Performing Arts

What is the subject objective?

The aim of the Performing Arts curriculum at Redwood Park is to provide a comprehensive and inclusive platform for pupils of diverse abilities to explore and engage in various performing arts disciplines. Through Drama and Dance the curriculum seeks to enhance communication, build confidence and promote overall well-being.

Dance:

Creating and performing will be the core activities for all learners. Learners develop their technical skills and the quality of their movement, and use their imagination and skills to create and choreograph dance sequences.
They further develop their knowledge and understanding and their capacity to enjoy dance through evaluating performances and commenting on their work and the work of others.

Drama:

Creating and presenting are prominent activities for all learners. Their acting and presenting skills are developed through participating in scripted or improvised drama. Exploring real and imaginary situations helps learners to understand and share their world.
They develop their capacity to enjoy drama and their knowledge and understanding through evaluating technical aspects and scripts, and commenting on their work and the work of others.

How is the subject delivered?

Every Key Stage 3 class has one Performing Arts lesson per week. This is taught either by the dance specialist instructor or the class teacher. All Key Stage 4 pupils have a double lesson once a week. They work on the school entry to the Dance Live competition through a variety of roles and responsibilities:

as a dancer
working on the development of the hair and make up
costumes
art work and props
videoing or lighting technical support.

A whole staff team is involved in the production of this, directed by the Performing Arts subject coordinator.

The following key components are implemented in order to support pupils to build their knowledge and apply their skills.

Inclusive performance opportunities:

Create inclusive and accessible opportunities for pupils to participate in various performing arts, fostering a sense of belonging e.g. in school, through Redwood’s Got Talent’ performances, class performances and in the wider community for ‘Dance Live’

Communication and expression:

Utilise dance and drama as tools for non-verbal communication, enabling pupils to express themselves creatively.
Integrate storytelling, role-playing and movement activities to enhance communication skills

Confidence building:

Facilitate a supportive environment where pupils can explore their creativity and build self-confidence through performance.
Incorporate activities that celebrate individual achievements, promoting positive self-image. e.g. Redwood’s Got Talent and annual ‘RedFest’ school festival

Social skills development:

Design collaborative projects to encourage teamwork and social interaction among pupils.
Implement group activities that enhance co-operation, communication and empathy

Sensory engagement:

Utilise the sensory rich nature of performing arts to stimulate and engage various senses and adapt where necessary to accommodate sensory needs.

Motor skills enhancement:

Integrate movement based activities to enhance fine and gross motor skills.
Provide opportunities for pupils to explore expressive movement and develop physical co-ordination

Pupils’ individual EHCP targets are used to ensure the curriculum is relevant and accessible to all pupils. Progress in Performing Arts is measured considering the individual growth and collaborative achievements of the pupil. A variety of assessment tools including observations, peer feedback and self reflection are used to tailor instruction to each pupil’s needs.

Long-term planning (LTP) is used to map the sequence of learning ensuring both dance and drama are covered. A variety of resources are used ranging from books/films, props, stories, music and games as stimuli for the creative brief.

Pupils’ progress and evidence of achieving their targets is recorded in a variety of ways including self-assessment, portfolios and photos/videos.

Impact and accreditation

The impact of Performing Arts on a pupil’s learning is multifaceted and extends across many areas of their development. Taking part in performing arts activities positively impacts the development of memory and problem-solving skills, improves communication, fosters a sense of belonging through community and collaborative projects, promoting social interaction and building positive relationships. It provides a platform for emotional expression, helping pupils to understand and manage their emotions. It encourages risk taking and resilience in a supportive environment. All these aspects nurture essential life skills that can be transferred to various aspects of our pupils’ learning and beyond.

Reading across the curriculum

Performing arts can play a crucial role in promoting reading skills in several ways. Storytelling and dramatization help to understand a narrative, acting out characters and scenes enhance the understanding of plot, structure and character development. A broad range of vocabulary can be introduced through a variety of literary genres. An immersive and dynamic learning environment can be created to complement traditional reading instruction but also to inspire a deeper understanding and appreciation for literacy across the curriculum. It can provide an interactive approach to reading, making it a more enjoyable and rewarding experience.

Linking with our vision

Participating in Performing Arts at Redwood Park contributes significantly to a pupil’s holistic development, promoting cognitive, emotional, social and physical well-being. It positively influences academic performance, and empowers each pupil with the acquisitions of fundamental life skills that can be transferred across the board.