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Performing Arts

The Performing Arts department ensure that all pupils are given the opportunity to access a range of performance styles and skills across KS3, preparing them successfully for KS4, KS5 and beyond.

KS3 - Exploration of script, the orchestra, world music and theatre, music technology, silent movies, set, lighting and costume designers, song writing and much more.
KS4 - BTEC First Award in Music (Pearson), Music (Edexcel), Drama (AQA)

We consistently ensure all pupils are catered for by being flexible in our schemes delivered yearly. Pupils do well in both music and drama at KS4, especially as we offer BTEC or GCSE courses to make sure we are providing the best opportunities for all pupils.

In addition we work closely with music and theatre providers to encourage pupils to take instrumental lessons, theatre groups and performance to enhance their exposure to the arts.

If you would like any further information regarding the work we do in our faculty please do not hesitate to contact us. You can find members of the faculty team here.

Drama (KS3)

In year 7 pupils experience 6 different topics, which allows us to introduce them to a vast range of skills, techniques and styles. They will develop a range of acting skills from physicality to vocal. Whilst they explore different techniques that can be applied to performances to engage audience’s and communicate narratives. This will allow for exploration of how to apply skills and techniques appropriately to different styles. Analysing and evaluating professional performances will be used as a tool to enhance their understanding. They will work collaboratively to create, develop and make changes to performances using self, peer and teacher feedback. This will culminate in performances to peers at the end of each unit.

In year 8 pupils experience 5 different topics, which allows us to continue to develop and enhance a vast range of skills, techniques and styles. Introducing new techniques will allow pupils to begin developing an understanding of all aspects of theatre including performance, technical theatre and design. This will allow opportunities to identify how to apply skills and techniques whilst also addressing key Social, Moral, Cultural and Spiritual issues. Analysing and evaluating professional performances will be used as a tool to enhance their understanding. They will work collaboratively to create, develop and make changes to performances using self, peer and teacher feedback. This will culminate in performance to peers at the end of each unit.

In year 9 pupils experience 4 different topics, which allows us to continue to develop and enhance a vast range of skills, techniques and styles, but this time through the application of theory and context of a variety of practitioners. These practitioners are linked to styles previously explored, but pupils now explore the context of these styles and explore them with particular practitioners’ techniques. This supports the step up to Level 2 courses as they will allow be able to identify apply skills and techniques associated with influential practitioners. Analysing and evaluating professional performances will be used as a tool to enhance their understanding. They will work collaboratively to create, develop and make changes to performances using self, peer and teacher feedback. This will culminate in performance to peers at the end of each unit.

Please look at our Curriculum Maps for the units explored.

Drama (GCSE)

GCSE Drama is underpinned by practical exploration. Over the two years you will be given the platform to perform, devise, design and evaluate live performances.

GCSE AQA Drama: AQA.  Bands 1-9.  Practical & coursework 70%, Written exam 30%

Component 1: Understanding Drama (40% Exam)

- Learn about theatre roles & responsibilities
- Study a play, stage it and write about it
- Watch theatre performances, analyse & evaluate their success.
Outcome: At the end of the two years you will sit an exam.

Component 2: Devising Drama (40% Internal Practical & Coursework)

- Devise drama from a variety of stimuli in a group
- When devising you will use skills developed in KS3 to keep a Devising log book.
Outcome: Demonstrate through performance & coursework your understanding of the process and development of drama.

Component 3: Texts in Practice (30% External Examiner)

- You will practically explore a variety of plays and perform two extracts.
Outcome: Perform to a visiting assessor.

Music (KS3)

In Year 7 pupils will begin by developing their performance skills by singing in ensemble and then solos. They will learn a variety of songs and develop their ability to sing in harmony. They will enjoy making music using the voices and have chance to perform to an audience. They will gain knowledge of different styles of music, the elements of music and structure of popular song. In the Marches unit they will develop keyboard skills by performing and composing. They will analyse and use different musical devices and be introduced to reading and writing notation. Finally pupils will be developing their instrumental skills on the ukulele.

In Year 8 pupils will further develop their performance skills by performing well known film motives and recognising musical devices when listening to a variety of film music. There will also explore music technology when composing. Pupils will be able to develop their skills compose a motif to accompany to film script. The D Project teaches pupils to develop their perform skills in an ensemble context using a range of instruments. They will focus on improvising and compositing within a group and performing fluently and musically. They will analyse music from different composers focusing in one topic of the music of Paul Simon. They will study music from another culture when composing a piece of Tango. Learning the basics of rock instruments in the School Of Rock lessons will lead into the pop history lessons in Year 9. The Ukulele topic will allow pupils to develop different instrumental skills as well as looking at tabs and chords.

In Year 9 pupils will aim to be confident performers that can perform from notation/memory accurately and with expression using notation and lead sheets. They will develop ensemble skills by playing in bands to be able to develop instrumental techniques as well a performance skills. They will study and listen with increasing discrimination to a variety of songs from 1960 to today. They will develop their music technology skills to compose and arrange music. They will develop they ensemble skills within the band unit to be able to select appropriate repertoire to challenge their abilities and give them the skills to continue to study music in the future. Pupils will also develop their own style and develop their musical ideas drawing on the skills they have learnt in key stage 3.

Music (GCSE)

AQA.  Bands 1-9.  Practical & coursework 60%, Written exam 40%

During this course you will learn how to improve your performing skills and, through your work in composing, gain an insight into how music is constructed from initial ideas through to the finished product. You will also learn how to analyse music in a variety of styles and discover the social and historical context in which music has been composed over the last 400 years.

Performing (30%)
Performing (Solo and Ensemble) completed and marked to exam standard throughout the course.

Composing (30%)

There are 2 Compositions:

1 - Composition to a set brief 
2 - Free composition

Listening and Appraising (40% 1hr 30min Exam)

You will analyse set works and be questioned on your understanding of these as well as other unfamiliar pieces of music. You will need to read musical notation and use high level subject specific terminology.