At Hamilton College, Performing Arts are for everyone. From age 2 to 18, every pupil has the chance to discover their creativity - whether they're learning to dance in Nursery, delivering class showcases in Junior School or working on our Senior Production. Our focus is on building confidence and connection through meaningful experiences. - Mr Graeme Scott, Head of Expressive Arts & RME
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Performing Arts in the Nursery begin with thoughtful, age-appropriate activities that encourage participation and build the foundations for future confidence. Weekly music lessons with our Senior School specialist teacher introduce rhythm, song and movement in an engaging way, while Dance Taster sessions with our external coach offer a fun, structured introduction to performance through physical expression.
Pupils also take part in the annual Nativity and enjoy performing at whole-school assemblies - valuable opportunities to develop stage presence, listening skills and a sense of teamwork. These moments, while exciting and fun, also support key developmental milestones that help build confidence that prepares them for their school journey.
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Junior School pupils are given regular opportunities to perform and present, both as individuals and as part of a group. Through events such as the Nativity, class assemblies, and the Clubs Showcase, they continue to build confidence, develop communication skills, and take increasing responsibility for their contributions.
From Junior 4, many also join Junior Choir or Junior Band, contributing to Christmas and Summer Concerts. Pupils are introduced to musical performance competitions, including the chance to compete in the Young Musician of the Year. These varied experiences encourage self-discipline and commitment, helping pupils prepare for more demanding creative challenges in the Senior School.
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Performing Arts in the Senior School gives pupils the opportunity to take ownership of ambitious creative work, both on and off stage. Our annual school production - most recently Aladdin and We Will Rock You - attracts consistently high levels of participation, with many shows double-cast to give more pupils the chance to be involved. Pupils contribute not only as performers, but also through stage management, make-up, set design, lighting, and sound.
I didn’t want to be on stage, but I found my place doing lighting and sound. It made me feel like I was part of something really big. - S4 pupil
The annual House Showcase offers another platform for creative expression. Entirely pupil-led, it allows Senior pupils to take ownership of the creative process, from writing and directing to mentoring younger pupils across Junior and Senior stages. It gives pupils practical experience in leading a creative project, from concept to execution, with all the responsibility that entails.
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Alongside regular productions and performances, pupils at Hamilton College benefit from opportunities to take part in special projects that connect the arts to the wider world.
As part of our 40th Anniversary celebrations, Scottish artist Callum Beattie led a music workshop with pupils and later performed Caledonia alongside our whole-school orchestra and choir - a highlight of the event that brought the school community together through music.
Senior pupils also work with the Ups and Downs Theatre Group, supporting front of house and taking part in their anniversary concert. These experiences give pupils a broader understanding of the arts as a form of expression and a way to connect, contribute and make an impact beyond school.
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From the early Nativity performance in Nursery to the full-scale productions in Senior School, pupils at Hamilton College build a wide range of skills through Performing Arts. Whether they pursue further study in the arts, move into STEM, business, or other fields, pupils leave with a strong foundation of transferable skills that support long-term success.
From presenting thoughts clearly and working collaboratively, to building resilience, initiative and attention to detail, the skills developed through rehearsal, performance and creative planning are applicable in any setting. Pupils become confident communicators and thoughtful contributors, which are important skills for higher education and beyond.
Before I got involved in Performing Arts, I was terrified of speaking in front of people. Now I can stand up and talk about my ideas without overthinking it. - S5 pupil
For some of our pupils, Performing Arts at Hamilton College has led to contracts in stage and TV or careers in music. For all, it provides opportunities to grow, lead and discover who they are becoming.
