Performing Arts
What is Performing Arts?
Performing arts at HASU allows students to study a range of dance and drama genres in a practical environment learning about the variety of styles and cultural influences that surround us. As we move further up the school, performing arts splits into different disciplines which are taught separately as dance and drama GCSE.
Why do we teach Performing Arts at HASU?
Whether it be theatre, TV or film, our lives are influenced by the arts on a daily basis. As the students at HASU become skilled in the variety of techniques studied through their dance and drama lessons, they will be more able to access the wealth of diverse opportunities and platforms that the arts world provides. Learning to appreciate and engage in the arts from different communities and cultures is an important component in aiding children’s development as global citizens.
Studying performing arts enables students to learn and develop lifelong skills that will enable them to become more reflective and independent learners as well as confident adults. The collaborative style in which the performing arts lessons run means that students are consistently challenged to work with different people with a strong focus on resolving conflict, sharing ideas and championing each other’s achievements. Exposure to the arts can help young people develop many positive skills that are valued by leaders and employers, such as persistence, creative thinking, motivation and problem solving. In addition, several studies demonstrate that exposure to the arts can improve a young person’s academic performance and make their school experience happier and more fulfilling.
How do we teach Performing Arts at HASU?
Every performing arts lesson is based on practical exploration of the topic that is being studied. Students are given tasks that require them to learn by ‘doing’. Additionally, this learning is supported by the theory that underpins the skills being taught as well as reflective tasks to ensure that students are clear of their current ability and how they can move forward. Projects are often script-based giving the students an opportunity to improve their literacy and oracy as well as offering a forum to investigate the variety of themes and issues that may arise. Students are also offered the chance to devise their own scripts and performance pieces encouraging their creativity and independent thinking. The lessons are designed so that each student can develop at their own individual pace. Expectations will vary depending on the student’s ability as well as their practical confidence. We understand that students come with a range of abilities, so we encourage each learner to express themselves, push themselves and take risks, whilst working towards their own goals.
We are fortunate here at HASU to have fantastic facilities including a mirrored dance studio, outside theatre and a studio theatre with lighting rig and sound desk. All students will benefit from these facilities during their time at HASU with the older students getting the opportunity to learn how to operate the lighting and sound desks.
Our extra-curricular offer at HASU is rich and varied including four dance companies, two drama companies and a technical theatre club. We perform two full school productions a year, at Christmas and in the summer, as well as smaller performances including chamber concerts and a play in the spring term and encourage all children to participate in as many of these opportunities as they can. Where possible, we perform to audiences ensuring that the families of HASU students and the local community are able to share in our students’ successes.
Assessment
We use a range of practical assessments in performing arts that are designed to assess students’ progress at the end of a unit or topic. Each assessment varies depending on the genre and content however the common themes that are threaded throughout all KS3 assessments have a focus on collaboration, confidence and creativity. Alongside this, assessments are designed to allow students to demonstrate the knowledge and execution of the skills they have learnt as well as allowing them to show contextual understanding. At the end of the academic year, students are also assessed on their understanding of the key terminology and concepts that have been introduced to them.
Homework
Students do not receive regular homework in performing arts however there are times when we will ask them to watch or listen to a particular video or piece of music to better prepare them for the work they are undertaking in class or to follow up on something that has come out of a class discussion.
Passionate Performing Arts students have the opportunity to student Drama and Dance GCSEs at Key Stage 4.
