​Performing Arts

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Aims

In Performing Arts we aim to build an inclusive environment which helps students acquire an important sense of belonging as well as building the self-confidence they need to do well in life. We help to foster a positive attitude by helping students to develop a wide range of qualities such as cooperation , enthusiasm, passion, inspiration, tenacity and ambition. 

Learners will be exposed to a wide range of theatre styles and genres and will apply the skills learnt to their own performance work. By encouraging a study of various drama forms, we aim to provide our learners with the tools needed to not only pursue higher education or employment in the world of Performing Arts but to also enable them to practice skills that can be applied to all aspects of their lives.

Key curriculum principles

To acquire technical skills through a vocational context by studying the three disciplines of acting, dance or musical theatre. 

 

To develop sector specific knowledge and skills through a practical and vocational learning environment.

 

To develop the key skills that prove learners’ aptitude in performing arts, such as reproducing repertoire or responding to a stimulus.

 

To gain an understanding of the processes that underpin effective ways of working in the performing arts, such as development of ideas, rehearsal and performance.

 

To gain an awareness of the attitudes that are considered most important in the performing arts, including personal management and communication.

 

To acquire the knowledge that underpins the effective use of skills, processes and attitudes in the sector, such as roles, responsibilities, performance disciplines and styles.   

 

Academic Literacy and Oracy in Performing Arts

Throughout the study of Drama and Performing Arts at KS3 and KS4, we support the development and application of the key skills required when using the English language along with developing and extending the use of the ‘Expert Language’ associated with our subject. There are many opportunities embedded into the curriculum to hone these skills, particularly through the use of Verbal feedback, Evaluation, Review and Target Setting which take place during every unit or component of work. By using the department's 'Sound Like an Expert’ approach, we provide our students with the tools to be able to build a response which enables them to become a confident and convincing expert in the subject.

 

Future You

The Future You programme provides our students with the opportunity to explore careers that are available within the world of Performing Arts. Students can discover the vast array of careers and futures within the Performing Arts Sector and encourage aspiration to pursue such careers. We address careers both on and off the stage such as actor, director, Floor runner, costume and makeup, lighting and sound technicians through to TV presenter, musical director and Drama teacher.​

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Big Ideas

To promote the exploration of extraordinary genres, theatre styles or Icons that may be ‘out of the ordinary’ in the performing arts world and that may not be addressed through a Drama curriculum ordinarily. There are many unusual and fascinating styles or features in the world of theatre along with Icons that should be highlighted because of their contribution to the world of theatre. Some of these include the work of Mary Shelley, the filmography and career of the late Robin Williams, the use of Method Acting and The history of the long running radio show ‘The Archers’.

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​High Challenge

Within our performing arts lessons. We aim to inspire interest and confidence to tackle high challenge work:  Our students achieve well and work hard towards their goals, however, we aim to promote the completion of challenging work, fostering behaviours that attempt to extend and apply Dramatic techniques and skills beyond the standard level of study.

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Enriching Lives

​Not only do we provide students with a safe and respectful environment to perform in, alongside their peers,  demonstrating the skills acquired through the curriculum units of work, we also provide them with enrichment opportunities outside the classroom. Each year we run a Pantomime Trip for KS3 students and KS4 Performing Arts Students to our local theatre. We also host Performing Arts evenings where students can showcase their talents to family, friends and school staff. We organise a Christmas Staff Pantomime for the end of term celebrations and on a larger scale we host a Whole School production of a well known musical which is open to any students across the school and is performed towards the end of the school year.​​

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