Creatives
Join a band, get involved with a theatre production, experiment with drawing and photography or explore journalism with our college magazine – our Creatives Extension Studies offer you the opportunity to experiment and develop your skills in your creative area of interest.
Short Courses
Exploring drawing
This complementary study will allow you to explore and experiment with a range of different drawing techniques. You will create a collection of drawings using a range of media and approaches. It will enable you to develop your drawing skills through practising with a variety of traditional and contemporary media and subject matter.
The course is suitable for all levels from those who have little experience of drawing through to those who are possibly studying a creative subject as part of their programme of study. You will create a sketchbook of portrait drawings which will be a fantastic addition to your portfolio and a valuable addition to your application if you are intending to study on an Art Foundation or Degree course in the future.
Costs: £10 which covers costs for art materials.
Photography - a flexible skill
Photography surrounds us and is now more a part of everyone’s life than it ever was before. So why not learn how to create beautiful images and be a better image maker?
We cover the fundamental basics of exposure and composition in the first term, lots of practical shooting with digital SLR cameras in groups and a chance to meet new friends. You will start to look at postproduction, using Photoshop and learning tricks of the photographic trade! By the end of the course, you will have a good understanding of digital cameras, Photoshop, and you will have created your own photographic portfolio. You do not need any of your own kit or experience – just a passion for photography! This course is not suitable for those studying A Level Photography.
Introduction to photography darkroom
The darkroom sessions will aim to enhance student understanding of earlier photographic development processes and give an exciting introduction to the darkroom environment.
This course is suited to those students who have experience in photography and working an SLR camera. This would be an ideal choice for students thinking about continuing photography after Esher and those that would like to experience a hands-on process week by week.
You will be able to expand on previous photographic knowledge and gain additional skills and get creative with alternative camera-free processes such as photograms and cyanotypes. The use of black and white 35mm film will also be included allowing students to process their own and develop photographs in a traditional manner.
Costs: £15 covers film, photographic paper, and chemicals.
College Production
If you are interested in College Production or Theatre Workshop you must attend the Audition Workshop on Thursday 7th September at 2.00pm in the Drama Studio.
The College Production is a production of a play which can include ensemble work, dance and music. This course offers the opportunity to creatively collaborate with other students, gain experience in performing and develop skills such as teamwork and communication. In addition to the 2 periods timetabled on Wednesday afternoons there are some additional rehearsals, which take place outside of college hours. We pride ourselves on a high standard of production and therefore expect 100% attendance and commitment.
Our productions usually perform over 3 evenings to an invited audience. In previous productions, many students have been involved on stage, backstage or in creating the costumes and set. Any student can audition to become part of the company as an actor, dancer or singer.
If you are interested in College Production or Theatre Workshop you must attend the Audition Workshop on Thursday 7th September at 2.00pm in the Drama Studio. There is no preparation required – you will be asked to work in groups and perform some scripted extracts. We use this to manage numbers and help select which course would be better suited to you. We will then be able to confirm if you have a place in the College Production or the Theatre Workshop.
Vlog/podcasting
Do you want to increase your confidence in public speaking and presenting? Fancy a career in journalism or the media? This could be your first step! Learn new skills in podcasting and vlogging and improve your presentation and communication skills. This complementary study will teach you skills in presentation and speech making and allow you to follow your interests to develop digital material to contribute to a podcast or vlog. All equipment and training on podcast software provided.
Beginner's Zinemaking
A Zine is a self-published magazine that can be about any topic, from personal stories and poetry to activism and fan art. Zines are part of a subculture of independent media that challenges mainstream narratives and values, having a long history of being used by marginalized groups to create their own spaces and communities. They are also fun and creative, allowing you to experiment with different formats, styles, and materials. The Beginner’s Zinemaking Complementary Studies course is perfect for creative students who have great ideas and enjoy sharing them. You will discover different types of zines, styles, and techniques, create your own original content, use various tools and software for your zine design and layout, and learn how to print and bind your zines in a way that suits your work best . This will help you to express your creativity and communicate your ideas, whether you are making zines for fun, for activism, or for your own personal brand. There will be a studio fee of £5 for this course to cover paper and binding techniques.
Long Courses
College band
Great for any student wishing to be in a Popular Music band. This is a great opportunity to work within a group of likeminded musicians in order to improve your technique and have fun!
Highly suitable for those students looking to study a music related degree at university. Ability to play guitar, bass, drums, keyboard, or sing required.
Performances occur throughout the year at Open Mic, Canteen Gigs, Events and Open Evening. Opportunities to perform with the wider community are also available. The best Band will also be offered recording opportunities at the end of the year.
Theatre workshop
Theatre Workshop is focused on acting and developing performance skills and usually ends with a performance of extracts or a short play to an invited audience. There is the opportunity to explore different genres and styles of theatre through practical workshops.
You will work creatively together with the support of second year student directors. In the lead up to a performance, some additional rehearsals outside of the 2 periods timetabled will be scheduled to ensure a high standard of production and we expect students to be committed.
If you are interested in you must attend the Audition Workshop on Thursday 1st September at 1:30pm in the Drama Studio.
There is no preparation required – you will be asked to work in groups and perform some scripted extracts. We use this to manage numbers and help select which course would be better suited to you. We will then be able to confirm if you have a place in the College Production or the Theatre Workshop.
Advanced Music Theory
For all students wishing to progress to Grade 6 on their instrument. This covers the main areas of music theory such as time signatures, key signatures, notes and clefs, intervals, transposition, melody writing, chord progressions, scales and cadences.
