Personalised art pathways in Sixth Form
At NBH Canonbury Sixth Form, students pursuing Fine Art, Photography, Drama, or Music benefit from A-Level courses that focus on advanced technique, independent research, and refined final outcomes. Whether composing original scores, developing mixed media portfolios, or interpreting complex theatrical works, students build the critical and creative tools required to progress to degree-level study and beyond.
By combining rigorous academic learning with genuine creative freedom, NBH Canonbury offers a space where artistic passions are taken seriously and supported at the highest level. Our Sixth Formers graduate with specialist portfolios, performance experience, and the reflective, professional skills to thrive – whether applying to university, conservatoires, or entering the creative industries.
Too good not to share! Our A-Level Art exhibition wasn’t just a showcase - it featured the final exam pieces, the culmination of two years of independent research, creative risk-taking and technical refinement. Each piece reflects the voice and vision of the artist behind it, shaped by real-world feedback, gallery experience and a curriculum designed to challenge and inspire.
Every piece felt like a window into someone’s world. Bold, personal, meticulous… this is creative freedom with purpose. 🖌️
Simply outstanding work, don’t you think?
#nbhcanonbury #artstudents #ALevelArt #ArtExhibition #StudentVoices #TooGoodNotToShare #CreativityUnfiltered #wearecognita
Industry and community links
Real-world connection is a key part of our arts offering. Sixth Form students regularly engage with professionals across the creative industries, attend exhibitions and live performances, and have opportunities to showcase their work beyond the classroom.
Visual Arts students take part in collaborations with local galleries or arts organisations, gaining valuable curation feedback and experience presenting their work to a wider audience. In Drama, students often take on leading roles in school productions or direct original work, while developing skills in stage management, lighting, and production design. A-Level Music students perform, compose, and arrange for both solo and ensemble performance, contributing regularly to concerts and school events.
Visiting practitioners, including artists, performers, and directors, provide workshops and insights into professional practice. Students also broaden their cultural understanding through day and residential trips to global creative centres such as New York, Berlin, Rome, and Paris, often alongside Years 10 and 11.
Creative independence
At this level, students are encouraged to take ownership of their work. From selecting personal project themes to designing and curating exhibitions or performances, Sixth Formers are given the space to develop their voice and vision. This independence nurtures reflective practice, critical thinking, and a professional mindset – preparing students for arts foundation courses, university applications, or direct entry into the creative industries.
Co-curriculars and leadership opportunities
Sixth Formers play an active role in shaping the school’s creative culture. They often mentor younger pupils in productions and ensembles and take on leadership responsibilities across the arts. These opportunities help students build confidence, develop leadership skills, and gain experience working collaboratively as part of a creative team.
Roles include:
Taking principal roles or serving as creative leads in whole-school drama productions
Coaching younger ensembles or assisting in the music department
Supporting art exhibitions and showcases across the school
Representing the school in ISA competitions and local or national events
Join us at an open event
Our open events provide the opportunity to see the school in action, meet our Head, Mrs Charlotte Tassell-Dent, our brilliant staff and pupils, and learn more about what life at Canonbury really looks like.
Discover more about admissions
Our admissions process is designed to be as straightforward and supportive as possible, setting your child on the path to an excellent education experience.
Find out more about the application process through to the point of offer and enrolment with our step-by-step guide.