Performing arts programme
Performing arts programme

Performing arts programme

At The Aquila School, every student’s learning journey is elevated by the vibrant world of performing arts, music and dance, beginning in Early Years and continuing through to Post-16 Pathways.

Guided by passionate teachers, students ignite their creativity and confidence, discovering their unique talents as they learn instruments, take the stage in inspiring performances and explore a rich variety of dance styles.

Excellent academic results

Students at The Aquila School achieve excellent LAMDA results across various performing arts programmes. 

100% pass rate

in LAMDA Speaking in Public exams with most awarded Merit and Distinction.

Gold medal

in LAMDA Speaking in Public exams earned by students in grades 5 to 8.

Best inspiring topics

chosen by students, ranging from The Legacy of Mehmed II and Emerging Technologies to Mental Health and Patience, earning high praise from examiners for their depth of insight and compelling delivery.

Lively and engaging orators

as described by examiners, who also praised our learners as “sincere and thoughtful speakers” and “energised, vibrant communicators with a sophisticated grasp of rhetoric”.

Areas of specialisation

Music

Students embark on a transformative musical journey, developing instrumental, vocal and compositional skills through our dynamic curriculum. From early years to post-16, they flourish in our FS choir, junior choir, senior choir, singing club and school band - mastering rhythm, exploring instruments and collaborating in vibrant musical experiences. Our partnership with DASH music academy provides expert-led individual and group lessons, nurturing every student’s confidence and passion for music. 

Music

Musical theatre

At The Aquila School in Dubailand, students explore legendary musicals before creating original productions through our transformative key stage 3 musical theatre programme - a cornerstone of secondary school arts education.

The journey culminates in a thrilling school-wide competition, with finalists earning the spotlight in a grand showcase. Our whole community comes together to celebrate the extraordinary creativity, teamwork and stage confidence of our young performers - building collective pride in their artistic achievements. 

Musical theatre

Drama

From year 7 to year 9, students step up and lead their own creative exploration, experimenting with storytelling, mime, improvisation, scriptwriting, physical theatre, directing and stagecraft.

They bring scenes from classics like MatildaWe Will Rock You and High School Musical to life, and dive into genres such as comedy, courtroom drama, murder mystery, commedia dell'arte and silent movies.

Every lesson builds confidence, communication and empathy, while cross-curricular links with English and PSHE help students tackle real-world themes like teamwork, peer pressure and online safety.

Annual events like drama workshop week and school productions give every student the chance to shine and celebrate their growth. 

Drama

Dance

Dance classes ignite students’ creativity and confidence as they move, perform and collaborate. Students master choreographic techniques, learn complex routines and experiment with vibrant styles including Bollywood, Samba, Flamenco, Charleston and Jazz. They create original performances inspired by musicals, films and professional works, building both artistic expression and physical fitness.

Every lesson encourages safe practice and wellbeing, while signature events such as BSME’s desert dance, give students the chance to shine on stage and celebrate their achievements. 

Dance

Additional opportunities

Beyond core disciplines, students enrich their artistic journey through - 

  • Filmmaking - exploring basics of film production from scripting to editing
  • Elocution - enhancing speaking and performance skills while gaining recognised LAMDA qualifications
  • Drama workshop week - focusing on creating a mini musical theatre showcase through set building, costume making and marketing
  • Staff winter pantomime - involving staff in a fun and communal activity
  • Step into the spotlight programme - students participating in performing arts workshops 
Additional opportunities

Recognised qualifications

Students work towards LAMDA, BTEC and IB qualifications, acquiring transferable skills and credits to access universities and artistic careers worldwide.  

LAMDA examination
LAMDA examination

Students take centre stage as they pursue prestigious, globally recognised London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art qualifications, unlocking opportunities at leading universities worldwide.

GCSE drama
GCSE drama

 At our school in Dubailand, pupils lay the groundwork for excellence in performance through GCSE drama, actively developing essential skills in acting, script analysis and theatrical production.

 

BTEC qualifications
BTEC qualifications

Our learners immerse themselves in BTEC Level 2 and Level 3 performing arts, taking an active role in practical courses that build versatile skills across drama, dance and performance. 

IB theatre
IB theatre

As part of the IB Diploma Programme, pupils immerse themselves in International Baccalaureate theatre, earning a globally recognised qualification that cultivates both analytical and creative thinking.

Specialist facilities

Students train, perform and liberate their inner selves in our modern facilities that inspire imagination, creativity and artistic excellence. 

What does our community say?

Jennifer Sarah  May

In the performing arts, we don’t just teach students to take the stage - we teach them to find their voice, ignite their passion and transform the world.

Jennifer Sarah May

Head of performing arts

Aurelia Year 12

For me, Aquila is a place where I am trusted, supported and inspired to grow, not just as a student but as myself.

For me, Aquila is a place where I am trusted, supported and inspired to grow, not just as a student but as myself.

Aurelia Year 12

Student

Tinaye  Year 10

My little sister sees me and says, I want to be like you when I grow up and I tell her, "Be like you!" That's what Aquila taught me.

My little sister sees me and says, I want to be like you when I grow up and I tell her, "Be like you!" That's what Aquila taught me.

Tinaye Year 10

Student

Jennifer Sarah  May

Head of performing arts

Aurelia Year 12

Student

Tinaye  Year 10

Student

Jennifer Sarah  May

Head of performing arts

Aurelia Year 12

Student

Tinaye  Year 10

Student

Performing arts programme FAQs

The Aquila School in Dubai offers a varied programme in music, drama and dance, designed to nurture creativity, expression, confidence and collaboration across all student levels. 

At our UK curriculum school in Dubai, students learn instruments, singing and composition, and can join ensembles like bands and choirs. The school partners with DASH Music Academy for optional instrumental or singing lessons.

At The Aquila School in Dubailand, students explore acting, directing and stagecraft. Annual highlights include school-wide productions - such as Annie, High School Musical and We Will Rock You - and a Drama Workshop Week, culminating in a performance for all pupils.

The dance programme features classes in jazz and modern dance and includes participation in BSME’s Desert Dance festival.

  • EYFS & Primary
    • FS1–FS2: 1 × 40 min Music
    • Years 1–4: 1 × 40 min Music
    • Years 5–6: 1 × 40 min Performing Arts (Drama & Dance)
  • Secondary & Sixth Form
    • Years 7–9: 1 × 50 min Drama + 1 × 50 min Dance
    • Years 10–11: GCSE Drama & BTEC Level 2 Dance (3 × 50 min per option)
    • Years 12–13: IBDP SL/HL Dance, IBDP SL/HL Theatre, IBCP/BTEC Level 3 Acting or Dance

Our British and international school in Dubai features dedicated studios for music, drama and dance, plus an auditorium for performances and assemblies. We also have a 'black box' performance studio that enhances their creative spaces.

Yes - students may pursue BTEC Level 3 Extended Diplomas in Performing Arts (Acting or Dance) as practical, career-focused qualifications equivalent to three A-levels.

At The Aquila School, the IBCP allows students to combine IB academic studies with a BTEC Extended Diploma like Performing Arts. It emphasises holistic development - including personal and professional skills - tailored to students aiming for careers in creative fields.

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Own the stage with confidence at The Aquila School and shine bright with our visual arts, music and performing arts classes.

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Accreditations