Large numbers of students excel at media based courses which frequently win national achievement awards, combining practical filming and editing skills as well as theoretical elements. Students are trained on professional standard facilities, which are also used to produce Raw TV, the accomplished student run television station, preparing them well for university and employment. Young film makers can display their talents to friends, family and the community at the Rawlins film festival, just one of many annual highlights.

 

The excellent facilities in the Art department allow students to produce diverse and dynamic outcomes in a wide range of specialisms including print, metalwork, textiles, painting, ceramics, life drawing and digital media such as film/photography. This is enriched by a series of workshops from visiting artists, including print making, jewellery and make up for film/TV, as well as ongoing collaboration with the Vanilla Gallery artists. Art work is commissioned and displayed prominently around the college, including works by students for individual departments and whole school projects, including; science and health day. Students participate successfully in a range of national competitions. External exhibitions include annual exhibitions at local galleries and the annual Leicestershire Schools Fashion Show, students are involved in the planning and organising of these events.

 

Music plays an important role in the lives of many of our talented students, who have many formal and less formal performance and practice opportunities, such as gigs, recordings, the college radio station and making podcasts, which are all accredited for examination coursework. Candlelit recital evenings are a delightful mix of classical and contemporary music, whilst performances in local churches and Christmas celebrations emphasise the more traditional. College groups include choir, jazz, samba, African drumming, rock bands and a host of instrumental ensembles who perform throughout the community, especially enjoying visits to primary schools.

 

Facilities have recently been enhanced in a refurbished suite including enviable music technology equipment supporting an increasingly popular course. We are proud to be a national champion (lead) school for Musical Futures, which, in itself attracts sponsorship from Roland.  Rawlins offers music courses to meet the interests of all students; from classical to rock, pop and computer generated music. Students are well versed in the music industry and the curriculum is enhanced with trips to concerts, musicals, opera and trade exhibitions as well as links with local universities.

 

There is an exceptional level of artistic talent amongst our students, who shine in college dramatic productions, providing opportunities for the whole school community to be involved in areas such as performing, designing and supporting backstage as our hall is fully equipped as a theatre. Dance, a well established curriculum option, performances are often remarkable, leading to appearances in regional dance showcases. We have invested in a new dance studio, opened this year.

 

Students and teachers in media, music and art work regularly with other primary and secondary schools and community groups to share and develop their own creative projects and enjoy access to workshops with arts professionals. This encourages an understanding of the value of the arts and creates an atmosphere of innovation and motivation. We seek to share the enjoyment and creative elements of the arts across the college and see this as a way of enhancing students’ learning. We have an annual arts day and encourage creative opportunities in all subjects. There are also opportunities for exciting international cultural and arts visits, including a recent arts trip to our partner school in China.