Chaofah City
Chaofah City
CAPA Programme (Ages: 3-18)
Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA)
The Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) programme offers Foundation to Year 13 students a structured platform to develop their creative abilities. Covering music, art, drama, dance, and the LAMDA syllabus, the curriculum builds technical proficiency, critical thinking, and confidence. Through classroom instruction, practical workshops, and public showcases, students gain essential skills for artistic expression and communication.
Curriculum
Art & Design and Music are available from Foundation to Year 13. Drama and Design and Technology is on offer in KS3 and IGCSE.
Music is a universal language that embodies one of the highest forms of creativity. Here at HeadStart we engage and inspire pupils to develop a love of music and their talent as musicians, and to increase their self-confidence, creativity and sense of achievement. As pupils progress from Foundation to Primary to Secondary, they develop a critical engagement with music, allowing them to compose, and to listen with discrimination to the best in the musical canon.
Art, craft and design embody some of the highest forms of human creativity. At HeadStart we offer a high-quality art and design education which engage, inspire and challenge pupils, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to experiment, invent and create their own works of art, craft and design. As pupils progress from Foundation to Primary and Primary to Secondary, they are be able to think critically and develop a more rigorous understanding of art and design. They also know how art and design both reflect and shape our history, and contribute to the culture, creativity and wealth of our nation.
Art
Art & Design are offered from Foundation to A Level at HeadStart. Our students also have the opportunity to take after-school classes and help with making props and backdrops for our productions and events. Twice a year, we also hold an exhibition presenting our students’ work.
Design
Art & Design are offered from Foundation to A Level at HeadStart. Our students also have the opportunity to take after-school classes and help with making props and backdrops for our productions and events. Twice a year, we also hold an exhibition presenting our students’ work.
Music
HeadStart has a proud tradition of producing talented musicians as well as putting on excellent productions. Music lessons are offered from Foundation to Year 13 where we follow the Cambridge IGCSE and A Level. Our after school programme includes Music Exploration, Singing, Ukulele and Guitar clubs, School Band to name but a few. Private instrumental lessons are available in voice, guitar, piano, drums, flute, clarinet and saxophone.
Drama
The Drama department is an exciting addition to HeadStart International School, with after school drama clubs for both Primary and Secondary. These clubs have grown in popularity and attendance. The Drama clubs produce performance pieces at the end of each term. Drama is offered as an IGCSE option at Key Stage 4.
CAPA Shows
Stepping onto the stage requires courage, but truly owning it requires a foundation of unwavering support. Our students continually amaze us with their dedication to their craft, bringing complex characters, gripping narratives, and dynamic choreography to life. Guided by the expert direction and tireless behind-the-scenes support of our CAPA faculty, these young performers are given the confidence to take creative risks and shine in front of a live audience. Catch a glimpse of their hard work and showmanship in action.
Little Shop of Horrors 2025
Evita 2024
Alice the Musical 2026
Moana 2026
HeadStars Dance Academy
Our dance provision is a real highlight of our CAPA HeadStars. We offer a wide range of lessons and there really is something for everyone! Our dance students are afforded opportunities to showcase their work in numerous performances throughout the year, culminating in our annual Dance Recital. Classes are offered in ballet, hip-hop, contemporary, modern jazz, aerial hammock, rhythmic gymnastics, acro-dance, twirling and cheerleading.
Dance Company: HeadStars
The CAPA HeadStars Academy includes vibrant and varied opportunities for our students, starting with our youngest learners in Foundation Stage and engaging students all the way through to the end of their school journey at HeadStart.
Elite Dance Training
For those students with an intermediate to advanced level of dance technique in one or more disciplines we offer our very able pupil (VAP) programme. This is an audition only group where students audition in August and commit to working hard, training 3 to 5 hours per week throughout the year ahead. These dancers are involved in our CAPA productions and other performance events throughout the year, including our annual Dance Show.
Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) HeadStars
There are three categories of CAPA HeadStars: Senior (year 6-13) Junior (years 3-6) and Mini (foundation stage to year 3). These groups meet weekly and rehearse and develop material for live performances. We have four CAPA HeadStar performances per year, these vary from small scale-invite only (CAPA Mini) to large scale musical theatre productions (CAPA Senior). In our Senior and Junior groups we hold auditions for lead roles but look to include all students who are interested in being a member of CAPA HeadStars and demonstrate performance skills across music, dance and acting.
Orchestra
Our school orchestra is a very able pupil (VAP) provision. These students are selected by our Music Co-ordinator who expects a high standard of musical knowledge and an excellent approach to collaborative work. Our orchestra works throughout the year, performing at numerous events. Of particular note is their work as our annual ‘pit band’ for our CAPA Senior productions. We are incredibly proud of the journey our orchestra has been on, we now populate our pit band with over 18 talented students.
Instrumental and Voice lessons
We offer private instrumental lessons to all students who are interested in learning a new instrument or developing their skill with an existing one. All our classes are with highly experienced instrumental teachers and are delivered one-to-one. We currently offer the following instruments: drums, piano, voice, trumpet, ukulele, violin and guitar.
