The Arts
Introduction and Ethos
At a time where the arts continue to be undervalued, we are proud to do the opposite at Isleworth & Syon. The arts – creative and performing – are given space to flourish. The arts fuel innovation and imagination and help improve performances in other subjects leading to an increase in critical thinking and oracy, these key skills results in students being successful across the whole curriculum. At Isleworth & Syon, the arts form part of the Year 8 Mini-Options process and are popular options subjects at Key Stages 4 and 5. You can find more information about the curriculum in the subject pages.
Beyond the Classroom
The performing arts team leads a diverse and successful extra-curricular programme, which includes: 
- Summer Arts Festival, bringing together student work from art, DT, drama, film and music
- Two drama productions a year
- Winter Concert
- Drama clubs and the chance to be part of the school’s Tech Crew for events
- Music ensembles including big band, orchestra, vocal crew, guitar and music technology
- National Youth Theatre auditions
- Performing Shakespeare and Poetry by Heart competitions
- Regional competitions including Battle of the Bands
- Regular theatre visits, including being one of only 24 schools part of the Old Vic Schools Club
Find out more about each specific subjects’ offer on their subject page.
Rewards
A culture of celebrating and rewarding achievement inspires our boys. In the arts, students can, for example:
- Audition and be cast for drama productions
- Represent the school as part of a music ensemble, both in school events and in the local community
- Earn house points in lessons for “above and beyond” effort
- Receive ‘extra-curricular participation’ awards at end-of-term assemblies
- Be nominated for subject-specific cups, trophies and presentations at our annual Junior Awards (Year 9) and Senior Awards (Years 11-13) events
- Receive specialist ‘colours flashes’ and ties for the Arts, to be worn with pride for a sustained contribution.
Success Stories
Recent success stories have included:
- Taheen Modak – professional actor, most recently on Broadway in ‘Romeo and Juliet’ and as lead role in ITV television series ‘The Bay’
- Raymond Anum – professional actor, including on the West End in Kenneth Branagh’s ‘King Lear’ and the same show’s off-Broadway transfer
- Jude Morgan-Collie – professional actor, most recently in BBC television series ‘Here We Go’
- Ellis Bloom – stage manager, working in the West End
This summer, three Year 11 students earned places at the Purcell School, one of the top music colleges in the world. Meanwhile, two GCSE drama students received offers to go to the BRIT School, a prestigious performing and creative arts school in South London. Other key destinations in the last few years include:
- The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA)
- London Academy of Music and the Dramatic Art (LAMDA)
- Bristol Old Vic
