The Performing Arts course consists of 6 units of work relating to the performing arts industry. Two of the units are assessed by examination and four other units are assessed by portfolio and continuous assessment of written work throughout the year. Students begin the course by experiencing aspects of drama, dance and music and then decide to specialise in their chosen subject. The information below outlines the work covered by students who choose to specialise in music.
 | Skills Development Unit 2 |
This unit is assessed by portfolio and evidence based work. Throughout this unit students students learn to develop their musical skills by assessing their skill level and creating a practise schedule designed to help them progress and improve. Students learn new skills and learn to work with others and also individually. They learn the benefits of teamwork and the importance of reflecting on their progress. |
 | Performing Work unit 3 |
This unit is assessed by porfolio and evidence based work. Students learn how to improve their performing work by putting on a performance at the end of year 10. All of the work performed is chosen by the students. Decisions are made, by the students, about the programming, ticket sales, front of house, stage management, advertising posters etc. The students learn the importance of being well prepared and rehearsed, health and safety issues related to putting on a show, differences in audience reaction, appropriateness and choice of perfromance items etc. |
| Reviewing Performance by others Unit 5 |
This unit as assessed by portfolio and evidence based work. Students study how reviews are written and the differences between types of media reviews. They learn to make judgements about performances and learn about types of performances, different staging, and the importance of lighting, costumes, characters and music etc. Students research three performances of their choice and watch professional productions. |
| Musicianship Unit 9 |
This unit is assessed by portfolio and evidence based work. Students learn to develop their musicanship skills : ensemble playing, balance, dynamics, expression, reading music skills, improvisation etc. Students also study 2 different stypes of music; the first is chosen by the teacher (Beatles - Sgt Peppers Album) and the secoond is chosen by the student. |
| Opportunities in Performing Arts Unit 1 |
This unit is compulsory and is assessed by external examination. Students learn the correct terminology, related to working in the industry, and begin to understand the opportunities avaliable within the performing arts. |
| Organising an Event Unit 1 |
This unit is compulsory and is assessed by external examination. