Performing Arts

Aims & Objectives

Dance

• To develop a dance and movement vocabulary, and confidence in the use of movement and simple dance technique.
• To develop the ability to articulate ideas and feeling through the medium of dance and movement.
• To develop creative skills and an understanding of the basic principles of dance composition.
• To experience dance performance.
• To develop the ability to share ideas and choreograph dance sequences in collaboration with other students.
• To extend awareness and understanding of the term ‘dance’ and to enable students to discuss and evaluate dance performances.

Drama

• To enable students to become successful learners through enjoyment of drama as a means of self-expression.
• To develop an understanding of oneself and other people through the use of drama to explore and reflect upon imagined situations.
• To develop language skills and linguistic confidence.
• To encourage co-operative working, a sharing of ideas and a respect for others.
• To encourage imagination and creativity.
• To develop concentration, control and self-discipline.
• To develop awareness of body language and movement skills as a means of communication and expression.
• To encourage self-confident individuals

Lessons & Homework

• Performing Arts homework is only set on an occasional basis for KS3 students. This will depend upon the needs of a group at a given time but is likely to include completing a written play script, finding or making props and costumes, researching a style of dance or completing self-assessment sheets.
• KS4 homework is set weekly on the day allocated (and shown in student planners). The nature of KS4 homework will vary considerably. It should however link with the process of researching, responding, creating and evaluating performance work. It should be purposeful and students are expected to spend approximately 1 hour working at home or rehearsing after school each week. Homework will provide vital evidence of GCSE coursework and preparation for examinations.
• KS5 assignments will be set to fulfil the requirements of the A Level specification.

Assessment

• At Key Stage 3
  Students are assessed on practical group work and performance tasks every half term.
• At Key Stage 4
  Both practical tasks and portfolio work is assessed continuously.  Formal performance exams take place on a termly basis.
  
• At Key Stage 5
  At AS and A2 students are assessed continuously according to the marking criteria in the specification.  There are three formal assessment tasks in each year.  Two of these are internally assessed and the final one is moderated by a visiting examiner.