A new creative arts centre for Junior students

Exciting things are in store for the Creative Arts Curriculum at Tanglin Trust School! Students aged 7 to 11 years old have the new Junior Arts Centre (JAC) to express themselves. Here are some highlights that primary school students and the school community can look forward.

Nurturing expressive creativity at Tanglin Trust

The Tanglin Trust team emphasises that creative arts are not an add-on but an essential part of holistic education. It nurtures imagination, confidence and self-expression while supporting wellbeing and character development.

Tanglin Trust CEO Craig Considine says, “Creativity is truly the beating heart of what we do in education here. It pulses through every corridor conversation, every moment of discovery.”

The new JAC complements the Junior curriculum, which is designed to inspire, motivate and challenge. The dedicated space brings creativity to the fore. It provides primary school students with the opportunities, resources and encouragement to explore, innovate and flourish.

What’s on offer at the new Junior Arts Centre

Music Spaces: On the ground floor are three music rooms surrounding the J:Hub, a central performance space for music, poetry and singing. It comes alive during daily lunchtime performances, recitals and Open Mic sessions. Children from each primary school year group will share their musical talents with their peers.

Head of Junior Music, Fiona Knight Lucas, explains: “The new facilities allow children across the Junior School to immerse themselves in the world of sound, rhythm and creativity. Students now experience music as performers, and as inspired listeners and enthusiastic collaborators.”

Art Studio: This light-filled, technology integrated space at the Junior Arts Centre invites exploration and creativity. Visiting artists inspire primary school students through workshops and drawing sessions.

Students have already enjoyed workshops with Little Red Dog Drawings, known for their coloured pencil artwork.

Dance Studio: Dance, newly introduced to Tanglin Trust’s primary school curriculum, encourages physical expression and confidence.

Dance Specialist, Amy Gilroy, says, “I feel privileged to work in a school that recognises the power and importance of dance in education. It has provided a rare and exceptional arts specialist experience.”

Black Box Theatre: This is a bespoke space for Junior drama performances combined with workshops by visiting theatre and dance professionals. Students get to experience the thrill of performance and collaboration in the Junior Arts Centre.

“These inspiring spaces are designed to spark imagination, encourage collaboration and elevate every performance,” says Head of Junior Drama, TJ Taylor.

Junior Library: Spanning two floors of the Junior Arts Centre and home to 15,000 books, students experience the joy of storytelling here. The dedicated Story House hosts poetry readings and author visits.

One such visit was by award-winning illustrator Chaaya Prabhat. She engaged Tanglin Trust primary school students with live drawing workshops and shared her journey as a children’s book illustrator.

Exciting times for Tanglin Trust learners

Since the centre’s launch, every Junior student has taken part in a workshop or performance led by visiting artists, exploring puppetry, dance, drama and music. In this way, says Tanglin, the new creative arts centre also provides the space for students to experience professional work while developing an appreciation for diverse styles, voices and artistic journeys.

Tanglin Trust School is at 96 Portsdown Road.
6778 0771 | tts.edu.sg

This article about the new Junior Arts Centre for Tanglin Trust’s primary school students first appeared in the November 2025 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe so you never miss a copy! Now read about Tanglin Trust’s world premiere concert earlier this year. Or head to our Kids section for more articles.

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