Theatre at St Clare’s is more than performing on stage; it is a dynamic programme that immerses students in all aspects of production, from acting, voice, and movement to lighting, sound, set design, stage management, and costume.
This holistic approach develops performers, collaborators, and creative problem-solvers, building confidence and versatility that extend far beyond the theatre. As well as being a creative subject, IB Theatre is an intellectually rigorous course which develops university-level research and writing skills. Students are very well grounded in tasks which prepare them very effectively for essay writing in the humanities, social sciences and arts at degree level.
Productions
Recent productions, such as Blue Stockings, have involved students as performers, but also in roles like set design, lighting, costume, stage management, sound, and props. Along with preparing full-scale shows, students benefit from guest workshops and masterclasses given by theatre professionals, helping them refine their craft.
Trips
Students attend professional productions in London’s West End and at the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-upon-Avon. These experiences bring theatre to life, connecting theory with practice, broadening understanding of diverse styles, and fostering creativity, confidence, collaboration, and leadership in real-world performance settings.
Facilities
St Clare’s offers an equipped theatre hall with a professional sound system and stage lighting, providing students with a high-quality environment for performance and production. Students also have access to The North Wall Arts Centre, a specialist performing arts venue just a short walk away, further enhancing opportunities for professional-standard rehearsals and productions.
Music at St Clare’s inspires students to explore their creativity, develop their performing, technical and analytical skills, and share their talents with the wider community.
Whatever instrument they play - whether piano, guitar, violin, flute, saxophone, trumpet, drums, voice, or beyond - students are encouraged to express themselves, pursue their passion for performance and composition, and discover their unique musical voice.
Students are encouraged to join one of the CAS music groups, which include options such as Jazz Band, Harp Ensemble, String Group, Rock Bands, and Vocal Ensembles, with further opportunities available depending on students’ interests.
As well as being a highly creative subject, IB Music is an intellectually rigorous course that develops university-style research, analysis, and writing skills. Students build a strong foundation through tasks that prepare them effectively for analytical and critical thinking in the arts at degree level.
Performances
Music is brought to life throughout the year with a vibrant programme of performances, featuring concerts in a variety of styles from classical to rock. All students are invited to perform in the St Clare’s concerts, with a highlight of the year being the major Graduation performance held in the historic Oxford Town Hall, an iconic setting that gives the event a special sense of occasion.
Trips
Students enjoy trips to Oxford and London, attending orchestral concerts, West End musicals, and other live performances. These experiences bring music to life, deepening appreciation, expanding knowledge of different styles, and inspiring creativity, collaboration, and confidence in performance.
Facilities
Students at St Clare’s have access to industry-standard music technology, including Apple Macs equipped with Logic Pro and Sibelius. Whether composing, producing, or arranging, you’ll gain hands-on experience with professional software and develop valuable music production skills that bring your creative ideas to life. Alongside this, there are a number of individual and group practice rooms, 2 grand pianos, 2 drum kits, a variety of guitars, amplification facilities, and a range of instruments available - giving students the space to rehearse, perform, and experiment with sound both in lessons and in their own time.
In addition, a team of visiting music teachers offer individual lessons, giving students the opportunity to further develop their skills on their chosen instrument (at an additional cost).
Whether taken as part of the IB Diploma or as a CAS experience, Visual Arts at St Clare’s allows students to explore their creativity, experiment with different techniques, and develop a distinctive artistic voice.
With guidance from experienced teachers, students build strong portfolios for university while deepening their understanding of art, culture, and self-expression.
IB Visual Arts is both a stimulating creative journey and a demanding academic course. Students develop the practical expertise and presentation skills expected at leading arts universities, while building a strong intellectual foundation. The programme prepares them with the confidence and discipline to excel at foundation and degree level, opening pathways to future success in the creative industries.
Exhibitions
At the end of each term, our students present their work in dedicated Visual Arts exhibitions, offering a vibrant showcase of the creativity and innovation nurtured in our purpose-built art studio. These exhibitions highlight the diverse range of media and techniques explored, from drawing, painting and sculpture to textiles, digital art, and lens-based media. Each student has the opportunity to curate and display their own pieces, reflecting their personal interests and artistic journey.
Workshops, Guest Speakers and Trips
Students draw inspiration from the world around them through regular study visits. In Oxford, they explore the Ashmolean Museum, the Natural History Museum, and contemporary exhibitions at The North Wall. Trips to London’s National Gallery and the British Museum offer direct engagement with world-class art and artefacts, enriching their creative practice and broadening their artistic perspective. We also have regular visiting guest speakers who run workshops and share their inspiration and career path.
Facilities
Students at St Clare’s have the opportunity to explore their creativity across a wide range of 2D, 3D, and digital forms, experimenting with diverse techniques and media:
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Students can develop these skills using a variety of specialist resources, including an intaglio press, mannequins, sewing machines, a photographic darkroom, and high-resolution interactive digital screens, alongside a full range of traditional and digital art materials.
