“All the world’s a stage.”
The Performing Arts gives students the chance to step into new roles, explore different perspectives, and grow in confidence. Through performance, creativity, and teamwork, we learn skills that last far beyond the stage.
The Performing Arts curriculum is designed to develop students’ physical, vocal, and interpretive skills across drama and dance, encompassing a wide range of styles and genres. Through performance, choreography, and creative exploration, students refine their expressive abilities while developing confidence, creativity, and a strong sense of artistic identity.
Students explore key creative roles and processes, including acting, directing, and choreography, while studying the working practices of professional theatre and dance practitioners. They examine influences, creative intentions, themes, purpose, and professional responsibilities, gaining insight into how performances are devised and realised.
Practical learning is at the heart of the curriculum. Students take part in workshops, rehearsals, and live performances, working collaboratively while developing problem-solving skills, independent thinking, adaptability, and effective communication. Regular reflection and self-assessment enable students to track progress, identify strengths, and recognise areas for development.
At Key Stage 4, students respond to both internally and externally set briefs, applying their skills and knowledge to create original performances for a live audience. The curriculum fosters empathy, tolerance, respect, teamwork, and resilience, preparing students for further study and creative pathways within the performing arts.
| Year | Autumn | Spring | Summer |
|
7 |
Actor Tool Kit |
Understanding the physical theatre of Pantomime |
Exploration of Shakespeare |
| 8 |
Actor Tool Kit |
Exploration of 'Blood Brothers' by Willy Russell | Performing a scripted extract 'Teechers' by John Godber |
| 9 | Practitioner – Stanislavski | Dance – Exploring the professional work 'Swansong' by Christopher Bruce | Scripted Bouncers/Shakers |
| Year | Autumn | Spring | Summer |
|
10 - DRAMA BTEC Tech Award in Performing Arts (Acting) |
Intro to BTEC Tech Award in Performing Arts Component 1 Delivery: Exploring the Performing Arts |
*PSA (Pearson Set Assignment Brief)* Component 1: Exploring the Performing Arts (Acting) Summative Assessment and Internal Marking |
Component 2 Delivery: Developing Skills and Techniques in the Performing Arts |
|
10 - DANCE BTEC Tech Award in Performing Arts (Dance) |
Intro to BTEC Tech Award in Performing Arts Component 1 Delivery: Exploring the Performing Arts Component 2 Delivery: Developing Skills & Techniques in Dance |
*PSA (Pearson Set Assignment Brief)* Component 2: Developing Skills and Techniques in Performing Arts (Dance) **NOTE: PSA selected will determine on the THEME & best fit with the Professional works studied! ** |
Component 1 Delivery: Exploring the Performing Arts - Dance Component 3 Delivery: Responding to a Brief |
|
11 - DRAMA BTEC Tech Award in Performing Arts (Acting) |
*PSA (Pearson Set Assignment Brief) * Component 2: Developing Skills and Techniques in the Performing Arts (Acting) **NOTE: PSA selected will determine on the THEME & best fit with the Professional works studied ** |
*Pearson Exam Brief* Component 3: Responding to a Brief |
Component 3: Responding to a Brief |
|
11 – DANCE BTEC Tech Award in Performing Arts (Dance) |
*PSA (Pearson Set Assignment Brief)* Component 1: Exploring the Performing Arts (Dance) |
*External Exam Brief*
Component 3: Responding to a Brief |
Component 3: Responding to a Brief |
Homework in Key Stage 3 is set when appropriate. This may be to research a topic or practitioner, but it may also be to learn lines or bring in appropriate props for performance.
Homework in Key Stage 4 revolves around research in Year 10, in preparation for their BTEC work. This research could be about a certain practitioner or set work the students are studying.
Our school celebrates creativity and performance through a vibrant programme of drama and dance activities. Every year, students have the exciting opportunity to take part in a full-scale musical production, with rehearsals running twice a week throughout Terms 1 and 2. This flagship event allows students to develop their acting, singing, and dancing skills while experiencing the thrill of live performance.
In addition, our weekly Dance Club gives students of all ages a chance to explore different dance styles, build confidence, and enjoy movement in a fun and supportive environment. For Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 students, the Drama Club in the Summer Term offers further opportunities to hone their acting skills, work collaboratively, and prepare short performances.
Whether on stage or in the studio, our drama and dance clubs provide a welcoming space for students to express themselves, develop new talents, and be part of a creative community.