Our rich and varied curriculum takes our students on a creative journey through the disciplines of art, music and drama at key stage 3. These courses are continued into key stage 4, with the addition of media studies to complete the picture. Our subjects provide a grounding in practical and creative application and although they are a family of subjects they each have clear, individual intent
Expressive Arts Curriculum Overview
What will you learn at GCSE in Expressive Arts subjects?
Art
Within the art department we believe the study of art is a vital and integral part of education. It provides opportunities to express creativity whilst making links with exciting artists, different social groups, cultures and global issues. It enables students to develop a sense of wonder and curiosity of the ever changing world around them.
Key stage 3 students receive one hour per week of art - we start by exploring the key visual elements - line, shape, form, colour, texture, pattern, tone, and space. We build skills through experimentation with lots of media and processes such as ceramics, papier mache and print-making. We develop drawing and recording skills through a variety of techniques such as sgraffito, wax resist and collage. The visual elements are referenced throughout both key stages and make the foundation to the learning. Skills and techniques are revisited and developed through the disciplines of artist research, formal drawing, mark-making, print-making, ceramics and 3D sculpture. Students experience this diet each year through exciting projects that delve into the work of artists, crafts people and cultures from around the world. They record their artistic journey in a sketchbook that is issued at the start of each year and this enables them to evidence their progress over time. Project themes include topics such as Natural Forms, Household Objects and Food. The rich and varied diet we deliver in art at key stage 3 creates a strong basis for students wishing to pursue art at GCSE.
Art Curriculum Overview
Drama
In drama we aim to educate learners as young actors, through the development of vocal and physical skills as well as knowledge and practical mastery. Students are encouraged to build on their self esteem and confidence, working on resilience, team-work and leadership skills. Students explore a wide range of theatrical styles, forms and live performances. These experiences improve independent learning, memory and creativity. The wide variety of topics enables the students to explore historical movements, religion, diversity, deprivation and politics. Key topics include: vocal and physical skills, rehearsal techniques and Live Theatre; as well as Greek and Shakespearean theatre.
Extra Curricular opportunities and enrichment in drama include events such as: Shakespeare club, the School Musical and School Showcase Production.
Drama Curriculum Overview
Media Studies
We deliver AQA Media, which invites students to learn about many forms of the mass media, reflect on their own personal experiences of them and then apply that knowledge to the four key concepts:
- Audience
- Representation of specific groups
- Use of language and communication
- Institutions and Industries
Students will do this practically and theoretically and will be assessed through coursework (30%) and examination (70%).
Music
We deliver two terms of music to years 7 & 8 and one term of music to year 9 students. We offer a broad curriculum covering a wide range of musical styles, plenty of practical work and opportunities for students to perform, both in lessons and in extra curricular sessions. Key topics across years 7 & 8 in the theory unit include: elements of music - treble/bass pitch and duration, the instruments in the orchestra and musical periods in time, as well as Film music and minimalism. This learning occurs alongside practical work using keyboards and glockenspiels.
The practical unit in music has a strong focus on singing, with opportunities for students to sing collaboratively and solo. This course of learning is delivered by a professionally trained vocal coach, who teaches vocal techniques to whole classes in years 7 & 8, for an entire term. On the strength of this learning in the music curriculum, students are strongly encouraged to attend the school choir which runs as an after school activity each week.
In addition to the singing provision, the music department has peripatetic staff from Blackpool Music Service delivering individual instrumental lessons. These include woodwind, guitar, drums, piano and singing. These sessions are becoming increasingly popular and students who take part in these lessons are making significant progress with their chosen instrument.
Music Curriculum Overview