Performing Arts

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Intent

At the heart of our Performing Arts curriculum is the belief that every child should have the opportunity to express themselves creatively, develop confidence, and experience the transformative power of the arts. Through Drama, Dance and Music, we aim to provide a rich, inclusive and inspiring education that nurtures creativity, communication, collaboration and cultural understanding. 

Our curriculum is designed to: 

  • Develop artistic knowledge, skills and understanding across Drama, Dance and Music.  

  • Foster creativity, imagination and self-expression.  

  • Build confidence, resilience and independence through performance and participation.  

  • Encourage teamwork, leadership and effective communication.  

  • Provide opportunities for pupils to explore diverse cultures, traditions and artistic practices.  

  • Promote appreciation of the performing arts and their contribution to society and personal wellbeing.  

  • Prepare students for future learning, employment and participation in cultural life.  

We believe that high-quality performing arts education enables pupils to develop both academically and personally, helping them become confident, reflective and expressive individuals. 

 

Implementation 

The Performing Arts curriculum is carefully planned to ensure progression in knowledge, skills and understanding from early years through to the end of each key stage. 

Drama 

  • Students develop performance, improvisation and storytelling skills.  

  • Learning includes role play, characterisation, script work, devising and theatre appreciation.  

  • Opportunities are provided for students to collaborate, communicate ideas and reflect on performances.  

  • Drama is used to enhance literacy, empathy and understanding of different perspectives.  

Dance 

  • Students explore movement, choreography, performance and appreciation.  

  • Lessons develop physical coordination, creativity, expression and confidence.  

  • Students experience a variety of dance styles and cultural traditions.  

  • Choreographic skills are developed progressively through creating, performing and evaluating dance work.  

Music 

  • Students engage in listening, composing, performing and appraising music.  

  • Learning develops musical understanding including rhythm, pitch, dynamics, notation and structure.  

  • Students have opportunities to sing, play instruments and create original compositions.  

  • Exposure to a broad range of musical genres, cultures and historical periods develops musical appreciation and understanding.  

Across all disciplines: 

  • Lessons are inclusive and accessible to all learners.  

  • Specialist teachers use high-quality modelling, questioning and feedback to support progress.  

  • Performance opportunities, showcases, concerts, productions and community events celebrate achievement and raise aspirations.  

  • Cross-curricular links enrich learning and provide meaningful contexts for creative expression.  

  • Assessment is ongoing and informs planning, ensuring all students make progress from their starting points.  

 

Impact 

The impact of our Performing Arts curriculum is demonstrated through students who: 

  • Show confidence, creativity and enthusiasm in their learning.  

  • Develop strong communication, presentation and performance skills.  

  • Demonstrate increasing technical proficiency in Drama, Dance and Music.  

  • Collaborate effectively, showing respect, empathy and appreciation for others' contributions.  

  • Reflect critically on their own work and the work of others.  

  • Understand and appreciate diverse artistic traditions and cultural influences.  

  • Participate willingly in performances and creative opportunities.  

  • Develop resilience, self-discipline and a positive attitude towards challenge and improvement.  

  • Leave school with a lasting appreciation of the performing arts and the confidence to engage with creative and cultural experiences throughout their lives.  

Evidence of impact is seen through student voice, performance outcomes, curriculum assessments, participation rates, quality of work produced, audience feedback and students' growing confidence, creativity and enjoyment of the arts. 

Through Drama, Dance and Music, we empower students to find their voice and sense of belonging, express their identity, celebrate creativity and become confident contributors to the wider world. 

Further Information

If you require more detailed information, please email the head of department Mrs Robinson-Marsh:

Drama Year 7

What will I be studying?

