Original Thinking
POETRY OR PROTOTYPE, WE’VE GOT IT DOWN TO A FINE ART
Everyone’s an original at Putney and creativity isn’t only for artists. Musicians compose more than their thoughts and from stage to green screen, everyone has a chance to perform. Edit magazines and software, imagine and build products in Design Thinking; whether you’re drawing life or drawing conclusions, the blank canvas is yours.
Athena Centre
Creative thinking isn’t confined to the Arts, it is the spark that brings problem-solving and original ideas to life. The Athena Centre is home to a cross-curricular approach to learning, with science, music, drama and debating housed together in an exciting space where staff and students come together to think, to discuss, to teach and to learn.
We believe that creativity, with a degree of risk-taking, plays a crucial role in the development of the individual, and at Putney it is how we will help you flourish, both artistically and academically.
Performance
Whether you’re a poet or protagonist, performance takes centre stage at Putney. Our annual Poetry Festival, House Drama Festival and Dance Show are just a few of the platforms that showcase the energy and creativity within school.
Take to the stage in one of our many school musicals, the Edinburgh Fringe or one of the productions in-between. Hone your technique in a Monday Masterclass with stars of stage and screen (including our own Sophie Simnett). And if you’re more ‘back-stage’ than Disney star, how about production? Our triple Oscar-winning alumna, costumier Jenny Beavan, is just one of the many bright lights leading the way.
Music
Music is the soundtrack to life at Putney and our new Music department is home to everyone from bass players and drummers to three impressive orchestras.
Whether you’re into chamber music, jazz, brass, a cappella or pop, there are opportunities to perform in every style of music and even a new recording studio to put it all together.
Over 350 instrumental and vocal lessons are taught in school each week, and our students play at Junior Conservatoires and are members of acclaimed auditioned choirs and orchestras. The ever-popular House Music Festival, Teatime Concerts, Year 9 Musical, choir tours and Putney Young Musician of the Year are all notable highlights, and for keen composers, there’s the opportunity to create using the latest software and to showcase work on a national stage.
Art, Design & Textiles
From botanical studies to print making, digital design and CAD CAM to textiles; you’ll have the freedom to experiment and fine tune your practical and technical skills as you develop your ideas along with your visual sense.
Visiting artists, curators and critics offer workshops and provide inspiration to the many who are heading for the top design schools and colleges. And if our entrants to Putney’s Art & DT show, and even the Royal Academy Young Artists’ Summer Show, are any indication, artistic talent is very much alive and well.
Juniors
Creativity in all its forms is encouraged from an early age at Putney. The Valentine’s Music Festival sees performances from a wide range of musical abilities. Self-expression finds new channels, from paint and collage to digital animation and green screen technology.
Everyone plays a part…
