Music: Celebrating Outstanding ABRSM Achievement at TBS
The British School Music Academy is delighted to celebrate the achievements of Ira Siemens Rhodes and Upasana Pradhanang, who both achieved Merit in their ABRSM Grade 8 Piano examinations and Distinction in their Grade 5 Music Theory examinations.
These excellent results reflect their dedication, consistent practice and development as well-rounded musicians. Although Upasana has now moved to China, we are proud to recognise the musical journey and success of both students at TBS.
TBS Music Academy is also pleased to introduce ABRSM Music Theory and expand access to ABRSM instrumental qualifications. Students can now progress through a structured pathway from Prep Test and Initial Grade to Grades 1-8, supported by instrumental lessons, theory classes and performance opportunities.
Congratulations to Ira and Upasana on these exceptional achievements!
Drama: First Drama Monologues of the Year
By: Aarambha, Norbu, Jeongyoon, Suyagya (11, A,K,M)
On the 8th of September, Year 11 iGCSE Drama students took to the stage to perform their monologues, showcasing skills honed over weeks of intense preparation.
The team, guided and supervised by Ms.Mountjoy, prepared their monologues during the summer vacation as well as the 3 weeks of Term 1, taking their rehearsals seriously as the performance was worth 20% of their total grade. The performance was a carefully planned, well thought mix of dialogue and body language, including comedy plays with creative themes and serious speeches discussing real-world topics and issues.
After the performance, Ms. Mountjoy gave verbal feedback on the students’ monologues and sent the recordings of them to the iGCSE board. When asked about the students’ performance, she said that every student made considerable progress throughout the term and improved with each rehearsal, as well as doing well under the pressure of a live audience. To improve on their work, she suggests having good punctuality and meeting deadlines comfortably.
With the performance complete, the performers now eagerly await their official results, which will be released next year.
Ms. Mountjoy later sat down with us and shared a few thoughts on the monologues.
When can students expect their raw marks or feedback?
Students received immediate verbal feedback yesterday to highlight key areas for growth. Official grades will be released by the examination board next summer.
What key takeaway should students focus on for their next assessment?
Learn lines early, it makes character development an easier and stress free journey. Consistent punctuality also ensures valuable rehearsal and feedback time.
How did the overall performances go compared to rehearsals?
The performances were brilliant throughout the day, they showed clear improvement with every run.
How did the students handle the pressure of a live audience?
They thrived under the pressure. The presence of a live audience brought out the best in every performer.
Were there any specific students who stood out or exceeded expectations?
The entire year group stood out, every student worked extraordinarily hard and exceeded expectations.
Art: Alumni visits TBS to talk about her fashion journey and achievements
By Avigya, Sachi, Nessa, Fatima, Aradya
We are so lucky to have had Melanie, an alumni from TBS, visit our school last Wednesday to talk to students from secondary on her experience studying fashion at ESMOD; the oldest fashion university in the world.
In the talk, Melanie spoke about her first year in university, what they had to do, her designs, her general life in Paris and what they have to do in the coming years in fashion school. Alongside this she also showed us her designs and told us how she felt designing. A top achievement that she earned and then explained to us, was definitely getting an internship to work with a designer to make outfits for Paris fashion week. Vedanshee from Year 9 said, “I felt so intrigued during the talk and it made me consider doing fashion designing in the future.”
Sanghamitta from Year 8 quoted “ I always enjoyed doing art but this opened a new perspective of doing art to me.” During most of her time in TBS, Melanie did not know what to do or become in the future but one day she had a lightbulb moment which made her realise she wanted to become a fashion designer. However, this happened after she chose her IGCSEs and so she did not do IGCSE Art, instead she picked A-level Art and had to start from scratch. Ms Daly and Mr Sands supported Melanie heavily to learn textiles skills, drawings, screen printing, sewing machine techniques and become independent in these mediums. Though she did not do IGCSE Art she did do IGCSE DT which might have helped her a bit in A-level Art.
Overall, the talk went well and it inspired so many students. According to Mr Sands, Melanie had to learn her art skills from scratch during her A level but that clearly did not stop her from achieving what she has done. Her message is that barriers such as these should not hold you back from doing what you want to do. We really hope that Melanie visits us again and that more alumni visit us to deliver similar talks at TBS.
“It is always a great pleasure to have alumni visiting and especially sharing their skills and experience with current CPA students. Hopefully these visits will inspire future artists to attend university and study fashion.”- Mr Sands
