Art and 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.
Our sketchbooks travel too — New York, Rome, London, Paris, Barcelona — soaking up international art, design and culture in the hands of pupils.
Music
In the Junior School, Music is about enjoyment, discovery and confidence. From the very first days, pupils sing, play and create together, learning that music is as much about having fun as it is about developing skills. Whether it’s experimenting with instruments, joining in with class songs, or performing in front of family and friends, every child is encouraged to take part.
Performances are the highlight of the year, from the magical Early Years’ Nativities to lively concerts and productions that fill the school with energy and excitement. Music at this stage is about sparking curiosity and laying the foundations for a lifelong love of making music.
Beyond the classroom, Music at Heriot’s truly comes alive. Over 700 pupils across the Junior and Senior Schools 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 instrumental ensembles. Performances are staged at prestigious venues including the Usher Hall, Queen’s Hall, St Cuthbert’s Parish Church and St Giles’ Cathedral.
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.
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. At every level, our Music programme celebrates creativity, achievement and the joy of making music together.
Drama
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. Pupils develop their understanding and knowledge of mime, characterisation, improvisation, and basic script work, and enjoy enhancing their work with theatre arts.
Lively participation helps foster the development of key skills and confidence. All pupils are encouraged to act out stories, exploring a wide range of emotions, which allows them better to understand their own feelings and the empathy of others.
The Junior school runs a highly successful musical production in collaboration with the Senior School music department, building the excitement for Senior School co-curricular opportunities.
Join us on the 27 September to see George Heriot’s in full swing.
Meet teachers, explore academic departments, hear the pipe band, watch activities, and hear from school leaders.
Importantly, hear why your investment in a Heriot’s education will give your child strong foundations for life.