- GCSE
- A Level
Performing arts
Your Stage, Your Voice, Your Vision
At Rochester Independent College, Performing Arts isn't just a subject—it’s a celebration of creativity, confidence, and collaboration. Whether you're singing your heart out, stepping into character, composing your own soundtrack, or choreographing your next dance piece, RIC is the place to discover your artistic voice and make it heard.
What really made me think about space and begin to think about ways to use it was Einstein's statement that there are no fixed points in space. Everything in the universe is moving all the time.
Drama at RIC starts as early as Year 7 and continues through to sixth form, offering a clear path from playful improvisation to professional performance. Star Hill is our students’ stage for self-discovery, where Commedia dell’arte, Greek tragedy, and modern theatre all come to life. By GCSE, students tackle the AQA syllabus through devising, directing, and live performance, supported by visits to West End shows and hands-on practical work. In sixth form, the Pearson BTEC in Performing Arts provides an industry-focused lens—exploring everything from physical theatre to production roles, all while nurturing aspiring actors, directors, and technicians.
Beyond the classroom, students have the chance to take over a professional theatre for our school production, joining not just the cast but also the tech crew, band, marketing team, and more. From original scripts to LAMDA certifications, the stage at RIC is never empty—and neither is your opportunity to shine.
Music at RIC is as diverse and dynamic as our students. With small classes and a hands-on approach, we blend classical with contemporary, performance with production. You'll create original music using top-tier tech, explore genres from trap to Tchaikovsky, and collaborate in ensembles, college bands, and even on your own solo tracks. Our dedicated music spaces—complete with a tech suite, live room, and a practice area—support instrumental study and recording projects. And with our own in-house record label, your work could reach audiences on major streaming platforms worldwide.
Whether you're composing cinematic scores, jamming with friends at lunch, or performing at the college festival, music at RIC is all about making it real and making it yours.
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Pupils describe the music here as “sick” and rave about the music technology opportunities and their bands which they can showcase at the summer festival.
Dance at RIC launches officially in 2026 at both GCSE and A level, and it’s already poised to become a cornerstone of our creative offering. With a dual focus on performance and theory, you’ll master the technical, expressive, and analytical skills that make dance such a powerful art form. Explore the work of iconic companies like Rambert and Alvin Ailey, dive deep into choreographic techniques, and reflect critically on the social and cultural impact of dance through written analysis. Whether your passion is ballet or breaking, contemporary or choreography, our dance curriculum offers a space to move, reflect, and grow.
At RIC, Performing Arts is more than just a timetable slot—it’s a community. It’s where passion meets professionalism, where creativity is nurtured, and where every student can find their spotlight. So whether you're acting, composing, dancing, or doing all three, the stage is set. All that’s missing is you.