Skip to content ↓

Performance

For up to date information of events please refer to our Twitter page @PCLAPerf.

Performance

KS3 Performance Programme of Study is below. 

The Performance programme at Key Stage 3 builds skills and knowledge which will allow the learners to succeed at GCSE Music, Drama, Dance and Technical Theatre. The core focus is the practical elements and the use of devices/ techniques of performing in a variety of ways. The students will complete the key stage with the ability to tell a story through song, movement, music, drama and design and understand the structures, devices, context and characters within them. Students will experience the ‘back stage’ elements to introduce drama beyond the acting where they study design, sound and lighting to enhance their practical performance knowledge and skills. To prepare the students for GCSE it is fundamental that written work is included in the programme. Therefore, in addition to the main practical foci, the students will complete record keeping and regular written assessments.

Year 7

The students will produce a scene from a show that will be ‘performance ready’. They will learn how to conduct themselves in a rehearsal room, time manage and what makes a good performance. The students will develop singing, movement and acting techniques and also learn about the back stage elements of a show focusing on lighting, sound, set and costume.

They will develop music skills through listening, composing and performing on a variety of instruments practically projects include: Stomp! and The Blues

Drama skills will be developed through scripted and devised work using as assortment of stimulus. Students will learn movement, vocal and characterisation skills and study Greek Theatre.

Students will learn to evaluate performances that they have both performed in or seen, noting techniques used and the impact on the overall performance to an audience.

Year 8

Students will study music through the three core areas; composing, performing and listening across a variety of styles and forms. The focus this year is musically developing independent and group ensemble skills. Music technology (Garageband, Sibelius) will be introduced to the students to record, manipulate and compose material for class work.

In Drama the focus is supporting the English curriculum with an introduction to Shakespeare. Varied styles will be applied to the texts and analysed as to their impact on the performance as a whole. Comedy script work will also be studied where students will develop skills in performance and production. Workshops on voice, movement, lighting, sound, set design and all areas of production will also be studied.

Level 2 courses

Technical Theatre.

In the GCSE Technical Theatre students will develop these skills through workshops and lessons to enable them to programme, focus and rig lighting, record sound, set up microphones etc. Students are expected to design, programme and operate production elements as part of the academy productions.

In addition, Year 9 Technical Theatre students will study a Silver Arts Award; researching and developing skills in their chosen production area. http://www.artsaward.org.uk/site/?id=66  

Year 11 students are following the BTEC Performing Arts in Production Award. Follow this link for more details: https://qualifications.pearson.com/content/dam/pdf/BTEC-Firsts/Performing-Arts/2012/Specification-and-sample-assessments/9781446936344_BTECFIRST_L12_AWD_PA_Iss3.pdf 

Year 9 and 10 students are following the OCR GCSE Drama – Design course: Follow this link for more details http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse-drama-j316-from-2016/

Music

Students will learn through workshops and lessons to develop their skills of listening, performing, appraising and performing. They will study set works which cover a number of styles and learn to respond with critical appreciation and knowledge. Students will develop ensemble and solo skill as a performer.

Yr 9 students are studying the BTEC Music Award course. Follow this link for more details: https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/btec-firsts/music-2013-nqf.html

Yr 10 students are studying either BTEC Music Award. Follow this link for more details: https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/btec-firsts/music-2013-nqf.html

or Edexcel GCSE Music. Follow this link for more details: https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/music-2016.html

 

Drama

Students will complete three components; one devised performance, one text performance and one written exam. Students must study two different texts in the GCSE course. Through a variety of theory and practical lessons students will learn how to apply skills to texts and stimuli to create a successful performance. Students will learn how to review their own work and the work of others therefore it is expected that they attend a live production. Students are encouraged to take part in academy enrichment to further develop their skills.

Year 10 students are students are studying OCR GCSE Drama. Follow this link for more details http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse-drama-j316-from-2016/

Year 11 students are following the BTEC Performing Arts Acting Award. Follow this link for more details https://qualifications.pearson.com/content/dam/pdf/BTEC-Firsts/Performing-Arts/2012/Specification-and-sample-assessments/9781446936344_BTECFIRST_L12_AWD_PA_Iss3.pdf

Dance

Students will study the set works set by the exam boards. They will study the techniques and skills and apply them through their practical assessments. Students will choreograph their own works to follow a brief and learn how to evaluate their progress and performance. Dance students will learn to evaluate a set performance work and comment on the choreographers’ choices through practical workshops and theory lessons.

Year 9 and 10 students are following the GCSE AQA Dance course. Follow this link for more details: http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/dance/gcse/dance-8236

Year 11 students are following the BTEC Performing Arts Dance Award. Follow this link for more details https://qualifications.pearson.com/content/dam/pdf/BTEC-Firsts/Performing-Arts/2012/Specification-and-sample-assessments/9781446936344_BTECFIRST_L12_AWD_PA_Iss3.pdf

Level 3 course

A level Music

Year 13 students are studying the Edexcel A Level Music course. Follow this link for more details: http://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-a-levels/music-2016.html

This six-unit course helps students to develop aural, theoretical and analytical skills and enables them to explore a significant set work and an area of study selected to suit their preferences. They can choose to study compositional techniques, to create music which draws on their own experience and enthusiasm or to arrange a given piece of music. In their performances, students can present solo and ensemble pieces and can work with music technology.

A-level Music builds on the knowledge and skills gained from GCSE Music as well as musical experience gained outside the classroom. It recognises the interdependence of different aspects of musical activity. This specification provides a sound preparation for the study of music in higher education, as well as providing opportunities to develop strengths and interests leading to music-related and other careers. It encourages students to develop a wide range of transferable skills such as critical thinking, research, communication and team-work.