LAMDA
LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art) is an accredited and highly regarded programme of study for students interested in and passionate about performance and communication skills. We offer classes and examinations for students in every key stage, building their skills and confidence through fun and engaging activities. In term 1, students work collaboratively, creating performance material and developing the necessary skills. At the end of this term, students showcase their work to an invited audience of parents. In term 2, students work towards their examination, this is a more focussed period with one to one support from their teacher in preparation for their exam in term 3. The classes currently offered are: Introductory Level, Verse and Prose, Musical Theatre, Communication & Performance and Performing.
Student Creativity
Every canvas, sketch, and sculpture tells a unique story. Our visual arts programme encourages students to observe the world closely and translate their perspectives through diverse mediums. With access to professional-grade materials and expert mentorship, HeadStart artists consistently produce thought-provoking work. Browse the gallery below to see their creativity on display.
The LAMDA Programme
A globally recognised programme empowering students to master performance and communication. From building early confidence to refining advanced public speaking, we develop vital life skills at every key stage.
Enquire About LAMDA
The Academic Year
Term 1: Collaborate & Create
Students collaborate to build foundational skills and devise performance material, culminating in a live showcase for parents.
Term 2: Focussed Preparation
A period of focus and mentorship, dedicated to refining technique and preparing students for their formal assessments.
Term 3: Examination / Showcase
The culmination of the year’s work. Students sit their accredited LAMDA examinations, showcasing their mastery of technique, communication, and stage presence.
Classes Offered
A sneak peek into the activities and curriculum tailored for each age group in our LAMDA programme.
Class Information
Our structured curriculum guides students through every stage of their communicative and theatrical development, offering specialised training in:
- Introductory Level
- Verse and Prose
- Musical Theatre
- Communication & Performance
- Performing
Reception – Year 2
Introduction to LAMDA
Help your child discover their voice. This welcoming class uses play and storytelling to build early confidence and clear expression.
Introduction to LAMDA
For students Reception – Year 2: Introduction to LAMDA
A foundational course designed to spark a love for speaking and performance. Through guided play, poetry, and storytelling, young learners take their first steps toward articulate expression and public confidence.
Learners also enjoy sharing and talking about their favourite things, helping them practise listening, answering questions, and using descriptive language in a relaxed and supportive environment.
Year 3 – Year 13
Performance: Acting
Watch students step into the spotlight. From foundational scene work to complex character psychology, this track builds formidable stage presence and storytelling skills.
Performance: Acting
For students Year 3 – Year 6: Acting
An immersive exploration of acting, vocal clarity, and storytelling. Students learn to translate ideas into compelling characters, enhancing their stage presence and expressive communication.
Learners deepen their understanding of dramatic interpretation and narrative structure while gaining essential communication skills that boost their confidence in both performance and everyday social settings.
For students Year 7 – Year 13: Advanced Acting
A rigorous programme focussed on advanced acting techniques, psychological character development, and complex dramatic texts. Students learn to command an audience and deliver nuanced, persuasive performances.
Learners deepen their understanding of character, storytelling, and dramatic interpretation while also developing high-level communication skills for academic, performance, and professional settings.
Year 3 – Year 6
Communication: Verse and Prose
Bring literature to life. Students learn the art of captivating an audience by mastering the nuances of the spoken word and dramatic storytelling.
Communication: Verse and Prose
For students Year 3 – Year 6: Verse and Prose
A focussed study on bringing the written word to life. Students explore the rhythm of poetry and the structure of prose, developing a sophisticated ‘vocal toolkit’ to interpret and present complex ideas with clarity and flair.
Learners develop a love for literature and a sophisticated “vocal toolkit,” gaining the confidence to interpret complex ideas and present them with clarity and flair in any setting.
Year 3 – Year 13
Communication: Speaking in Public
Equip students with the power of persuasion. This pathway develops essential life skills in logic, speech-writing, and learning how to command a room.
Communication: Speaking in Public
For students Year 3 – Year 6: Speaking in Public
A practical guide to expressive presentation. Students master the fundamentals of vocal clarity, structured storytelling, and audience engagement to confidently share their own ideas.
Learners deepen their understanding of narrative structure and logical thinking while gaining essential life skills that boost their confidence in the classroom, on stage, and in social settings.
For students Year 7 – Year 13: Speaking in Public
An advanced study of effective oral communication and confident presentation. Students master the art of speech-writing and delivery, building the self-assurance and logical thinking necessary to influence and engage listeners with ease.
Learners deepen their understanding of how to organise their thoughts and present them with impact, gaining high-level communication skills for use in the classroom, in leadership roles, and in public settings.
Year 3 – Year 13
Musical Theatre
Take centre stage with high-energy performances. Students combine acting, vocal training, and choreography to deliver powerful stories through song.
Musical Theatre
Life at HeadStart
From academic breakthroughs to championship wins, there is always an inspiring story unfolding at HeadStart. Browse the latest articles below to catch up on the news, events, and daily life across our Chaofah and Cherngtalay campuses.
