Creative Arts

Music in the Sixth Form offers a vibrant and high-level experience, whether you choose to study it academically or take part in the wider musical life of the school. If you take Music at A-Level, you will develop your skills in performance, composition, and analysis, studying a broad range of styles and genres. The course encourages independent learning and musical curiosity, preparing you for further study at university or conservatoire.

Outside the classroom, you can join one of the many ensembles that rehearse weekly in our dedicated music school, preparing for a packed calendar of concerts across a wide range of styles. From the prestigious Symphony Orchestra and our New Jazz Collective to the 50-strong, fully robed Chapel Choir, there is something for every interest. Performances—often in collaboration with Bedford Girls’ School—include Rock Night, Jazz Evening, lunchtime concerts, and the prestigious Creative Arts Festival to close the year. Supported by expert visiting teachers, many Sixth Form musicians go on to study music at Oxbridge and other leading institutions.

Art in the Sixth Form gives you the space to express yourself and engage with the world in creative and thoughtful ways. If you choose Art & Design at A-Level, you will work across three core disciplines—painting, printmaking, and sculpture—supported by specialist studios and taught by practising artists and specialising further as you move through the course. The curriculum encourages independent thinking, personal exploration, and technical skill, helping you to build a portfolio that reflects your individual interests and ambitions.

Beyond the classroom, there are plenty of opportunities to deepen your engagement with art. Weekly life-drawing classes, regular exhibitions in the Foyer Gallery, museum and gallery visits, annual study tours abroad, and the Gilbert Lloyd Art Lectures are open to all Sixth Formers. The Detweiler Art Competition gives you the chance to exhibit and present your work to the wider school community. Many students go on to study fine art, history of art, design, or architecture at leading universities and art colleges.

Drama in the Sixth Form builds on Bedford’s rich theatrical tradition, offering you the chance to act, study performance, and explore the technical side of theatre. If you choose Drama and Theatre Studies at A-Level, you will study key practitioners, explore live theatre, and develop your own performance and design work. The course balances academic analysis with practical creativity, helping you build confidence, collaboration skills, and a deeper understanding of theatre as an art form.

Outside the classroom, the co-curricular programme is extensive. You can take part in private and group LAMDA lessons, join the technical crew to learn sound and lighting through bespoke lunchtime clubs, or get involved in design projects. Each year, at least three major productions take place, alongside smaller student-directed pieces. You will also benefit from specialist workshops and regular theatre visits, both locally and in London.

Drama gives you valuable transferable skills, especially in public speaking and teamwork. Many Sixth Formers go on to study theatre at university, and Bedford alumni can be found working across the industry—from stand-up comedy to blockbuster films.

Media Studies helps you understand how media shapes the world—from film and television to advertising, social media, and journalism. If you choose Media Studies at A-Level, you will study key theories, analyse a wide range of media texts, and learn how to produce your own content. The course blends academic study with hands-on production, helping you to think critically and creatively about the media you consume and create.

Outside the classroom, you can join the film-making club to develop practical skills in directing, editing, and production. Sixth Formers can also take part in the Media Studies Ambassador Scheme, working with the school’s marketing department to create content that showcases life at Bedford. These opportunities will help you build confidence, technical ability, and communication skills—preparing you for further study in media, communications, or related fields.