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Finding our voice. Owning the stage.
From our youngest children exploring stories and songs to older students working towards LAMDA, GCSE, BTEC and IB qualifications, every pupil at Aquila gets the chance to perform. Specialist teachers guide them through music, drama and dance, building confidence, teamwork and creativity.
Artistic excellence
Students own the stage with confidence through specialist classes in music, musical theatre, drama and dance from Early Years to Post-16 Pathways.
Music
At our private school in Dubai, students master instruments, hone vocals and compose music - excelling in bands, choirs and personalised sessions with DASH music academy.
Drama
Students captivate through dynamic performances - mastering acting, dance and stagecraft while building confidence, creativity and commanding presence.
Dance
Students give life to enchanting dance performances, expressing through a variety of dance styles such as Jazz, Samba and Charleston, mastering choreographic techniques and learning complex routines.
Professional qualifications
Students work towards LAMDA, GCSE drama, BTEC and IB theatre qualifications, acquiring transferable skills, knowledge and credits to access universities and creative careers worldwide.
Performances for the world
Students regularly take part in school productions including Matilda, We will rock you and High school musical, along with band exhibitions and choir performances.
Strategic partnerships
At our international school in Dubai, students benefit form partnerships with DASH music academy, Sharjah performing arts academy, West end worldwide, The collab company and 815 that provide specialist workshops and training.
Learning through imagination, story and song
Performing arts sit within the EYFS area of Expressive Arts and Design (singing, music, movement, dance, role play). They also support Communication and Language and Personal, Social and Emotional Development.
These areas help children speak with confidence, listen to others and cooperate in a group.
Building confidence, one performance at a time
Drama Workshop Week: a show in five days. Pupils start preparing on Monday and perform on Friday, rehearsing, building sets, making costumes and marketing the show. In one week they learn how much planning, teamwork and perseverance a performance takes. Recent shows: Whale Wash, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Matilda, while our younger pupils perform The Gruffalo and Monsters, Inc.
Annual primary production. Older pupils stage a full production each year, recently Aladdin Jr and Moana.
From first steps on stage to recognised qualifications
Moana, annual primary production
Oliver!, school production
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”.
Students train, perform and liberate their inner selves in our modern facilities that inspire imagination, creativity and artistic excellence.
Auditorium
A versatile multi-purpose auditorium where the entire school community comes together for assemblies and a range of events, including school productions, assemblies, musical performances and large-scale events.
Drama studios
Dedicated drama studios provide a dynamic space where students express themselves, build confidence and develop imagination and creativity through music, dance and theatre.
Black box theatre
A flexible space for rehearsals, intimate performances and experimental theatre work where students actively develop skills in acting, directing, set design and stage production through hands-on experience.
Music studios
Our two dedicated music studios, along with two smaller practice rooms, provide students with the perfect environment to explore and develop their musical talents.
Dance studios
Two dedicated dance studios spark creativity and expression. Here, students explore a wide range of dance styles, develop their skills and prepare to shine in performance.
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
For me, Aquila is a place where I am trusted, supported and inspired to grow, not just as a student but as myself.
I joined Aquila in it's first year. I went from no-English six years ago to becoming a Million Words Reader. Today you'll find me volunteering in school to mentor primary pupils. I play the violin and I've performed at the Dubai Opera. I'm a year 12 IB student studying Business and Environmental Sciences and one day I'll start my own sustainable business. I feel ready, independent, curious, confident and excited for what's next. 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
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. I didn't find the stage, the stage found me. Lit by a spotlight right here at Aquila. In every show I wasn't just seen, I was understood. They didn't just give me lines, they gave me leadership. 80 young voices I've coached, not to echo me, but to hear themselves more clearly. I chose to study psychology because understanding people is its own kind of power. Empathy - not applause, loving people not for what they do but for who they are. 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. This school is where my confidence grew its own wings, where I became a voice I finally recognised as mine.
Tinaye Year 10
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.
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.
Own the stage with confidence at The Aquila School and shine bright with our visual arts, music and performing arts classes.
