Bridge House College believes that culture and cultural activities are as important as academics and sport. Music, drama and art form the basis of our cultural programme which allows students to express themselves in a different way.
The Creative Arts (Visual Art, Music and Dramatic Art) are studied by all students in Grades 8 and 9 and in Grade 10, 11 and 12, Music, Visual Art and Dramatic Art are options as subjects for Matric. Dance is offered in the afternoons as part of the co-curricular programme. Culture and creativity is one of Bridge House’s Seven Bridges and students are encouraged to engage in some form of cultural activity. The Music Department offers a wide range of instruments through individual tuition at extra cost as an extramural option.
Bridge House is justifiably proud of its Art Rooms and visitors to the school are always impressed by the spaciousness and creative energy.
Designed so that students can work both independently and under tutelage, the main Art Room has two loft areas, two class areas, a dark room for black and white photography, a kiln housed in a separate building and an outside work area so that we can take advantage of good weather and amazing views. It also has a separate room to house two computers and a data projector so that Visual Studies lessons can be given with reference to the most recent available resources available on the internet.
Drama at Bridge House College has a rich history of entertaining an audience as well as allowing students to develop skills in directing, script-writing, backstage work and technical skills in sound and lighting. Students are exposed to various styles of drama in this highly practical subject, which includes a theory component. Large-scale productions, which involve all the children across a phase, are a highlight of the school calendar and take place every second year in the College, alternating with Prep productions.
Bridge House has a strong and dynamic Music Department offering opportunities for group and individual participation at both Creative Arts (marimbas and percussion) and individual instrument lessons.
We offer individual tuition, (piano, electronic keyboard, recorder, flute, clarinet, saxophone, guitar (electric and acoustic), trumpet, trombone, French horn, violin, viola, drums and voice), as an extramural activity (at extra cost) or as a subject (from Grade 10 – 12).
Musicians have many platforms for performance both at school and beyond. Bridge House pupils participate in a number of Assemblies, Eisteddfods, external examinations from different examination boards and at formal and informal concerts. There are various opportunities to participate in ensembles, vocal and instrumental, and bands. Musicians are selected to participate in the annual National Youth Jazz Festival in Grahamstown.
Bridge House pupils have an excellent record of achievement at music competitions, external examinations and Eisteddfods. We encourage excellence in music as well as the freedom to explore different styles, genres and approaches to music.
To find out more about the extra-curricular music programme please download the brochure below: