Music and Drama at Pownall Hall School
At Pownall Hall, Performing Arts is about far more than performance. Music and Drama play a central role in helping children develop confidence, self-belief and a strong sense of belonging. From their earliest years, pupils become comfortable expressing themselves, working as part of a team and speaking with clarity in front of others.
Every child takes part. Whether delivering a line, singing as part of a chorus, helping backstage or performing for the first time, children learn that their contribution matters. Over time, the stage becomes a familiar and reassuring space – one where mistakes are part of learning and confidence grows naturally.
100+
weekly instrumental lessons
3
Award-winning choirs at Alderley Edge Festival
16
Annual productions, concerts and recitals
100%
ABRSM and LAMDA pass rate
Children at Pownall are on stage from a young age, making public speaking and performance feel normal rather than daunting. Rehearsals teach discipline, listening skills and clear communication, while productions encourage problem-solving and teamwork as children work towards a shared goal.
For some pupils, success may be taking on a leading role. For others, it is finding the confidence to step onto the stage for the first time. Both are equally valued.
Our supportive environment ensures that nervous or quieter children feel safe to participate at their own pace, gaining confidence year by year.
Every child performs on stage each year, with productions carefully designed to grow in scale and challenge as pupils move through the school. As children progress, performances become longer and more technically demanding, with more complex scripts, music and choreography.
This gradual increase ensures that pupils are stretched appropriately while maintaining enjoyment and confidence. Performing Arts at Pownall is purposeful and well structured, without becoming overwhelming.
Performing Arts lessons are led by specialist teachers who understand how to balance technical skill with confidence-building. Children receive:
One hour of Music per week from our Woodland Nursery to Form 6
One hour of Drama per week from Form 3 onwards
Lessons take place in dedicated spaces, including our fully equipped music room and the Boddington Theatre, where all Drama lessons and productions are staged. Small class sizes allow children to take on meaningful roles and receive individual guidance, something rarely possible in larger primary settings.
Mrs Jennifer Hart – BMus (Hons), PGCE
Head of Music and Drama
Mrs Hart leads Music and Drama across the Prep School and brings over 20 years of teaching experience to Pownall Hall. She holds a degree in Music from the University of Sheffield and a PGCE in Music Education, with Piano and Voice as her first study instruments.
Jennifer is passionate about building confidence through performance. She believes that Music and Drama play a vital role in developing self-belief, teamwork and strong communication skills, supporting children well beyond the stage. She oversees all productions, concerts and performances at Pownall, ensuring clear progression and inclusive opportunities for every child.
Under her guidance, pupils grow into confident performers who are comfortable speaking and presenting in front of others, well prepared for senior school and future opportunities.
The skills developed through Music and Drama extend well beyond the stage. Children learn how to speak clearly, present ideas with confidence and work effectively with others – qualities that support senior school interviews, scholarship assessments and future leadership roles.
Rehearsing and performing together teaches pupils how to listen, respond, compromise and support one another, laying foundations for strong communication and collaboration throughout life.
Productions at Pownall Hall are a genuine team effort. Children, staff and families come together to celebrate achievement, effort and growth. Each performance builds confidence, strengthens relationships and leaves pupils with a real sense of pride in what they have accomplished together.
Explore the next subject in the Pownall curriculum or arrange a visit to see Performing Arts in action.