Jazz Funk band
A workshop style rehearsal slot each week for you to learn to play Jazz in a fun and practical environment. It will include improvisation practice and development of skills for all players.
You need to be able to read music, and have an ability to play from memory/by ear is also an asset.
Performances take place each half term at regular performance events such as Open Mic, Concerts and Recitals, Introduction Evening, Open Evening and Performance Tour.
Regular attendance is important for the ensemble to blend and develop. All participants must come ready and prepared to play each week.
Drama audition workshop
This is for students who wish to prepare for Drama school or for studying Drama at university.
You will perform drama pieces either on your own or in pairs. We will perform both Shakespeare and contemporary monologues.
Love life drawing
Each week you will explore and experiment drawing a clothed figure.
You will gain experience drawing using a range of materials, on different scales, with varied approaches. This is a fun course where you will improve your drawing skills and gain confidence in recording and working from life.
You will produce a body of drawings which could be part of your coursework submission for A Level Fine Art, Fashion and Art and Design. These will be essential in your portfolio if you wish to apply to study for an Art Foundation course or on any Arts based Degree course.
This course would suit any student who will be studying on any creative course at it will supplement the portfolio and improve drawing skills. Yet it is also open to any student who enjoys drawing and was unable to continue studying a creative A Level course. No previous experience necessary!
Come and have fun drawing!
Illustration workshop
This workshop will help to broaden your understanding of illustration using traditional printing techniques, drawing, painting and collage.
You will gain experience using specialist techniques, tools and materials within a fun and engaging environment.
This course would suit any student who will be studying on any creative course at it will supplement the portfolio and improve understanding of methods, printing and composition/layout skills.
It is also open to any student who would like to develop a new skill and learn more about this artistic pathway. No previous experience necessary!
Music Tech: Logic for beginners
This is a course for any Music Technology students and musicians who want to learn a more detailed approach to using the Digital Audio Workstation Logic X which we run in the college’s Music Department Mac Suite, M006.
Great Esher sewing bee
Do you wish you could sew? Then come and learn!
You will be designing and creating a personalised cushion, which will build your confidence with the sewing machines and great for a personal handmade Christmas gift. You will then move on to a pair of shortie PJ bottoms.
Once you have gained confidence with the sewing machine, you can then start to upcycle or recycle your own clothes.
No prior sewing skills are necessary. We will start you from the beginning. Equally, if you already have sewing skills, you can learn more advanced skills and more complicated processes and techniques.
This course will help you to develop a variety of skills which include:
- Individual artistic skills
- Communication and teamwork
- Practical and creative skills
- Analytical and research skills
LAMDA Speaking in Public Certificate Grade 8
Are you daunted by the thought of speaking in public but may want to work in a career that may require you to do so? Does the prospect of presenting confidently at interview fill you with dread? Then this course might be just what you are looking for…
LAMDA’s Speaking in Public qualification can give you the skills and knowledge to present confidently and effectively to a range of audiences. You will research topics of interest, write your own speeches and present from memory. You will also master the skills of impromptu speaking.
We will be offering the course at Grade 8 (UCAS points can be gained depending on how you perform.) To gain your certificate you must do the following:
- Deliver one prepared speech on a set subject for four minutes
- Deliver one prepared speech on an own choice subject for four minutes
- Prepare and deliver one impromptu speech for three minutes on a set topic which you will be given on the exam day and have 15 minutes to prepare for.
- Answer questions related to the speeches and technical terminology
This is a great course for anyone thinking of going into any university course or career where presenting to an audience is required- think seminars, conferences, sales pitches. Alternatively, you can do it just to build your self- confidence.
Rambert Grades
Rambert Grades is a new contemporary dance course which has been developed by the world’s leading contemporary dance organisations, Rambert School and Rambert Dance Company. At Esher College we are offering Level 3 Grade 6 with the option to be examined and achieve UCAS points. The grading system is fresh and unique, in that students are assessed over three areas – technical, creative, and performance. Students should have some dance background (although this could be in a different dance style e.g. ballet). Rambert Grades is committed to being accessible and inclusive.
Creative Arts Portfolio
What is this course about?
This course is designed to offer guidance in portfolio preparation and to support your application and progression to either an Art Foundation course, specialist degree course or employment.
As well as exploring a range of processes and techniques to produce individual focus in your work, you will develop portfolio presentation methods to meet the application requirements. As well as developing your portfolio, you will gain support in making applications and interview preparation.
Who should consider this option?
This course is ideal for students who take Fine Art, BTEC Subsidiary Diploma in Art & Design, 3D Design, Photography, Fashion, Media Studies or Graphic Communication and wish to broaden and prepare a portfolio to support their application.
Students who take non-creative A Level subjects but have realised their potential and interest during their time at college and now wish to apply for an Art Foundation course would greatly benefit from this pathway and from having the support of a ‘creative’ mentor in their second year.
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
What is the course about?
The EPQ is an opportunity for you to carry out a research project in an area that interests you.
There are two ways to achieve an EPQ qualification:
- Write a 5,000 word report based on your research (EPS)
- Create an artefact (e.g. a fashion piece, a film, a song) and a written report based on your research (EPC)
With either option you must also document how your project develops in a logbook and give a presentation about your project. The Extended Project Qualification is highly regarded by Universities and completing the qualification will help you to develop your skills of planning, research, time management and self-reflection.
If you want to pursue a creative or performance related course/career pathway after College and want to build up a portfolio of work then you should enrol on the EPQ creative version of the course.
Who should consider this option?
If you are very keen to explore an area of interest in a subject further, or explore links between the subjects you study, then this is for you. You must have high degree of self-motivation, be able to work independently and be willing to carry out extensive research.
