Performing Arts
JESS is a school alive with Performing Arts. We believe that exposure to Performing Arts is essential if we are to provide a full rounded education for our students. By involving students with opportunities across dance, drama and music, we hope that our students’ enjoyment of school life will be enhanced and that they develop personal skills and a cultural appreciation of the Arts that will last a lifetime.
Dance
At JESS we believe that dance is not only a great way to have fun, foster creativity and explore curiosity, but it is also a means of unearthing what it means to be human. Through dance our students, from FS1 to Year 13, develop skills, explore their ideas, imagination and grow in confidence and self–esteem; but also learn about all-important transferable skills. Lunchtime and afterschool dance clubs are available for students to enrich their experience of dance at JESS and these include; creative dance clubs as well as style specific clubs such as; Ballet, Contemporary and Street/Commercial. These clubs offer our students an opportunity to experience dance in a fun filled environment as well as opportunities to perform.
Drama
Drama and the Performing Arts are an integral aspect of life at JESS. Drama at JESS places value on creative curiosity and fosters brilliance in every one of our students. Lessons are offered for one hour per week throughout Key Stage 3 and Drama is a popular option subject at iGCSE and IB.
A diverse range of co-curricular opportunities are provided for students each academic year enabling them to take part in small- and large-scale performances. Students can also opt to take London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) examinations in Acting and Public Speaking.
The Drama department teachers are highly skilled and experienced and offer a varied range of specialisms. The department also regularly hosts visiting Artists in Residence and professional Theatre companies to further enrich and diversify student experience. Local and international Theatre trips are also offered. Students in the Drama programme can enhance their personal development and life skills in innumerable ways including gaining confidence and self-esteem, understanding effective collaboration and leadership.
All students at JESS are encouraged and welcome to take part in the co-curricular Arts programmes on offer regardless of whether they are following the academic curriculum or not. There is also a core technical team of students that are trained in lighting, sound, projection mapping, stage management and props design who support productions and events.
Students from JESS have gone on to study Drama, Performing Arts or Dance at NYU Tisch School of the Arts, Guildhall School of Music and Drama, Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Laines Theatre Arts, Fourth Monkey Actor Training Company, The Urdang Academy, University of Birmingham, Manchester University and Royal Holloway. Notable JESS Drama alumni are currently working in the Theatre and Film industry - in Musical Theatre in London’s West End and international tour, Netflix Drama and even La Perle here in Dubai itself.
Our students take part in a host of plays and productions across the year.
Music
Music is an essential and much-loved part of school life at JESS. Our vibrant music department provides opportunities for students of all ages to enjoy the unique benefits of learning an instrument and playing in an ensemble. Our students have access to a highly qualified and experienced team of instrumental teachers who offer individual and group lessons on all orchestral instruments, voice, classical and electric guitar, drums and piano. Whether studying for an ABRSM or Trinity exam, or playing just for fun, our teachers offer a tailored and structured programme to support students in their musical development. Students from JESS have gone on to study music at NYU, Berklee and the Royal Schools of Music in the UK.
Curricular provision lies at the heart of our “music for all” philosophy, and class music lessons form part of the academic timetable for every student from Year 3. Students explore and develop a wide range of skills in listening, performing and composing, with units devised to enthuse and stretch the most able. By the end of primary, children at JESS will have experienced at least 4 instruments.
Outside the classroom JESS offers an ensemble opportunity for every musician of every age, whether they are just starting out on their musical journey or are at an advanced level. From jazz bands to chamber choirs, wind bands to percussion ensembles, across the school 25 ensembles rehearse every week for the over 100 concerts, competitions and events that take place each year.
Always guided by our Values
