Expressive Arts

Art

Why is art important?

Students learn how to develop and use appropriate methods of composition styles and techniques to communicate meanings and ideas.  Exploring the formal elements through their use of a variety of mediums, eg: clay, paints, inks, charcoal, graphite collage etc.

Art at KS3

Following the national curriculum framework students learn to experiment with a wide range of wet and dry media and techniques exploring different artists and topics.  Students learn to work in both two- and three-dimensional forms.

Art at KS4

The BTEC Art Course provides the students with the opportunity to gain the equivalent of 2 GCSEs.  The BTEC Art Course (First Certificate) enables students to experiment with a wide range of mediums and techniques along with the exploration and analysis of different artists and movements.  This course prepares you for work in a wide variety of jobs within the arts.

Art post-16

If students wish to further their career in the arts they can study A Level Art at Bishopsford.  They would then be expected to complete a BA Hons in foundation studies at Art College to be able to go onto study Art at degree level (BA Hons)

Beyond the classroom

Students are encouraged to attend after school homework clubs to improve their work and receive one-to-one tuition.  We also run a pottery club for students to experience working with clay.

How can parents support their child?

By encouraging their children to complete any homework tasks and encouraging artistic and creative thinking.

Useful Links
 

www.artlex.com
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/art/
 

Dance

Why is dance important?

Dance enables the students to develop their social skills as well as developing their individuality through solo performances.  Working in small groups develops the students' sensitivity as they learn to appreciate and respect others opinions, ideas and level of ability.

Dance at KS3

Key stage 3 projects in dance are planned so that the students can experience a variety of styles whilst developing their understanding of the choreographic process.  Each project has a themed focus which the students are expected to research further to aid their choreographic application.  The development of confidence is enhanced as the students are encouraged to perform their work to small audiences.  The schemes of work have been constructed and inspired by the physical education national curriculum and by the key aspects of learning that are needed for GCSE Dance and BTEC Dance at Key Stage 4, hence preparing the students in advance for their examination courses in this subject area.

Dance at KS4

At key stage 4 the topics and modules followed are as a part of the Performing Arts BTEC Course.  These modules are 'Understanding Dance', 'Contemporary Dance' and 'Jazz Dancing'.  Each module develops the students' choreographic knowledge and experience as well as developing their performance ability.  Key stage 4 students are encouraged to perform to larger audiences so they are encouraged to participate as high achieving performers in school concert events.

Beyond the classroom

Rehearsal is set as a form of homework to encourage refinement of performances and to support memory training.  Extra curriculum clubs at lunch time and after school supports this aspect of learning. 'Step into Dance' is a club run after school.  This extra curriculum club is delivered by a professional dancer who has performed in West End shows.  The dance teacher choreographs many dance routines which she then teaches our students.  These students then form their dances at external events.

Useful Links

www.royalacademydance.com

 

Drama

Why is drama important?

Drama at Bishopsford aims to give students an experience which is balanced and broadly based by involving them in three activities which constitute drama: creating, performing and responding.

Drama at KS3

Students will explore an idea or theme through drama convention, thus articulating it in dramatic form and making that important bridge between drama and theatre.

Drama at KS4

The BTEC performing arts course provides students with the opportunity to gain 2 GCSE* grades.  Each drama module enables students to experience creativity as well as improving their performance technique through the 'Understanding Drama, Devising Drama & Scripted Plays' module.

Drama post-16

Students will study a course that is varied and stimulating as well as challenging.  They will focus on their acting skills, reflect and evaluate their own work and analyse live productions.

Beyond the classroom

Students are encouraged to attend after school drama clubs, workshops focusing on particular skills and school productions.

How can parents support their child?

We encourage all students to attend the theatre and workshops at your local theatre.  Parents are also encouraged to watch school productions and KS4 assessments.

Useful Links

www.bbc.co.uk/gcsebitesize
 

Music

Why is Music Important?

Music is a unique form of communication that can change the way students feel, think and act. Music forms part of an individual's identity and positive interaction with music can develop students' competence as learners and increase their self-esteem. Music brings together intellect and feeling and enables personal expression, reflection and emotional development. As an integral part of culture, past and present, music helps students understand themselves, relate to others and develop their cultural understanding, forging important links between home, school and the wider world.

Music at KS3

Students work on a variety of topics which are related to their real-life learning experiences from creating film music, to writing popular songs. We also ensure the cultural needs of the curriculum are covered with a variety of world music topics and we explore blues and jazz music. We ensure our heritage is covered with classical music. We use ICT on a regular basis, using the latest software for creative work and the internet for research.

Music at KS4

In year 10 and 11, students can take up to 2 modules of Music as part of the BTEC First Certificate in Performing Arts - Level 2. We offer a breadth of study from the 'Understanding Music' module which covers the basic features of all styles of music across time and place, through listening, composing and performing. We offer the hugely popular and highly successful 'Using Music Computer Systems' – students get to create their own music and complete a remix project, all using the Music Department PC suite. The third module, which again is very popular, is 'Performing in an Ensemble'. Students choose their own groups, choose their own piece, then work hard as an ensemble to make it a credible performance for assessment. Many students during this module are learning to play the guitar, drums or bass for the first time!

Music Post-16

Year 12 and 13 in our new sixth form allows us to offer 2 very different courses: for the more academic and gifted musician, we offer A Level Music – a 2 year course designed to allow students to gain the qualifications in listening, composing and performing so they can go on to access the top music colleges and universities after Bishopsford Arts College.

We also offer the BTEC Level 3 Certificate in Music (Performing) which leads onto the BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Music (Performing). Both courses have a wide range of modules which we can offer, from 'Performance Practice', 'Modern Music', 'Listening Skills for Music Technologists', 'Singing Techniques and Performance', and 'Music in the Community'. We are fortunate to have two very well equipped studios for student’s personal study. We will also offer any music student on a sixth form course 2 hours of instrumental lessons a week for free.

Beyond the classroom

Students are actively encouraged to join in the many events: We have a huge annual summer production; every year there will be a Young Musician of the Year event. We regularly rehearse rock bands and encourage singing at lunchtimes, and students are more than welcome to use our facilities at lunchtime and after school. We offer trips to the theatre and music events. We have fantastic links with Merton Music Foundation who offer a wealth of instrumental tuition and ensemble work

How can parents support their child?

Parents can support their child’s music education by allowing them to listen to a wide variety of music, both familiar and unfamiliar, and let them use the internet to research their favourite artists at home. Parents can also support their child by creating a regular dialogue about music, what they learn in class and what music they listen to. We would actively encourage parents to encourage students to learn a musical instrument; this will bring them a life-long skill, and create passion and enjoyment for music.

Useful Links

For KS3
www.youtube.com

For KS4
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/music/
General
All students will broadcast their uploads of their own creative music on
www.numu.org.uk