Erika Cramp

Director of Creative and Performing Arts

Management

[email protected]

From a young age music has been a very important part of my life. I have studied piano, clarinet and voice throughout my school career and completed a Bachelors of Music degree at the University of Pretoria in South Africa, completing my final dissertation on Music Education. I moved to London where I taught Primary Music for two years before moving onto the Langley Academy in Slough to become Head of Music for four years. During my time in London I also performed as a session musician in hotels and restaurants and performed and recorded in bands alongside musicians such as Keane and Mumford and Sons. I was also cowriter and music producer for a South African children’s Music Education Programme, Kiddibeat, which gives children from the age of 3 months until 6 years the opportunity to develop life skills through music. In 2009 my husband and I decided to move to Bangkok, Thailand in order to work and travel. It was there that I became Head of Music at Bromsgrove International School for 6 years before moving to Phuket with our two children, Jude and Chloe. I firmly believe that every child deserves the opportunity to experience the Arts, whether through Music, Dance, Drama or Art and Design, as it also helps them improve in other areas such as learning a new language and Math. I see education as holistic, where one subject compliments another.

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.

Art

Art is 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.

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.

Dance

Our dance programme offers many varied dance styles such as Ballet, Contemporary, Modern/Jazz, Hip Hop and Cheerleading to students from a young age. Our programme also incorporates gymnastic (rhythmic and acrobatics) to enhance student’s abilities in movement and physical fitness. The HeadStart Dance Programme (HDS) is designed so that students can participate in dance activities that are developmentally and technically appropriate to aid them in becoming physically, emotionally and spatially aware, to build confidence and self-esteem, and to encourage them to become creative, co-operative and sociable individuals. Dance is now also taught as a stand alone lesson as part of our Key Stage 3 Active Learning mornings.