Intent
The department prides itself on the high standards of performances, regularly delivered within school and the local community. Through performance, we aim to provide children 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 key stages. 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 children 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 2 Music Curriculum:
Pupils develop their understanding of the Musical Elements: Rhythm and Notation, Pitch, Texture and Dynamics. They do this by using musical instruments to perform and compose music through listening and analysing Music. Pupils develop their knowledge and practical musical skills by learning to play the keyboard and ukulele and are taught to use basic staff and graphic notation to guide them in performances and record compositions. Children improve understanding of music by listening to and appreciating music from around the World: late 20th Century and Pop Music; the use of Keyboard skills and singing in parts.
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 children 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, pupils are taught using a variety of learning styles and assessed individually against Key Performance Indicators.
Key Stage 2 Drama Curriculum:
In Key Stage 2 Drama, we encourage pupils to be creative and enthusiastic about performing and devising. Opportunity is given to develop practical abilities that grow children’s character and advance their understanding and knowledge of basic dramatic themes. During weekly lessons, regular time is devoted to building confidence through the use of performance opportunities. An expanding extra-curricular programme aims to provide further space for skill development and allows pupils to opt in to advancing their skills and understanding.
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 children’s skills in characterisation and the use of gesture, tone of voice and movement takes a leading role in Drama during years 7 and 8. In both years, 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 children’s ability to be creative, confident and provides the opportunity to build on prior skills in solo and group performing by developing accuracy, expression and communication.