The Performing Arts department consists of a group of dedicated and passionate teachers, with specialists in music, dance and drama. The department strives to unlock all student’s creativity and nuture their love for the arts.
We have a variety of specialist facilities, which include music practice rooms and rehearsal spaces, and a recording studio with specialist equipment. We also have a drama studio and dance studio, along with the main hall which includes a stage and tiered seating.
Key Stage 3 Curriculum Information
At Key Stage 3 we focus on the key skills and knowledge required in order to flourish within the music, dance and drama disciplines. We cover a wide range of genres and styles in a practical setting, an example for each subject would be:
Music – keyboard and ukulele skills (performing), music technology, composing, listening to a variety of musical genres, developing a core understanding of musical features.
Dance – a variety of dance styles including Disco, Charleston, Hip Hop, musicals, the use of props and styles from around the world. Choreography and performing are the key strands throughout each topic.
Drama – specific drama techniques, including improvisation, physical theatre, use of facial features and language/tone. Devising and performing are key areas, as well as reading scripts and producing a piece of theatre.
Key Stage 4 Curriculum Information
In Music, there are two courses available, GCSE and RSL Level 2. The GCSE (AQA exam board) covers the study of a wide variety of musical genres, including Classical, Popular and Traditional Music, as well as performing and composing. The RSL Level 2 Certificate in Performance for Music Practitioners focuses on the development of practical skills, leading to a performance at the end of the course. There can also be an option to study composing and sound recording.
Dance students complete a BTEC Tech Award in Performing Arts, where students explore the works of a variety of practitioners, develop specific skills and techniques in dance and engage in a full performance towards the end of the course.
In Drama, the course offered is the GCSE (AQA exam board). Students will be developed in three main disciplines: their knowledge and understanding of drama and theatre, devising skills and performance skills (which can also include contributing as a designer).
Key Stage 5 Curriculum Information
In Music, the two courses offered are A Level (AQA exam board) and RSL Level 3. For the A Level course three areas are assessed, which includes listening/analysis/contextual understanding (this covers a variety of musical genres), performance and composition. The RSL Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma for Music Practitioners allows for a variety of skills to be developed, which are specific to the individual. This includes performing, composing, technology, business and active research. Music careers are also studied and a final live performance will be delivered at the end of the course.
For Dance and Drama, the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Performing Arts is offered. This covers the study of specific practitioners, as well as the development of practical skills in performance and creation.
Enrichment
We provide an extremely wide range of performing arts enrichment opportunities, as there are a variety of high quality extra-curricular activities in each discipline of music, dance and drama. As a result, we have numerous concert opportunities in and outside of school in order to showcase the wonderful talents of our students. The music department also work closely with the Northamptonshire Music and Performing Arts Trust, and alongside many creative activities provided, they also deliver instrumental lessons at the school. We also produce a whole school musical and in previous years we have performed Oliver and Little Shop of Horrors. Furthermore, we provide opportunities to perform in another country through our Music and Dance Tour, where we have previously performed in New York and Lake Garda.