Intent
The department prides itself on high standards of performance, regularly delivered within the school and the local community. Through performance, we aim to provide student with a wide range of opportunities to better themselves, broaden their horizons and fulfil their potential.
Implementation
All pupils have the opportunity to experience Performing Arts through Music and Drama lessons. In Music, we base activities around three learning streams: composing, performing and analysing, which are imbedded into all topics across the school. In Drama, lessons take the shape of a weekly workshop-based lesson that focuses on practical acting and devising activities. There is the opportunity for student to learn to play an instrument and for students to develop their musical and drama skills in a wide range of extra-curricular activities.
Key Stage 3 Music Curriculum:
Designed to continue from Key Stage 2 and build skills and understanding to prepare pupils for Key Stage 4 Music, the Key Stage 3 Music curriculum progressively improves pupils’ skills and provides them with the tools to be able to understand, listen to, compose and perform music at a variety of levels.
Topics are chosen to inspire and engage all student with the tools they need to be well-rounded and confident musicians. These include: Hook and Riffs, Blues, Samba, Pop Song Writing, Minimalism, Instrument Focus (Guitar) and Musicals.
In both Music and Drama, students are taught using a variety of learning styles and assessed individually against Key Performance Indicators.
Key Stage 3 Drama Curriculum:
In Key Stage 3, pupils explore a range of topics designed to build upon the Key Stage 2 Drama curriculum. Accelerating student’s skills in characterisation and the use of gesture, tone of voice and movement takes a leading role in Key Stage 3 Drama. Pupils explore the function of Drama in telling stories and the impact these stories can have on everyday life.
Impact
The Performing Arts curriculum is designed to help develop practical skills throughout both key stages. Pupils are encouraged to participate and collaborate with others to build on their social and communication skills, which will enable them to reflect, evaluate and improve their talent. Pupils gain a deeper understanding of Music and Drama from other cultures and traditions, and experience different aspects of the arts during lessons. The Performing Arts develop students’ abilities to be creative, confident and provides the opportunity to build on prior skills in solo and group performing by developing accuracy, expression and communication.