Performing Arts & Music
Music
At PACA our learning journey in Music consists of:
- Studying different genres of music
- Developing skills on a variety of instruments
- Performing and recording music alone or with a group.
In year 7 our students learn about:
- Find Your Voice- singing, creating sounds with our voices, rap, beatboxing
- Keyboard skills- playing scales, reading musical notation, rhythm, melody, chords
- World music- appreciating music from around the world
In year 8 our students learn about:
- Further development of keyboard skills- playing scales, reading musical notation, rhythm, melody, chords
- Film music - elements of music, song arrangement, interpretation, reading music
- Hip-hop- samples, use of technology, rap, DJ techniques, programmed beats
In year 9 our students learn about:
- Understanding roles within the music industry – group working and getting a sense of different career
- Development of their skills as an individual performer/producer
- Creating original music (composition, songwriting or sequencing) through the lens of Europop and the Eurovision Song Contest
In Key Stage 4 our students focus on 3 main components:
- Exploring music products and styles:
a) genres of music (an extensive look at popular music genres from 1960-present, world music, classical music, music for media, blues and jazz)
b) development of music (iconic bands, composers and producers who have influenced music and the impact of technology)
- Musical skills development
a) Exploring professional and commercial skills for the music industry
b) Applying and developing individual musical skills and techniques.
- Responding to a music brief
a) Applying understanding of the features of different genres of music and what makes them unique
b) Advancing music production skills and reinterpreting songs into new genres
Drama
Drama Curriculum
At PACA our learning journey in Drama consists of:
- Studying different styles of theatre
- Developing skills in a wide range of acting techniques
- Performance, rehearsal and evaluative skills
- Confidence building
In year 7 our students learn about:
- Intro to Drama – basic drama skills (facial expressions, vocal skills, body language), teamworking, devising skills
- Twisted Fairytales – understanding genre tropes, reading from scripts, reinterpreting stories and characters, bringing scripts to life on stage
- Pantomime – the techniques and traditions of pantomime, characterisation skills, audience interaction
In year 8 our students learn about:
- Commedia Dell’Arte – historical theatre, comic timing, characterisation, stage combat and slapstick comedy
- Puppetry – operating puppets, creating original characters, theatre in early years education, understanding how to weave morals into storylines
- Working from Text: DNA – naturalistic acting, understanding characterisation through given circumstances, the role of a director
In year 9 our students learn about:
- Physical theatre – using your body and physical skills to tell a story
- Theatre in Education (T.I.E) – exploring topics and issues relevant to younger audiences and using drama techniques to create a performance
- Technical Theatre – exploring the technical side of theatre (set design, lighting, costume, sound) and how they enhance performance
In Key Stage 4 our students focus on 3 main components:
- Devising
a) students create their own original piece of theatre from various stimuli
b) development of drama techniques
c) technical option available
- Performance from Text
a) exploration of published plays
b) interpretation of a character and the work of theatre practitioners
- Theatre Makers in Practice (written exam)
a) analysis and evaluation of live theatre
b) how physical, spatial and vocal skills would be used to interpret an extract as an actor
c) how they would direct actors to portray a specific role
d) how they would enhance a performance with technical elements as a designer
Beyond the Classroom
Drama at PACA is enriched by the academy’s wider offer, including clubs, rehearsals, and opportunities for students to participate in performances and enrichment activities across all creative subjects. Regular KS3 enrichment afternoons also support the development of creative confidence and collaborative skills.
PACA's Drama and Music curriculum intent is available here .
Drama KS4 Specification is available here.