Aims:
Our aims as a Performing Arts Faculty are:
- To promote enjoyment of and enthusiasm for Performing Arts.
- To encourage excellence and high standards of achievement.
- To develop an awareness of Performing Arts.
- To provide pupils with challenges in Performing Arts.
- To provide opportunities for the development of skills, competencies and personal qualities that apply to many aspects of life, including employment.
- To promote definition and use of diverse cultures.
Staffing:
There are currently 9 members of staff working in the faculty; 5 music teachers, 3 drama teachers and 1 dance teacher.
Key Stage 3
Year 7: : In year 7, students are taught in mixed gender form groups and are taught either 1 or 2 lessons per week. Music and drama are also covered as part of the wider curriculum package in Creative Minds. Dance is taught through PE in year 7, in single sex groups. Topics covered in the music curriculum include the ‘Elements of Music’, ‘Graphic Scores’, ‘Music of Africa’ and ‘Blues Music’. The drama topics covered include ‘Superheroes’, ‘Scunny Castle’ and ‘Peacemakers’.
Years 8: In year 8, students are again taught in mixed gender form groups and all classes have 2 lessons per week in music and drama. Dance is covered through PE in single sex groups.
Topics covered in the music curriculum include ‘Reggae Music’, ‘Theme and Variations and ‘Songwriting’. The drama topics covered include ‘Murder Mystery’, Improvisation and Props’ and Soap Opera’. These all concentrate on different aspects of music and drama skills.
Key Stage 4
In Keystage 4, students are grouped in various mixed ability groups. We have a range of subjects on offer at Keystage 4 which include BTEC Performing Arts Production and Acting (both Extended Certificates), BTEC Music Extended Certificate, BTEC Performing Arts (Dance) Extended Certificate and starting this year, the BTEC Performing Arts (Performance) for selected year 9 students . Diploma Students have 6 lessons per week in their subject and Extended Certificate students have 3 lessons per week. Edexcel is the Examination Board that is used for our subjects.
Enrichment
The Performing Arts Faculty believes strongly in the importance of extra-curricular activities. It sees these activities as an extension and celebration of good classroom practice.
The Faculty seeks out opportunities to enhance experience of Performing Arts and takes advantage of projects offered by outside agencies.
Some of the Faculty’s activities are set, but we are keen to encourage pupil interest and, therefore, always willing to set up new groups to meet demand. The Faculty has an ‘open door’ policy at breaks, lunchtime and after school; pupils can book space and equipment at these times.
There are various teacher led activities, which include:
| Music Theory (stating September 2011) | Rock School |
| Boys Breakdance group | Music ICT (starting September 2011) |
| Girls Dance group | Production / concert rehearsals |
| KS4 Performance Skills | Choir |
| Brass Group | Keyboard Club |
| Samba Band |
As well as weekly extra-curricular sessions, there are regular trips to recording studios, concerts, plays/productions as well as termly enrichment sessions within school time involving circus skills, South American/African musical groups, Salsa Dance, Breakdance and many other Performing Arts disciplines.
How do we help you achieve your potential and why is it important for my child to learn Performing Arts?
The Performing Arts Faculty plays a key role in the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of students.
The nature of Drama, Music and Art allow pupils to develop whilst promoting teamwork and respect for others. Each pupil is given the opportunities to learn about themselves, what they are capable of, their potential and their limitations. A pupil’s growth in self-confidence and their ability to believe in themselves, whilst watching their skills develop is very visible in this faculty.
Opportunities to explore, discuss and formulate opinions on a range of issues that promote tolerance and understanding of others viewpoints and clarity of what is right and wrong exist within the faculty.
Alongside these, opportunities also exist to explore other cultures through music and movement. This promotes understanding, awareness and respect.
Who should I talk to if I want more information?
Miss C Gott – Director of Learning for Performing Arts
Miss L Williams – Asst Curriculum Leader for Performing Arts
Mr D Powell – Lead Practitioner for Drama
Miss C Dunbar – Lead Practitioner for Dance
Mr Richard Horsfall – Teacher of Music
