Performing arts

Vision

Performing Arts is a vibrant and energetic department, which develops a creative and disciplined approach to the study of Drama and Music through a combination of practical and written activities, trips and performances.  We believe passionately that the study of the performing arts offers not just performance skills but skills for life. Not only are our learners   given the opportunity to use and develop their skills by taking part in technique classes, workshops and live performances, they also develop skills in leadership, communication, time management, organization, creativity and self-discipline – all of which will assist them in a variety of career paths. 

Drama 

The study of Drama develops the knowledge and understanding of Drama as an Art form, developing practical skills for performance including the use of voice, physicalization, use of stage space, characterization, and storytelling, through practical workshops.   Script and improvisation are used to explore a range of styles from a variety of playwrights and theatre practitioners, and learners have the opportunity to devise their own work. They will get to see extracts of professional productions from a range of genres and evaluate what makes them successful. 

Acting also develops the emotional intelligence of the learners, producing well-rounded individuals who learn empathy, and to command the attention of a room full of people. They present themselves confidently and they learn the arts of collaboration, cooperation and effective communication. They also have a lot of fun in the process! 

In years 7 and 8 Drama is taught by specialists in one lesson per week on a half termly cycle with Music. In year 9 pupils can opt to do BTEC Level 2 Tech Award in Performing Arts (Acting), equivalent to GCSE 9-4: this practically based course offers the development of vocational practical skills for performance including voice and movement. Pupils  learn how to create their own work through the process of devising theatre as well as perform in scripted plays. They study professional repertoire and explore the various roles and responsibilities  necessary to make it a success. 

The department runs regular trips to live theatre performances. 

Performing Arts

BTEC

Examination Board:

Edexcel

Assessment:

60% two internally assessed assignments, 40% externally assessed assignment

What will you learn?

The BTEC Tech Award in Performing Arts provides a well-rounded foundation for further study and presents a practical introduction to life and work in Performing Arts. You will develop your understanding of the sector and see whether it’s an industry you’d like to be a part of.

Component 1: Exploring the Performing Arts

Aim: get a taste of what it’s like to be a professional actor, dancer or musical theatre performer.

Assessment: internally assessed assignments

Weighting: 30% of total course

During Component 1, you will:

• Explore performance styles, creative intentions and purpose
• Investigate how practitioners create and influence what’s performed
• Discover performance roles, skills, techniques and processes. 


Component 1 example assignment:

You will watch a live (or recorded) performance and write a blog analysing the performance.

Component 2: Developing Skills and Techniques in the Performing Arts

Aim: develop skills and techniques in the chosen discipline(s) of acting, dance and musical theatre.

Assessment: internally assessed assignments

Weighting: 30% of total course

During Component 2, you will:

• Take part in workshops, classes and rehearsals
• Gain physical, interpretative, vocal and rehearsal skills
• Apply these skills in performance
• Reflect on progress, performance and how you could improve.

Component 2 example assignment:

You will select a performance style and participate in workshops and classes to develop your technical and interpretative skills.

Component 3: Performing to a Brief

Aim: consider how practitioners adapt their skills for different contexts, and put this into practice in a performance.

Assessment: externally assessed task, where students work in groups of between 3 and 7 members to create a performance based on a set brief.

Weighting: 40% of total course

To achieve this aim, you will:

• Use the brief and previous learnings to come up with ideas
• Build on your skills in classes, workshops and rehearsals
• Review the process using an ideas and skills log
• Perform a piece to a chosen audience
• Reflect on your performance in an evaluation report. 
Internally assessed assignment

Component 3 example task:

Your students are asked by a local council to contribute to the opening of a new community centre with a performance around the theme of ‘Time changes everything’.

Who is this course for? (This will suit you if…)

This is a course for anyone who is passionate about Performing Arts. It suits those who would like to develop and their performance skills and develop their creative capabilities. Less experienced performers who are committed to developing their abilities can also do well.

What happens when you finish? (Career Pathway)

After completing this BTEC Tech Award, you will be in a great position to continue in the performing arts sector. This qualification prepares you for both practical and academic routes.