Intent

"Creativity takes courage." – Henri Matisse

The intention of Performing Arts at Park is to spark curiosity and foster a deep passion for creativity within the hearts and minds of our students. We strive to develop key life skills while nurturing imaginative, expressive, and innovative individuals, preparing them for further education and future careers.

Our curriculum supports students in becoming independent and inventive through a diverse range of schemes of work that encourage exploration of different styles and practitioners. Furthermore, Performing Arts promotes a strong sense of self-worth and supports the growth of confidence, resilience, and autonomy.

The skills developed through studying Dance are invaluable in later life. For example, performing with confidence in front of an audience, demonstrating physical control and discipline, and collaborating effectively as part of a group are all highly transferable skills. The creativity, commitment, and resilience required to rehearse and refine choreography are beneficial in many careers. Dance can provide a strong foundation not only for a career in performance, choreography, or teaching, but also in fields such as the creative industries, fitness, therapy, and events management, among many others.

Implementation

Releasing Potential – The KS3 curriculum enables students to build up a repertoire of basic skills that students need to master before they go into KS4. Students learn a range of different choreographic devices and performance skills that build their self-confidence and teamwork skills that are fundamental to their learning. Students have the opportunity to learn different styles of Dance and are encouraged to self-assess and evaluate the work of others. Examples of units are Video games, Mission impossible, Swan Song, Soldiers and Performing arts project. In year 7 the focus is on creativity and exploration which then leads them onto practitioners and exploring different styles in year 8. All units will equip students with relevant skills in order to access our KS4 courses. Students will also have the opportunity to achieve an Arts Award within their theory lessons.

Homework is set every week via Multiple Choice Questioning (MCQ) and homework booklet, these alternate each week. KS3 students have the opportunity to be involved in our Performing Arts ambassador team. This involves working with students across our feeder schools as well as supporting our department with shows and extra curricular activities.

Once in KS4 students then begin studying for the BTEC TECH Award Level 2 in Performing Arts. The course has three components and learners are required to achieve all three in order to pass the course.

Homework is set every 2 weeks via Multiple Choice Questioning (MCQ).

Impact

Building Dreams

There are multiple ways students can Find What They Love within Performing Arts beyond the classroom. For example:

• Performing Arts ambassador programme – allowing students to develop their ability to coach and support students within our school and local junior schools in a creative setting.
• Invitations to attend a variety of after school clubs and activities.
• Students are invited to support within our school productions as either a performer or production role.
• Amphitheatre – Students are offered the opportunity to perform live within our bespoke assembly setting.

Further Studies and Careers

Post-16 Study Options in Dance

Career Pathways in Dance