HT1: Drama Skills 

  1. Understanding performance techniques and skills. 

  1. Introduction to rehearsal process and conventions. 

HT2: Darkwood Manor 

  1. To explore the genre of Gothic Horror. 

  1. To understand how to create unique perform approaches through non-naturalistic techniques. 

  1. To understand how to enhance mood and atmosphere using production methods. 

HT3: Twisted Fairy Tales 

  1. To understand how to adapt classical tales. 

  1. Key elements required for performance structure, plot and form. 

  1. Performance appreciation: learn how to critically assess own and others work. 

HT4: The Circus 

  1. To understand how social prejudice can influence attitudes towards others. 

  1. To explore unique traits of characters and social misconceptions. 

  1. To produce abstract forms of performance work, using tableaux, mime and multimedia. 

HT5: Pantomime 

1. Exploring stock characters and stylised performance skills. 

  1. Purpose of performance: devising unique pantomime for a target audience. 

HT6: Wacky Soap 

  1. Exploring allegory in Drama. 

 

  1. To use DocuDrama to explore performance ideas, linking to Epic Theatre. 

 

 

  1. To understand how to educate, provoke and raise awareness. 

 

How will I be assessed? 

Summative assessment takes place once per half term where students will perform to the rest of their class what they have been working on in lesson. Students will complete progress assessment trackers to identify and develop skills and deepen their understanding of the subject. 

Drama Year 8

What will I be studying?

HT1: Wicked 

  1. Understanding performance techniques and skills. 

  1. Introduction to rehearsal process and conventions. 

HT2: Melodrama 

  1. To explore the genre of Gothic Horror. 

  1. To understand how to create unique perform approaches through non-naturalistic techniques. 

  1. To understand how to enhance mood and atmosphere using production methods. 

HT3: Taking A Stand 

  1. To understand how to adapt classical tales. 

  1. Key elements required for performance structure, plot and form. 

  1. Performance appreciation: learn how to critically assess own and others work. 

HT4: Heroes and Villains 

  1. To understand how social prejudice can influence attitudes towards others. 

  1. To explore unique traits of characters and social misconceptions. 

  1. To produce abstract forms of performance work, using tableaux, mime and multimedia. 

HT5: Verbatim Theatre 

1. Exploring stock characters and stylised performance skills. 

  1. Purpose of performance: devising unique pantomime for a target audience. 

HT6: Our Day Out 

  1. Exploring allegory in Drama. 

 

  1. To use DocuDrama to explore performance ideas, linking to Epic Theatre. 

 

 

  1. To understand how to educate, provoke and raise awareness. 

 

How will I be assessed? 

Summative assessment takes place once per half term where students will perform to the rest of their class what they have been working on in lesson. Students will complete progress assessment trackers to identify and develop skills and deepen their understanding of the subject. 

Drama Year 9

What will I be studying? 

HT1: Wicked 

  1. Understanding subtext and scripted formats. 

  1. Exploring characterisation to demonstrate understanding of Realism. 

HT2: Bouncers 

  1. To explore the stylised performance. 

  1. To understand how to create unique perform approaches through non-naturalistic techniques. 

  1. To communicate comedy and dramatic irony. 

HT3: Devising Theatre 

  1. To develop unique ideas from a rage of stimuli. 

  1. Explore informed performance ideas through research. 

  1. Realise performance outcomes in response to a brief and target audience. 

HT4: Music Video Concept 

  1. To understand how to choreograph and perform in response to media forms. 

  1. To explore characterisation and choreographic approaches. 

  1. To produce a unique concept for a music video that includes prologue, motif and devices. 

HT5: The Last Resort 

1. Exploring physical theatre and multiple characterisation. 

  1. Applying transitions, blocking and interpretation of scripted text. 

HT6: Teechers 

  1. Understanding stylised performance approaches through text. 

 

  1. To use direct address and dramatic conventions, such as direct address and soliloquy.  

 

How will I be assessed? 

Summative assessment takes place once per half term and students will present performance responses in relation to specific genres, styles and forms explored. Students will complete progress assessment trackers to identify and develop skills and deepen their understanding of the subject. 

BTEC Tech Award Level 1/2 in Performing Arts

 

What will I be studying?

This is a course that includes both practical and written elements. 

Students will learn about the performing arts industry as a whole and work on related practical activities that will enable them to become a better performer, both inside and outside of the classroom. 

Component 1 - Exploring the Performing Arts 

  • Students will develop their understanding of the performing arts by examining the work of performing arts professionals and the processes used to create performance.

Component 2 - Developing Skills and Techniques in Performing Arts 

  • Students will develop their performing arts skills and techniques through the reproduction of acting, dance and/or musical theatre repertoire as performers or designers.

Component 3 - Responding to a Brief

  • Students will be given the opportunity to work as part of a group to contribute to a workshop performance as either a performer or a designer in response to a brief and stimulus.

Assessment is ongoing, and students will be given final assessment deadlines to work towards.  

Career Links

  • Actor
  • Teacher
  • Director
  • Producer
  • Lighting Designer
  • Sound Engineer

How will I be assessed?

Picture1

 

Which examination board am I following?

Pearson:

https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/btec-tech-awards/performing-arts-2022.html

Which websites should I use to support my learning?

Course Specification:

https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/btec-tech-awards/performing-arts-2022.coursematerials.html#%2FfilterQuery=category:Pearson-UK:Category%2FSpecification-and-sample-assessments

Useful Guide to the Course

https://qualifications.pearson.com/content/dam/pdf/btec-tec-awards/performing-arts/2022/Guide/B0746k%20BTEC%20Tech%20Awards%20Performing%20Arts%20Mini%20Guide%20A4P%20PRF2.pdf

Helpful Keywords

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/examspecs/zkvm2sg

BTEC Tech Award Level 1/2 in Performing Arts (Drama)

What will I be studying? 

This is a course that includes both practical and written elements.  

Students will learn about the performing arts industry as a whole and work on related practical activities that will enable them to become a better performer, both inside and outside of the classroom.  

Component 1 - Exploring the Performing Arts  

  • Students will develop their understanding of the performing arts by examining the work of performing arts professionals and the processes used to create performance. 

Component 2 - Developing Skills and Techniques in Performing Arts  

  • Students will develop their performing arts skills and techniques through the reproduction of acting, dance and/or musical theatre repertoire as performers or designers. 

Component 3 - Responding to a Brief 

  • Students will be given the opportunity to work as part of a group to contribute to a workshop performance as either a performer or a designer in response to a brief and stimulus. 

Assessment is ongoing, and students will be given final assessment deadlines to work towards.   

Career Links 

  • Actor 

  • Teacher 

  • Director 

  • Producer 

  • Lighting Designer 

  • Sound Engineer 

How will I be assessed?

Which examination board am I following? 

Pearson: 

https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/btec-tech-awards/performing-arts-2022.html 

Which websites should I use to support my learning? 

Course Specification: 

https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/btec-tech-awards/performing-arts-2022.coursematerials.html#%2FfilterQuery=category:Pearson-UK:Category%2FSpecification-and-sample-assessments 

Useful Guide to the Course 

https://qualifications.pearson.com/content/dam/pdf/btec-tec-awards/performing-arts/2022/Guide/B0746k%20BTEC%20Tech%20Awards%20Performing%20Arts%20Mini%20Guide%20A4P%20PRF2.pdf 

Helpful Keywords 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/examspecs/zkvm2sg 

Music Year 7

At Key Stage 3, students each have a weekly Music lesson as well as having further opportunities to develop their skills through extra-curricular activities and instrumental lessons.  Based on Performance, Composition and Listening, lessons are predominantly practical and encourage students to work as musicians over a range of instruments and technology, preparing them for further study into Key Stage 4. 

 

What will I be studying?

Autumn Term

  • The Elements of Music
  • Rhythm and Notation
  • Performance Skills-The Keyboard
  • Performance Skills-When the Saints Go Marching In

Spring Term

  • Introduction to GarageBand
  • Composition Skills-The Pentatonic Scale
  • Performance Skills-Canon Ensemble

Summer Term

  • Film/Incidental Music
  • Composition Skills-Woman in Black
  • Performance Skills-Film Themes

 

How will I be assessed?

