Performing Arts

Performing Arts comprises closely linked areas of Drama, Music and Dance. Within Performing Arts students are given opportunities to develop skills and confidence for life-long learning, exploring issues related to citizenship and other curriculum areas as well as developing subject specific knowledge and skills in a creative, challenging and supportive environment.

Welcome to Performing Arts at Wollaston School

Key Stage 3

In Key Stage 3 pupils participate in three single lessons of Performing Arts a week – one drama, one music and one dance and enjoy a practical curriculum where learners are encouraged to develop a range of skills and subject knowledge.

In drama these skills include role play, hot seating, still image, thought-tracking and writing in role through exploration, performing and evaluating.

In music, pupils follow a progressive course which allows pupils to investigate a wide variety of musical styles whilst developing composition, performing, listening and appraising skills.

In dance, pupils will develop knowledge of skills including dance actions, motif development, choreographic devices and composition through performance, choreography, appreciation and evaluation.

In all areas, pupils are given opportunities to work as part of a team as well as developing self-confidence and presentation skills.

For students wishing to learn a musical instrument or voice we offer instrumental music lessons in partnership with the Northants Music and Performing Arts Trust and we currently offer lessons on Voice, Guitar, Percussion, Brass, Woodwind, Upper and Lower Strings and Keyboard.

Key Stage 4

In years 10 and 11 we study the WJEC Eduqas GCSE drama course which is designed to give student a broad and balanced experience of drama. The course is designed to integrate knowledge and understanding of how drama and theatre is developed and performed across a range of dramatic activities.

Students can opt to study GCSE music (OCR course) in Years 10 and 11 and have opportunities to develop their composition, performance and listening skills further. During the course students will perform both as soloist and member of an ensemble, compose a piece for their chosen instrument or voice and compose a second another piece from a set brief from OCR. The components of the course are broken down into the following: Integrated portfolio 30%, Practical portfolio 30% and Listening and appraising examination 40%. They will also listen to a wide range of different styles of music (e.g. World Music, Film/game Music, Pop/Rock Music, Concerto Through Time) and demonstrate their knowledge of these genres through a listening exam at the end of the course.

GCSE dance promotes fitness, a healthy lifestyle, team work and creativity and develops students’ skills, knowledge and understanding of a range of dance styles through the interrelated processes of Performance, Choreography and Dance Appreciation. Dance develops physical, technical and expressive skills through which students are able to; communicate choreographic intention, develop their individual qualities as performers, communicate ideas, thoughts and meaning drawn from a range of dance styles and develop a critical appreciation of dance in its physical, artistic, aesthetic and cultural contexts.

Key Stage 5

At KS5 music is offered at A Level. This course offers pupils the chance to widen their musical knowledge and increase their musical abilities across a range of musical styles while choosing a pathway that best suits their personal learning style.

The WJEC Eduqas A Level drama course extends the students depth of understanding and compliments the GCSE course. The course is constructed so that students can work as actors, designers and directors and appreciate the aspects involved in creating a piece of theatre.

AQA A Level dance develops pupils dance performance skills and their critical appreciation of set work. They learn how to further develop their understanding of the British Contemporary Dance Scene and choreograph both for themselves and others.

Extra-curricular Performing Arts opportunities at Wollaston School

Music is a thriving part of the school community with students participating in a wide range of musical activities including concerts and musical theatre as well as performing in competitions, both locally and nationally.

Every year we compete in a dance competition called Dance Live! taking a team of over 100 pupils to Portsmouth to compete against other schools. Pupils are responsible for the creating of a 7 minute dance/drama piece which tells a story or theme, complimented with an LED backdrop and fully edited soundtrack. The student team extends to costume, hair and make-up, lighting, prop design and stage crew. For more information, please visit the dance live website:

https://portsmouthguildhall.org.uk/get-involved/schools-colleges/dance-live/

We also participate in National Theatre Connections, a drama festival for pupils aged 14 and above. From a collection of 10 new plays for young people we choose a new one each year to present to a live audience both in school and in our local theatre in Northampton. For more information, please visit the NT Connections website:

https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/learning/connections

Additionally, we provide other extra-curricular opportunities in the form of musicals such as ‘We will rock you’ and ‘Hairspray’ and our very own Performing Arts festival Wollafest! Both of these opportunities provide pupils of all key stages to work together to produce entertainment for the local community.

MUSIC DOCUMENTS