At Micklefield, we believe that cultural education plays a vital role in developing confident, capable and well-rounded girls. Through Art, Music and Drama, our pupils learn to think creatively, communicate effectively, collaborate with others and express themselves with confidence.
Our cultural programme is intentionally woven into the broader educational experience at Micklefield, helping girls develop the critical thinking, discipline, resilience and presentation skills that prepare them not only for high school, but for life beyond the classroom.
With specialist teaching, small group learning and a strong focus on individual growth, every girl is encouraged to discover her strengths, develop her voice and participate fully in the creative life of the school.
Art is far more than a creative outlet. It is a space where girls learn to think critically, communicate visually, solve problems creatively, and develop confidence in their own ideas. We have a specialist Art teacher who teaches girls from Grade 00 to Grade 7, ensuring that every girl is guided by an educator with both subject knowledge and a passion for creative education.
Art classes are intentionally kept small, with girls attending in half-class groups so that each child can receive meaningful individual attention and training. Lessons are child- and process-centred, with a strong focus on both practical skills and content knowledge. This approach allows girls to experiment freely while steadily developing technical ability and confidence in their own creative voice.
Girls are introduced to a wide range of techniques, materials, and artistic concepts throughout their time at Micklefield. Lessons explore colour, design, dimension, painting, observational drawing, printmaking, and visual storytelling, while encouraging curiosity, creativity, and thoughtful engagement with the artistic process.
Each stage of learning is carefully designed to be developmentally appropriate. In the Foundation Phase, there is a strong emphasis on expression through visual storytelling and imaginative exploration. As girls move into the Intermediate and Senior Phases, they are introduced to a more formal understanding of artistic concepts and techniques, including the elements of art, the principles of design, composition, and increasingly advanced drawing skills.
Art at Micklefield plays an important role in developing the innovative thinking, resilience, and communication skills that underpin academic success. Through regular opportunities to experiment, reflect, and present their work, girls learn to approach challenges with confidence, originality, and independence.
At Micklefield, we aim to instill a deep appreciation for and love of music while developing the confidence, discipline, collaboration, and creativity that form an important part of a well-rounded education. Music is woven into the life of the school and provides girls with opportunities to grow both technically and personally from an early age.
All girls from Grade 00 to Grade 7 participate in class music, while the Grade 1 girls learn the recorder as part of the curriculum. Through these lessons, girls build foundational musical knowledge, develop listening and performance skills, and gain confidence in expressing themselves creatively.
In addition, a team of specialist music teachers offer tuition in a wide range of instruments, including recorder, fife, flute, violin, guitar, ukulele, piano, and keyboard. Girls are encouraged to perform regularly at assemblies, concerts, external eisteddfods, and practical examinations, helping them develop both technical skill and confidence in a supportive environment.
Our music programme also includes ensembles for woodwind and string players, giving girls the opportunity to collaborate, perform as part of a group, and strengthen their musicianship through shared learning experiences. Music Theory forms an important part of the programme, with Grade 5 to 7 girls attending a weekly group theory lesson to further develop their understanding of musical language and technique.
Choir participation is a valued part of school life. Girls are invited to join the Junior Choir, Traditional Choir, and Senior Choir, where they learn the importance of teamwork, commitment, leadership, and performance excellence. These experiences help girls develop stage presence, confidence, and a strong sense of belonging within the school community.
As an extension of the choir programme, Micklefield has its own vocal ensemble, Shocking Pink, made up of selected girls from the senior grades. Members are selected for their musical ability, stage presence, and character. Shocking Pink regularly performs at a variety of events and continues to represent the spirit and excellence of Micklefield with pride.
We also offer marimba groups for Grades 5 to 7, with girls regularly participating in the annual Marimba Festival at the Baxter Theatre. These group performances encourage collaboration, rhythm, concentration, and teamwork while giving girls the opportunity to experience the excitement of performing in a larger musical setting.
Music at Micklefield is about far more than performance. It nurtures perseverance, expressive communication, creative thinking, and confidence, all skills that support girls throughout their academic journey and beyond.
Drama is a much-loved part of life at Micklefield and an eagerly anticipated weekly lesson for girls from Grade 0 to Grade 7. More than simply performance, Drama provides girls with the opportunity to develop confidence, communication skills, creativity, and emotional intelligence in a supportive and encouraging environment.
Each girl is encouraged to experiment, explore ideas, and express herself in her own unique way within a non-pressurised and secure space. The emphasis is on building confidence while nurturing individuality, creativity, and self-expression. Reflection forms an important part of the process, encouraging girls to think critically about their learning, their choices, and their personal growth.
Our Drama programme explores a wide range of dramatic forms and skills, including improvisation, role play, playmaking, characterisation, scriptwriting, public speaking, and choral speaking. Through these experiences, girls learn to collaborate effectively, communicate clearly, think creatively, and present themselves with confidence in front of others.
Drama at Micklefield also plays an important role in developing resilience, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, all of which support girls throughout their academic journey and beyond. Girls are encouraged to take risks, work collaboratively, and grow in confidence as they engage with both the creative and practical aspects of performance.
The performing arts are celebrated throughout the school, with both the Pre-Primary and Foundation Phase girls presenting a dramatic production at the end of each year. These productions provide girls with valuable opportunities to build stage confidence, develop presentation skills, and experience the excitement of performing before an audience.
Every second year, the Intermediate and Senior Phase girls take part in a much-anticipated large-scale production. These productions allow girls to experience every aspect of theatre-making, including teamwork, prop making, set building, costume collaboration, make-up, and stage management. The production process encourages accountability, commitment, leadership, and collaboration while creating memorable shared experiences for the entire school community.
The Grade 7 girls also participate in the South African Schools Shakespeare Festival every two to three years, giving them the opportunity to perform challenging roles on a professional stage. This experience encourages girls to engage deeply with language, literature, and performance while developing confidence, discipline, and a strong sense of achievement.
The performing arts remain an important part of the Micklefield experience, helping girls grow into articulate, confident, and capable young women.