Formal assessment takes place once per half term with students working towards an individual or ensemble performance.  Over the year, students will be assessed on the areas of Performance, Composition and Listening and will show progress and development of their overall skills and knowledge.  Students will be given verbal feedback every lesson and will also have regular opportunities for peer and self-assessment, developing metacognition and deepening their understanding of the subject.  

 

 

Music Year 8

What will I be studying?

Autumn Term

  • The Blues
  • Performance Skills-12 Bar Blues, Improvisation, Syncopation
  • Composition Skills-Blues Song

Spring Term

  • Hip-Hop
  • Performance Skills-Changes
  • Composition Skills-Sampling, Rap

Summer Term

  • Music and the Media
  • Song Arrangement-'Boulevard of Broken Dreams'
  • Musical Futures

How will I be assessed?

Formal assessment takes place once per half term with students working towards an individual or ensemble performance.  Over the year, students will be assessed on the areas of Performance, Composition and Listening and will show progress and development of their overall skills and knowledge.  Students will be given verbal feedback every lesson and will also have regular opportunities for peer and self-assessment, developing metacognition and deepening their understanding of the subject.  

Music Year 9

What will I be studying?

Autumn Term

  • Practical Skills in Music-Musical Futures
  • Performance Skills-Eye of the Tiger
  • Performance Skills-Beat It

Spring Term

  • Performance Skills-Rock 'n' Roll
  • Performance Skills-Rock Around the Clock
  • Song Writing

Summer Term

  • Reggae: Mento, Ska, Rock Steady, Reggaeton
  • Performance Skills-Don't Worry, Be Happy
  • Garage Band Production

 

How will I be assessed?

Formal assessment takes place once per half term with students working towards an individual or ensemble performance.  Over the year, students will be assessed on the areas of Performance, Composition and Listening and will show progress and development of their overall skills and knowledge.  Students will be given verbal feedback every lesson and will also have regular opportunities for peer and self-assessment, developing metacognition and deepening their understanding of the subject.  

KS4 - Music Practice

BTEC TECH AWARD IN MUSIC PRACTICE

Component 2 - Developing Skills and Techniques in Performing Arts 

The Tech Award gives learners the opportunity to develop knowledge and skills through realistic vocational contexts. The main four areas of focus are:

  • development of Performance and Composition skills that demonstrate student’s ability to respond to a musical brief
  • processes that underpin effective ways of working in the music sector, such using skills and techniques for rehearsal, creation, production and performance
  • general attitudes including organisation, personal management, and communication
  • knowledge of musical skills and styles, studying musical techniques from different musical genres. The Tech Award gives learners the opportunity to apply knowledge and skills in a practical way through exploration and development of techniques and styles.

This is a course that includes both practical and written elements

Students will learn about the Music Industry as a whole and work on related practical activities that will enable them to become a better musician, both inside and outside of the classroom.  

Component 1 - Exploring Music Products and Styles

Component 2 - Music Skills Development

Component 3 - Responding to a Music Brief

Assessment is ongoing, and students will be given final assessment deadlines to work towards.

  • Career Links 
  • Live Musician 
  • Producer
  • Music Teacher
  • Production Manager
     

Study of the qualification as part of Key Stage 4 learning will help learners to make more informed choices for further learning, either generally or in this sector.  This may include:

  • A Levels as preparation for entry to higher education in a range of subjects
  • BTEC National in Music (Level 3)
  • BTEC National in Music Technology (Level 3)
  • Degree Level courses

Career opportunities, specifically in Music, could include, professional performer/musician, composer, sound engineer, teaching, music production, runner, roadie, backline technical support, stage crew, venue staff, music promotion and music sales.

How will I be assessed? 

The three components in the qualification give learners the opportunity to develop broad knowledge and understanding of the music sector, and specialist skills such as applying musical knowledge to music performance, music creation and music production at Levels 1 and 2.

 

M1

M2

Which examination board am I following?  

Pearson

https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/btec-tech-awards/music-practice-2022.html

Which websites should I use to support my learning? 

Course Specification: 

ttps://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/btec-tech-awards/music-practice-2022.html

Music Development Plan

Oulton-Academy-Music-Development-Plan.pdf