Bridge House College believes that culture and cultural activities are as important as academics and sport. Music, drama, visual art, and design form the basis of our cultural programme, allowing students to express themselves in unique ways.
The Creative Arts (Visual Art, Music, Dramatic Art, and Design) are studied by all students in Grades 8 and 9. In Grades 10, 11, and 12, Music, Visual Art, Dramatic Art, and Design are available as elective subjects for Matric.
Culture and creativity are among Bridge House’s Seven Bridges, and every student is encouraged to engage in cultural pursuits. Additionally, the Music Department offers individual tuition across a wide range of instruments as an extramural option.
Bridge House is justifiably proud of its Art & Design 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 darkroom for black-and-white photography, a kiln housed in a separate building, and an outdoor 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 delivered using the most up-to-date resources on the internet.
Drama at Bridge House College has a rich history of entertaining audiences and allowing students to develop skills in directing, scriptwriting, backstage work, and 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 performance platforms, both at school and beyond. Bridge House pupils participate in several 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, as well as 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 find out more about the extra-curricular music programme, please download the brochure below: