Performing Arts
Curriculum
The Performing Arts curriculum at St. Philip
Howard Catholic School embraces Dance, Drama and Music. These subjects are taught
to every student at KS3. We cover a wide range of topics and styles within
lesson with a focus on skills development.
Philosophy
The philosophy that underpins Performing Arts
is student centred, to promote interest, in a supportive environment. The
students here experience the joys of the process of making mistakes and trying
different methods to reach their conclusions. Through being creative,
performing and reflecting students build their confidence and have ownership of
their own learning. We consciously acknowledge students different learning
styles, prior learning, what the next step in their learning should be and
their interests. St. Philip Howard students find their work relevant to them
and the world they live in. At the heart of it is learning tailored to the
individuals learning needs.
Drama
In Year 7, students start to develop their
basic Drama skills, moving from role play to performance with a focus on
communicating intentions to audience. In Year 8, students build on the skills
needed to enable imaginative and creative theatre. This is achieved through the
use of resources; such as masks, music and lights. Students will develop their
group working skills, devising and developing ideas through practical
exploration as well as their evaluation and response skills. By Year 9 all key
Drama skills will be embedded into student practice, allowing them to develop
performance skills with a strong focus on characterisation, movement, use of
voice and critical analysis of their own and other peoples work.
In Year 10 & 11, Key Stage 4 GCSE students
have seven lessons a fortnight. The GCSE course (Edexcel Specification) builds
on the Key Stage 3 course. Students work on a variety of projects where they
study plays, playwrights and theatre practitioners and may be assessed on
acting and technical skills. All assessment is linear, with written exams
taking place at the end of the course. 60% of the GCSE will be assessed through
non-exam assessment, 40% through a written exam.
In Year 12 & 13, Key Stage 5 A Level
students have at least ten lessons a fortnight. The A Level course (Edexcel
Specification) build on the Key Stage 3 & 4 courses. Students work on a
variety of projects where they study new plays, styles and approaches. There
are many opportunities for performance and students have the opportunity to devise
a completely original performance. All assessment is linear, with written exams
taking place at the end of the course. 60% of the A Level will be assessed
through non-exam assessment, 40% through a written exam.
Extra-Curricular
The Drama department offers a KS3 Drama Club
afterschool and G&T workshops during the course of the year. In addition,
there is a Whole School Musical Production at the end of the Summer Term and
additional smaller productions throughout the year. We also arrange various
theatre visits. At Key Stage 4/5 rehearsals are also held for the preparation
of practical coursework and parents/guardians and friends are invited to see
GCSE/A Level work showcases several times a year.
Dance
In year 7, students start
to develop basic Dance skills, replicating and building on phrases of movement
using a range of different themes. Each topic has a focus on developing
movement that communicates these ideas to an audience in a performance-based
assessment.
In year 8, students build
on the dance skills and techniques learnt in year 7 to create and develop
movement content that accurately follows different themes and a wider range of
styles. Students are assessed on their ability to respond to a theme as well as
their use of choreographic dance devices and creativity.
In year 9, key techniques,
styles and dance skills have been taught and developed. Students now use these
key skills to create work more independently when working from a theme.
Students are able to evaluate their choices, identify strengths and weaknesses
and challenge their ability to show original and imaginative movement
responses. Students in year 9 will get a taster of what GCSE Dance has to
offer, with some areas studied that have direct links into the GCSE
specification.
Key stage 4 – GCSE Dance
have seven lessons a fortnight. The specification is AQA which builds on key
skills that have been taught across KS3. The course is split into two sections
– 60% practical and 40% theory. Students study an anthology of six set
professional works across the two-year course, which are embedded in the course
through Dance appreciation and practical performances. Students are expected to
complete a body of practical work through solo and group performances and
choreography, all of which are assessed on the evidence of physical, technical,
expressive skills, structural and choreographic devices. A written exam is sat
at the end of year 11, which covers elements of choreographic processes and
performing skills, critical appreciation of own work and critical appreciation
of professional works studied.
Key stage 5 – A Level Dance
have at least 10 lessons a fortnight. The specification is AQA and looks at
both historical and current Dance practices. The full A level is studied across
two years and is split into two equal components. Performance and choreography 50%
and critical engagement 50%. The students have the opportunity to create and
perform in a range of solo and group performances throughout the course. All
assessment are liner with the written element of the course which is completed
at the end of the second year. This covers students gained knowledge,
understanding and critical appreciation of two set professional works.
Extra Curricular
The Dance department offers
a range of KS3 clubs afterschool from year group clubs and mixed curricular
clubs covering different styles.
Workshops are offered to
KS4/5 students to help with their continued Dance studies.
GCSE/A Level have open room
rehearsal time after school to develop performances and choreography.
Theatre Visits are offered
in KS4 and where possible KS3 to give an insight into live theatre
performances.
Showcases are held for
KS4/5 so work can be shared with parents/guardians throughout the course.
Opportunity to perform at
Dance House and Performing Arts concerts throughout the school year.
Music
The Key Stage 3 curriculum focuses on
developing students´ performing, composing and listening skills through a
variety of activities. There is a strong focus on singing and percussion
skills, learning to play a melody line and chords on the keyboard and ukulele
as well as composing melodic ideas and song lyrics. With the introduction of
technology into the department, students will also be taught to use music
software to record and edit their musical ideas and performances.
Students will have the opportunity to work
individually and in groups and will develop their ability to lead group tasks,
organise and structure their own time. They are encouraged to reflect on their
progress to improve their success and productivity.
In Year 10 & 11 GCSE students have seven
lessons a fortnight. The GCSE course (Eduqas) builds on the Key Stage 3 course.
Students focus on 3 main areas: composing (30%), performing (30%) and analysis
(40%). Throughout the course they complete a series of performances and
compositions linked to the areas of study for the listening exam, helping to
inform their understanding in a practical way.
In Year 12 & 13 A Level students have ten
lessons a fortnight. The A Level course (Eduqas) leads students through
detailed analysis of set works from across several genres of music. Students
also have to develop their understand of music theory through harmonic
exercises and composition and perform an extended recital. Students can choose
to specialise in either Composing or Performing with a 35%/25% weighting to the
chosen specialism.
Instrumental Tuition
We actively encourage students to further
their musical understanding and ability by having tuition on a musical
instrument. The benefits of learning an instrument include developing new
skills, the discipline and commitment to practice regularly and the opportunity
to join in with extra-curricular groups; which in turn, helps students to meet
new people and make friends across all year groups.
Instrumental tuition with private teachers:
Piano – Julie Horner
Guitar – Richard Rahaman
Woodwind – Ian Monnery
Violin & Viola – Alex Urqhart
We ask that any instruments brought into
school are clearly labelled and insured. Instruments can be stored safely in
the Music Department during the school day. If we do not currently offer
lessons on your childs preferred instrument then we will do our best to
accommodate this. Please contact the Music team directly.
Richard Rahaman BA Hons rcrahaman@hotmail.co.uk - Guitar, Ukulele,
Bass Guitar.
I offer fun and friendly lessons to students
of all abilities from complete beginners to advanced levels. Lessons are
available in all styles of guitar including rock, pop, blues and classical.
Students can learn for fun focusing on music by their favourite bands and
singers or can work towards taking a guitar examination. Lessons are tailored
to the students´ needs whether they are learning for pleasure or wish to take a
more formal approach to learning the guitar.
Julie Horner 07531 088403 – Piano
Learning to play the piano can be fun and
rewarding, whether you are a complete beginner or an accomplished player. With
over 30 years of teaching experience lessons are adapted to the pace of the
individual student. Whether that be learning by Grades (through ABRSM or
Trinity Guildhall), learning the students preferred repertoire, or simply
exploring different styles of music. Learning to play an instrument also helps
the student with independent learning, which is a skill that is transferable to
all learning.
Alex Urquhart alexandra_urquhart@hotmail.com – Violin and Viola
Ian Monnery ianmonnerywoodwind@gmail.com – Woodwind
Extra Curricular Activities
There are a range of activities available for
students to enjoy out of lesson. These include:
Band - open to players of all abilities from
all year groups. This group perform all genres of music including classical
works and modern film scores.
Singing Group – a vocal ensemble that sing a
range of modern repertoire.
Ukulele Group – a free session of tuition open
to all students led by our guitar teacher.
Keyboard Club – An opportunity for students to
have time on the keyboards to rehearse their own songs or pieces learnt in
class.
Concerts and theatre trips
Performance
Opportunities
Whole School Musical
Christmas Showcase
Summer Concert
St Philip Howard’s Got Talent
Assembly Performances
Whole School Mass