Performing Arts

Contact: Mr P. Walker – Director of Performing Arts

"Music & the Performing Arts make a bridge across this world in ways that nothing else can"

- Dame Julie Andrews

Curriculum Intent

The Performing Arts dept. was created to provide a creative outlet for pupils' development. Through Drama & Music lessons, pupils enhance their practical skills, confidence & creative thinking. 

Building on the knowledge first learnt in primary school, pupils begin to explore the fundamentals of music in KS3: Performing, Composing & Appraising. In Drama, KS3 pupils begin to Devise, Perform and Evaluate. Each of these areas link to the skills that are required at KS4.

As the curriculum becomes increasingly more challenging, pupils are encouraged to participate in wider opportunities to further enhance their abilities.

Key Stage 3 Curriculum

At Key Stage three pupils study two hours of music and one hour of drama per fortnight. The Key Stage 3 Music curriculum aims to “engage and inspire pupils to develop a love of music and develop their own musicianship.” Throughout KS3, pupils explore a number of instruments, (including their own voice) and deepen their understanding of the musical language they use. Through a series of weekly listening tasks, music theory is learnt and then put into practice each week. In Drama in Y7 pupils begin learning fundamental practical skills within each lesson. As pupils progress through KS3 and KS4 they learn about a variety of skills, techniques &texts. Our written and practical work extends the knowledge gained in English lessons, this helps consolidate, extend and develop key English and Drama skills. From Key stage 3 pupils have the option to go on to Study Music and Drama at GCSE. 

Key Stage 4 Curriculum - GCSE Music

Exam Board: WJEC Eduqas

• Syllabus: GCSE (9-1) Music - C660QS
• Component 1: Performing 30% - Teacher assessed, externally moderated
• Component 2:  Composing 30% - Teacher assessed, externally moderated
• Component 3: Appraising 40% - Written Examination – 1 hour 15 minutes

Music is an exciting, creative and interesting subject to study. It provides you with a wide range of transferable skills making you attractive to employers in many different fields. This course is designed to develop all aspects of your musical understanding, both practical and theoretical. You will perform, compose and listen to a wide range of musical styles as well as learning how to analyse and make comparisons between pieces of music. Music involves:

• Being creative and developing your own compositional style.
• Practising and performing on your chosen instrument(s).
• Studying the fine details of how music is written.
• Developing the skills to analyse and make comparisons between pieces of music.

The GCSE is made up of three sections:

Unit 1: Performing – 30% of GCSE
You will have to perform at least two pieces of music adding up to a total of at least 4 minutes. You will play an instrument or sing both a solo performance and an ensemble (group) performance. The skills will be practised and developed in Year 10, with the final performances taking place in Year 11.

Unit 2: Composing – 30% of GCSE
You will write two pieces of music. One of the compositions will be written to a brief set by the exam board whilst the other will be written entirely in a style of your own choosing. The two compositions must add up to a total of at least 3 minutes.

Unit 3: Appraising – 40% of GCSE
You will study specific pieces of music or ‘Set Works’ from four areas of study: Instrumental Music 1700 – 1820, Vocal Music, Music for Stage and Screen and Fusions. You will sit an exam in which your knowledge and understanding of these pieces and areas of study will be tested. You will also listen to music you have not heard before, making comparisons between that and the Set Works.

Key Stage 4 Curriculum - GCSE Drama

• Y10
• Y11

Performing Arts Documents