The department comprises a large, attractive studio and a specialist Pottery room, and the children have many opportunities to develop their artistic skills, using a wide variety of media. To encourage appreciation of the visual arts, older children are taken on occasional visits to art galleries and museums. All children have music as part of the curriculum, and are encouraged to participate in musical activities from the time they join the School. There are four Choirs, two Orchestras, a Wind Band, and a variety of Ensemble Groups. Concerts, both by pupils and visiting musicians, are features of the School year.
Tuition is given in most instruments, as well as in singing.
There are eight annual Music Exhibitions on offer. Each Exhibitioner receives free tuition on one instrument for thirty lessons in the year. Every form has a period of drama each week as part of the curriculum. Throughout the year every year group stages a short production, whilst the two major School plays take place in the Michaelmas and Lent terms. A group of the best actors take part in the Edinburgh Festival during the Summer vacation.