Performing Arts Statement of Curriculum Intent

We believe that students deserve a broad and ambitious Performing Arts curriculum, rich in skills and knowledge, which immerses students in a range of styles. The curriculum will encourage students to become confident and independent thinkers, who will be able to create original work and critically analyse professional and non-professional repertoire. Students will have an appreciation of their own work and that of others, always demonstrating respect and empathy.

Aims

Our Performing Arts curriculum will give students the opportunity to:

• Develop creativity through understanding the benefits of participation in the arts, performance and creativity during their school journey
• Develop co-operation & collaboration
• Develop confidence in communication through developing vocal/physical skills and instrumental skills
• Explore social issues though Performing Arts to develop tolerance and understanding
• Be exposed to different peoples’ perspectives and emotions on issues and events
• Be exposed to and use subject specific vocabulary effectively
• Study the history and influence of different practitioners and composers on modern day Drama and Music 
• Develop an understanding of how to apply and analyse different stylistic qualities such as Naturalism, Physical theatre, Epic theatre and Surrealism in Drama
• Develop an ability to evaluate their own and others’ work

Implementation - Design

The Performing Arts Department has a firm philosophy founded on preparing the minds of young people to cope with the outside world as well as educating students about theatre and its history. The department holds firm the 6C’s principles throughout all lessons:

1) Confidence

2) Communication

3) Co-operation

4) Creativity

5) Commitment

6) Control

Students use the above principles to explore given cultural and social issues in Drama and Music. They also learn about artistic intention with schemes based around plays, playwrights, directors, theatrical techniques, composers, conductors, musicians and musical directors. The department believes strongly that the vast amount of theatrical literature and music from other cultures to be found in the world should not be ignored. Students are assessed on the ideas that they contribute to the process of devising and performing original work and must produce written log to track their progress.

They also perform extracts of professional repertoire that can be a combination of group performance or solo performance. In addition, students explore, research and analyse live performance and the roles and responsibilities of the practitioners involved in creating that particular area within the Performing Arts industry. Students are given the opportunity to see a piece of live professional theatre or music to prepare them for this and will be encouraged to see many examples of live theatre and music throughout the course to inspire and challenge them further. Throughout the curriculum students explore a variety of performances (text based and music based) that will challenge their understanding of life in the outside world. Students are expected to approach the course with a high level of maturity and are encouraged to embrace the holistic study of the Performing Arts. Students are assessed on the ideas that they contribute to discussion and the process of creating Drama and Music. All practical elements are assessed on students' ability to create and perform each discipline with accuracy, flair and creativity.