Performing Arts

Performing Arts

The Performing Arts Department's primary aim is to allow our students the opportunity to express themselves through Drama, Music, Theatre and Dance. We strive to create a learning environment where all students feel at ease to perform, compose, create and devise. We value the input of all students, however large or small.

The Department

Performing Arts lessons are planned according to the whole school policy. As a result, all planning takes the three-part lesson structure into account. A session begins with an explanation of the 'Big Picture', followed by then Lesson Objectives, a warm up (starter activity) and the main teaching of the lesson. Lessons end with a plenary to check learning against the learning objectives.

How You learn

 Learning styles:

• Some learners are visual, some are auditory, some are kinaesthetic, and most benefit from combinations of the above. Therefore activities need to take place which support different learning styles.

Cross curricular skills development:

• ICT, research, presentation, numeracy, literacy, and organisational skills.

Differentiation:

• allow pupils of all abilities to make appropriate progress, including those with specific learning needs at the lower and upper range of ability

Key Stage Three

Music and Drama

In KS3, students are taught according to the National Music Strategy for Key Stage Three. The

course is a modular one, with parts of each module designed to fulfill the achievement

criteria of the different National Curriculum levels. In Year 8 the students have a Drama

lesson every week as part of the curriculum

What You Learn:

Year 7 Music

• Introduction to using the keyboards;
• The Symphony Orchestra;
• Performing a Song;
• Rhythm;
• The 1950’s Ballad;
• Renaissance Music;
• Japanese Music;
• Country Music.

Year 8 Music

• Stereotypes;
• Shakespeare King Lear;
• Crime;
• Bullying;
• The Environment;
• Soap Operas;

Year 9 Music

• The Blues;
• Latin Rhythms;
• Songs for Special Occasions;
• Reggae;
• Classical Music;
• Jazz;
• Music for TV and Film;
• Improvisation.

Key Stage 4

In Key Stage Four, students study for either a BTEC First Certificate in Music or a BTEC First Certificate in Performing Arts (Acting). These are equivalent to 2 GCSEs grades A*-C

BTEC First Certificate in Music

• Planning and Creating a Music Product Solo Musical Performance (Core)

Over the course of this unit, learners will explore the repertoire for their chosen instrument and make decisions on which pieces they intend to prepare for performance.

• Working as a Musical Ensemble (specialist)

This unit allows learners to become part of a musical team, concentrating on the process of a team working together towards a performance.

BTEC First Certificate in Performing Arts(Acting)

• Acting (core)

The skills developed in this unit are vital in the development of confidence and understanding of the role of the actor.

• Performing Scripted Plays (specialist)

Learners will develop the skills required to interpret a role as written by a playwright and will rehearse a role within a group and perform it before an audience.

• Devising Plays (specialist)

Learners look at ways of structuring material into dramatic form and creating original work for performance to an audience, or for a demonstration of their work.

Key Stage 5

In Key stage five students study for an Applied GCE in Performig Arts. This new award

consists of three units in Year 12 for an AS level and then three further units in year 13 for an A2 level. Students are encouraged to demonstrate their skills through their assessments

AS Level

In the AS units students learn about:

Unit 1 - Exploring Skills for Performance;

Unit 2 - Planning for an Event;

Unit 3 - Performing to a Commission;

A2 Level

In the A2 units students learn about:

Unit 4 - Employment Opportunities in the Performing Arts;

Unit 5- Advanced Performance Practice;

Unit 7- Production Delivery.

Performing Arts Department Staff

Mr Richard Kain - Curriculum Leader - Music and Performing Arts

Ms Gillian Cullen - Teacher of Drama and Performing Arts

Mrs Sue Balshaw - Woodwind Teacher