Creative Arts
At Virginia Preparatory School, we strive to create opportunities to develop the imagination by encouraging participation in various activities. This allows pupils to instill their passion into various forms of creative expression. Various clubs allow the children to embrace cultural aspects of life.
The following aspects are offered as part of the extracurricular programme at the school.
Music
Our Junior and Senior Choirs promote musical awareness and provides a platform for talented pupils to participate. The choirs perform each term and are of an exceptional standard. They perform at various assemblies and choir festivals.
Guitar Club
This club brings the children together and connects them through music. They learn to play the guitar by learning to play the chords and read sheet music. From beginners to intermediate to advanced guitarists, children nurture their skills by unveiling their hidden talent by channeling their energy into something creative and positive. The children’s self-confidence and sense of fulfillment are recognized when they perform at productions, talent shows and assemblies.
Drama
Our Drama classroom is situated in a tranquil environment allowing for freedom of movement, performance and expression. Our Bite Size Theatres are performed twice a term allowing the children to showcase their talents on our beautiful amphitheatre. The children are encouraged to perform to an audience during their lunch breaks encouraging all who wish to participate to display their enthusiasm and commitment.
Poetry evenings, talent shows and musicals are held during the year to allow the children to grow their confidence, the ability to speak clearly and to articulate themselves correctly. We host productions which draws the children into the world of the imagination and they are encouraged to have fun while experimenting with this art form. The culture of public speaking and debating forms a valuable platform to develop life skills and confidence in our children.
Art
The Art room with its amazing position overlooking spectacular views of the ocean, and views from the Bluff to Umhlanga has inspired much creativity in the children and the standard of art has improved to produce superb pieces of work. Completed pieces of work showcasing the children’s artistic endeavours and a diversity of expression often decorate the hall and bears testimony to the immense talent and enjoyment experienced by the children.
Virginia Preparatory School hosts an annual Durban North Spring Art Exhibition in the third term. This event is opened by a guest speaker and invited schools display their art and the public are invited to view the art which sees the school hall being transformed into a gallery.
Visiting Productions
The children experience great delight when they watch live musical and dramatic performances in the school hall. It opens a window to a broader understanding of the cultural implications of “live performances”. They contribute to an understanding of the work performed and the experiences help them to gain a deeper understanding of language and expressions.
Creative Arts Assembly
Our annual Creative Arts assembly celebrates and recognizes the achievements of the children in various disciplines of culture. We are able to reflect on achievements, participation and personal progress achieved by our children to develop their self-esteem.
“The beauty of the world lies in the diversity of its people”. – Unknown
“Strength lies in differences, not in similarities”. – Stephen R Covey
One of the greatest regrets in life is being what others would want you to be rather than being yourself”. – Shannon L Alder
“A nation’s culture resides in the hearts and in the soul of its people”. – Mahatma Gandhi
“The future belongs to young people with an education and the imagination to create”. – Barack Obama
Eco Club
Virginia Preparatory School is proud to be an eco-school. We were awarded our eco-school green flag in 2008 and our International Green Flag in 2011. This has culminated in us receiving our Green Decade Award in 2019. We have been re-awarded this over the last six years. Our commitment to the environment extends to projects on the go such as the recycling of paper and plastic. Our active and committed Eco Club members embark on various projects to create an awareness of the environment. Together with the Water Smart project, there are initiatives to recycle water from air-conditioning units to re-use in the gardens, plant water friendly succulents and to harvest rain water. We are trying to eradicate our alien invasive plants and to turn our gardens into an indigenous corridor between Danville Park and Virginia Bush.
Dance Club
Dance is part of the human journey of celebration and expression. The children see it as an enjoyable way to be more physically active and fit. Besides its physical and mental benefits, it allows for better co-ordination, agility, balance, muscular strength and psychological wellbeing. The children may perform in hip hop, jazz or tap classes. Items from these classes are often performed at talent shows, assemblies and productions hosted by the school.
Cookery Club
This club highlights social awareness and relationship skills. The ability to create a delicious dish is an opportunity for children to develop skills in communication and teamwork. Children are encouraged to explore their senses, stay organized and motivated while they explore their culinary skills. They are encouraged about good nutrition, preparation and planning of hearty meals.
Craft Club
This class exposes the children to various creative art styles from ceramic, mosaic, fabric painting, beading to decoupage. It brings to life the concepts of line, shape, space, colour and texture and helps children to nurture and express themselves as individuals.
CONTACT INFO
Address: 125 Margaret Maytom Ave Durban North 4051
Phone: 031 563 6986
GPS -29.768490, 31.051542
Email: virginia@virginiaprep.co.za
