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.
Growing with the Arts
Our teaching approach adapts dynamically as students mature. While our youngest learners focus on joyful exploration and building early self-assurance, expectations shift significantly in the older year groups. Secondary students are challenged to evaluate complex concepts, compose original works, and lead independent design projects. By blending hands-on experimentation with historical context, we ensure students not only create art but understand its impact on global culture.
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
Design is offered from Year 7 upwards 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.
Celebrating Visual Arts
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.
Bringing Characters to Life
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.
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.
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
The Academic Year
| Term | Focus | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 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. |
Introduction to LAMDA
Reception - Year 2Help your child discover their voice. This welcoming class uses play and storytelling to build early confidence and clear expression.
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.
Curriculum Overview
| Activity Focus |
|---|
| Reading poems and short stories aloud |
| Voice exercises (tone, volume, expression) |
| Basic posture, breathing, and movement exercises |
| Simple dramatic games to encourage creativity and 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.
Performance: Acting
Year 3 - Year 13Watch students step into the spotlight. From foundational scene work to complex character psychology, this track builds formidable stage presence and storytelling skills.
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.
| Focus Area | Description |
|---|---|
| Monologues and Duologues | Preparing scripted scenes for performance and examination. |
| Physical and Vocal Awareness | Learning to use movement, posture, and speech to bring characters to life. |
| Character Development | Exploring how a character thinks, moves, and feels within a scene. |
| Skill-Building Games | Engaging in theatrical exercises that build focus, teamwork, and spontaneity. |
| Public Presentation | Transitioning from classroom activities to performing for an invited audience. |
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.
| Focus Area | Description |
|---|---|
| Scene Study, Monologues, and Duologues | Preparing and presenting scripted pieces for performance and examination. |
| Character Analysis and Motivation | Exploring a character’s personality, background, and why they behave the way they do. |
| Emotional Expression | Using voice and body movement to communicate a wide range of feelings and subtext. |
| Script Work | Working with a variety of classical and contemporary texts to understand storytelling. |
| Performance Games | Engaging in theatrical exercises that build focus, spontaneity, and stage presence. |
Learners deepen their understanding of character, storytelling, and dramatic interpretation while also developing high-level communication skills for academic, performance, and professional settings.
Verse and Prose
Year 3 - Year 6Bring literature to life. Students learn the art of captivating an audience by mastering the nuances of the spoken word and dramatic storytelling.
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.
| Focus Area | Description |
|---|---|
| Verse and Prose Recitation | Preparing and performing selected poems and stories for examination. |
| Vocal and Physical Technique | Developing breath control, clear diction, and confident posture. |
| Interpretative Storytelling | Learning to engage with the thoughts and emotions behind a text to captivate an audience. |
| Introduction to Versification | Understanding the "music" of language, including rhythm, rhyme, and stanzas. |
| Literary Exploration | Discussing the meaning and style of chosen texts to deepen understanding. |
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.
Speaking in Public
Year 3 - Year 13Equip students with the power of persuasion. This pathway develops essential life skills in logic, speech-writing, and learning how to command a room.
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.
| Focus Area | Description |
|---|---|
| Speech Preparation and Delivery | Crafting and presenting original speeches for performance and examination. |
| Storytelling and Persuasion | Learning how to weave narratives and persuasive arguments into public addresses. |
| Vocal Technique | Mastering projection, articulation, and pacing to ensure every word is heard and understood. |
| Impromptu Speaking | Engaging in fun, quick-fire activities that build adaptability and "thinking on your feet." |
| Audience Engagement | Learning how to use eye contact and body language to connect with listeners. |
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.
| Focus Area | Description |
|---|---|
| Speech Preparation and Delivery | Researching, writing, and presenting original speeches for examination. |
| Persuasive and Narrative Speaking | Learning how to structure arguments and share stories to influence and inspire. |
| Vocal Technique and Clarity | Mastering projection, articulation, and pacing to ensure a professional delivery. |
| Impromptu Speaking and Adaptability | Practising "thinking on your feet" through fun, spontaneous speaking challenges. |
| Audience Engagement | Developing the use of eye contact, posture, and facial expression to connect with a crowd. |
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.
Musical Theatre
Year 3 - Year 13Take centre stage with high-energy performances. Students combine acting, vocal training, and choreography to deliver powerful stories through song.
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.
