Performing Arts
At Key Stage 4 students may elect to choose either (or both) Drama or Music GCSE or may choose the BTEC 1st Diploma in Performing Arts (Performance) – equivalent to 4 GCSEs A*-C grades, which incorporates dance, drama or music pathways. The attainment at this level is well above the national level for drama GCSE and Performing Arts BTEC (with 4 students in 2005 attaining the top 10 grades nationally and the last 2 years, all students attaining 100% A*-C grade pass rates). Attainment for GCSE Music is equivalent (or just below) the national figures.
The school is actively working to improve the environment in which Performing Arts is taught. So far, one of the our rooms has been converted into a specialist drama studio with lighting and blackout facilities; another room has been converted into a music specialist room, with 5 computers running music software and an interactive whiteboard. These facilities, as well as the hall are then used for BTEC Arts work, particularly with regards the dance pathway.
Topics Taught in Key Stage 3
Year 7
Music
- The human voice.
- Chinese music.
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Drama
- Baseline assessment.
- Symbolism.
- "The Orphanage" - Children in Poland in WW2.
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Year 8
Music
- African Drumming: rhythm, polyrhythms, culture, creating their own instruments.
- Film Music: creating moods and telling stories through music, creating their own film music.
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Drama
- Missing: an exploration of social aspects of the internet, e-mail and chat rooms.
- Superheroes - the nature of responsibility, friendship and fighting oppression.
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