and society while developing the discipline and critical thinking needed for deeper academic inquiry. Many choose to study the arts formally, combining creative practice with theoretical exploration and analysis. In this way, the arts continue to nourish both heart and intellect, providing balance, perspective, and a powerful voice for the inner life of each young person.
In the classroom, creativity infuses all areas of study. Elementary children plan how to illustrate projects, craft pieces of creative writing, dramatise their own stories or those of others, and even invent rules for outdoor games. Each afternoon, students work with our specialist arts teachers in music, drama, dance, and visual art. These sessions are often inspired by themes emerging from classroom studies, such as The Great Stories, allowing children to explore knowledge and understanding through artistic expression.
Children explore musical rhythms, instruments (including voice), notation, and composition in both large and small groups. They learn to listen, to interpret, and to express through sound. Music is used to deepen understanding across the curriculum; from investigating world music and the evolution of musical traditions, to exploring the history of composers and cultural influences. Private tuition in piano and violin is also available for those wishing to pursue individual study.
Through movement and dance, children develop rhythm, balance, coordination, and confidence. They explore different ways of moving their bodies to express ideas and emotions, learning about direction, space, and body awareness. Movement also supports wellbeing; yoga, for example, helps children develop control, focus, and mindfulness.
Drama provides a powerful means for children to explore what it means to be human. Through imaginative play, role work, improvisation, and performance, students safely examine thoughts, feelings, and social dynamics, both real and imagined. Drama at EMAS is a child-led process that nurtures:
-
Creative expression and empathy
-
Decision-making, problem-solving, and critical thinking
-
Understanding of self and others
-
Confidence and self-esteem
Drama also builds performance and presentation skills, often connecting with work in music to create joyful, collaborative experiences. It strengthens communication, supports language development, and enhances expressive learning across the curriculum.
In visual art, children are introduced to a wide range of media and techniques in both two and three dimensions. They learn to experiment, refine, and select methods that best express their ideas, gradually gaining the confidence to see themselves as artists and creators. Studies of art in context, from world art and artists to gallery visits enrich their understanding of art’s role in society and culture.