School Spotlight: PQA Windsor

"The thing I liked most about PQA was how friendly and supportive the community was, as it created a space for everyone to express their artistic talents and ideas without limits."

Amelie

"For me, PQA isn’t just somewhere you go on Saturdays to spend three hours, then leave… it’s an environment where you’re constantly inspired to be your best and most creative self with the support of a kind and loving family environment. Even now that I’ve left, I feel like it’s still a home ❤, and I wouldn’t be half the performer I am without having had the experiences I had at PQA."

Leela

PQA (Pauline Quirke Academy) Windsor is a dedicated performing arts Academy at the St Edward's Royal Free Middle School, with classes for children and young people in Comedy & Drama, Musical Theatre (singing & dancing) and Film & Television. Each term our modules are linked by a theme with it being led by the students under the direction of our talented PQA Windsor teaching staff and assistants.

At PQA Windsor, we want every young person who trains with us to leave the Academy every weekend with a smile on their face and there be a buzz of tales from their classes. Each student has an equal opportunity to dazzle with performance opportunities performed locally as well as in the West End.

We are excited about the future of PQA Windsor, working together with our parents and the community, to bring the performing arts back to the forefront of recreational activities.

We truly believe in PQA and what it offers our students, there isn't anything else like it out there on the market. Having separate Musical Theatre and Comedy and Drama classes really allows the students to hone their skills and learn the history, theory and background of the practical work they are being taught. By having a class dedicated to Film and TV, that not only teaches screen acting but how to make a film itself, from pre to post production, "Lights, Camera, Action!"

PQA Windsor delivers results and keeps it current. We have the best and relevant opportunities available for young performers in Windsor. Whether performing comes naturally or just a fun hobby, so long as a child is enthusiastic and eager to learn, PQA Windsor welcomes them to come and join in to make new friends and learn new skills!  

Children have missed out on so much over the past few years due to the pandemic, and we are finding that more and more children suffer from anxiety, lack of confidence and struggle to communicate their problems. The performing arts is a brilliant way to help young people with this and for them to use it as an outlet. They get to leave their problems at the door and to truly be themselves for 3 hours a week.  Performing arts teaches more than just performing, it teaches life skills which can be used in all walks of life, and I find it a huge honour to be able to work with such incredible young people each week.

Words: Principal Sarah Riches

"I'd describe it as a character-building place, which is very personable and comfortable to be in. I'd also say that we were always given a lot of creative freedom, and it felt like our ideas were very valued - a very collaborative place, which was a nice contrast to the environment of school. Overall, I just really liked and respected that we weren't condescended, and that we were treated like adults. Acting-wise, I loved the feeling of being able to just lose yourself while on stage/filming; I think it’s a unique and exciting feeling."

Elina

“I liked how at PQA, it became a family atmosphere, everyone was interested in what other people were working on, and everyone was very inspired to help each other.”

Felix