The School Musical: A Whole School Production That Shapes Our Culture.
In today’s fast-paced, high-pressure world, girls need spaces where they can build courage, creativity, and compassion. The performing arts—dance, drama, and music—offer exactly that. Far more than extracurricular activities or subjects, these disciplines are powerful tools that shape young women into bold thinkers, empathetic communicators, and inspiring leaders.
At St Peter’s Girls, the Performing Arts program is a space where students can challenge themselves, express their individuality, and connect with others. Whether standing on stage delivering lines, dancing with passion and precision, or performing in an ensemble, girls develop discipline, resilience and confidence.
These qualities have been developed, grown and demonstrated over the past four months during our rehearsal period for the biennial Years 7 to 12 Musical, “Newsies”. Each of the 105 performers on stage has attended a minimum of 60 hours of rehearsals, working as a team to learn choreography, take directions, develop characters and memorise lines and lyrics. The band, made up of talented musicians, have worked together to bring the impressive musical score to life, and our backstage crew has very quickly developed leadership skills and shown incredible initiative.
Through both rehearsal and performance, girls learn to collaborate, listen, and lead. They take creative risks and recover from setbacks. They gain the ability to speak up in front of a crowd and to handle feedback constructively. These are not only artistic skills—they are life skills.
Studies show that girls involved in these performing arts experiences tend to perform better academically and report higher levels of self-esteem and social connection. I am proud that our School truly values and supports the School Musical, and encourages students to embrace this opportunity, which has become a highlight on the School calendar and something the students remember forever.
As Lin-Manuel Miranda, creator of Hamilton, reminds us: “The arts are not a luxury. They are a necessity. They teach kids empathy and creativity, and they enrich every part of our lives.” For girls especially, performing arts offer a space to explore identity, question stereotypes, and tell powerful stories, such as the 1899 New York newsboys who band together to fight the greedy Publishing company and prove that young people can create change.
Our Performing Arts staff are proud to foster a culture that uplifts every girl and gives her the tools to shine, both on and off the stage. We believe that when girls are empowered to perform, they are also empowered to lead, to dream, and to strive.
The stage doesn’t just build performers—it builds confident young women ready to take on the world. I could not be prouder of every student involved and of the dream-team I am fortunate to work alongside.
Kate Burnett
Head of Arts
