Performing Arts is a golden thread through a school curriculum, which can transform into a life-long enjoyment. Throughout school, music and drama are vital for the well-rounded development of our students. When we see students interacting well with others, being creative, listening and showing resilience –the golden thread that develops all these skills is Performing Arts. Whatever age, whatever feeling or emotion, whatever special moment in time can be supported or enhanced by the performing arts – and so we also teach these subjects because we have a duty to develop the next generation of musicians, artists, theatre-goers and music-lovers – and it is vital we get this right. Our aim is to make a substantial impact to our community by focusing on this universal language.
The department aim is for all students to discover and nurture their performing arts passion through the support of inspiring teachers, and to embrace the subjects’ value in the wider world.
We have a variety of specialist facilities, which include music practice rooms, rehearsal spaces, and a recording studio with specialist equipment. We also have a drama studio, along with the main hall, including 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 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.
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 routes available: GCSE and Vocational. The GCSE (Eduqas exam board) covers the study of a wide variety of musical genres, which fall under the categories of: Musical Forms and Devices, Music for Ensemble, Film Music and Popular Music. There is also a specific focus on performing and composing. The vocational route, which is the Level 1/2 Vocational Award in Performing Arts (WJEC), focuses on the development of practical skills with three main units, which are: Performing, Composing and Performing Arts in Practice.
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).
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 and drama. As a result, we have numerous concert opportunities in and outside of school to showcase the wonderful talents of our students. This has also involved performing in many prestigious venues, including the Castle Theatre, Royal and Derngate, Symphony Hall and the Royal Albert Hall. 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 Little Shop of Horrors, Matilda and High School Musical. Furthermore, we provide opportunities to perform in another country through our Music and Dance Tour, where we have previously performed in New York, Lake Garda and Prague.
Curriculum Leader
Melissa Jarvis