Art & Design
Creativity is core to a George Heriot’s education, with pupils enjoying dedicated Art & Design teaching from Primary 3 onwards. Beyond the classroom, pupils partake in a wide variety of co-curricular & extra-curricular clubs & activities that build skills and confidence in Art & Design, including life drawing, Junk Kouture, needle-felting, and more. From early in their school careers, pupils learn to explore and experiment, developing essential skills of collaboration, adaptation and curiosity.
In the Senior School, the department buzzes with ambitious projects and a strong track record of pupils moving on to study Fine Art, Fashion, Architecture, Graphic Design, Film, Media, Textiles, Sculpture, 3D Design and Photography at top destinations including Milan, London and Glasgow.
At heart, we believe Art & Design must be lived and experienced. We give pupils the space, confidence and opportunity to create boldly — and critique just as bravely.
Drama
The Drama department encourages individual expression through imaginative contexts. The curriculum provides pupils with a range of skills, including socialisation, problem-solving, confidence, and creativity. The classroom is uniquely different from the other learning environments across the school. A space, ready to be filled with expression, emotion, and opinion, with theatre spotlights ready to fade up on performances.
Junior school drama harnesses the pupils’ sense of play and the use of their imagination to create and perform devised work in groups. Pupils benefit from specialist drama lessons from P5, and lessons are delivered in half-class groups in the Senior School drama classrooms. The Junior school also runs a highly successful musical production.
In Senior School the department offers a range of extra-curricular opportunities in addition to curricular Drama, including the Winter and Summer shows, where pupils can participate on stage or behind the scenes. The House Drama competition also brings year groups together for pre-Christmas performances directed by enthusiastic and fiercely competitive S6 pupils.
Music
Music at Heriot’s is vibrant, dynamic and inclusive, offering every pupil the chance to discover their talent and shine. From Nursery to S6, our programmes blend expert teaching with exciting opportunities to perform and be creative.
Our academic courses are enriched with opportunities to develop skills in advanced theory, musicianship, harmony, history and analysis. Bespoke pathways ensure every young musician is challenged and inspired. For your younger pupils, hands-on music-making builds confidence and joy from the very start, with productions and performances beginning in the Early Years.
A dedicated team of more than twenty Visiting Music Teachers offers one-to-one tuition on all orchestral instruments, piano, singing, guitar and clarsach — ensuring every pupil has the chance to flourish as a performer.
Beyond the classroom, Music at Heriot’s truly comes alive. Over 700 pupils take part in our outstanding extra-curricular programme, which boasts a full symphony orchestra, multiple string orchestras, concert bands, choirs, and a wide variety of specialist ensembles. Performances are staged at prestigious venues including the Usher Hall, Queen’s Hall, St Cuthbert’s Parish Church and St Giles’ Cathedral.
At every level, our Music programme celebrates creativity, achievement and the joy of making music together.
Join us on the Saturday 27 September to experience the magic of a Heriot’s education.
Meet teachers, explore academic departments, hear the pipe band, watch activities, and speak to school leaders.
Importantly, see why your investment in a Heriot’s education will give your child strong foundations for life.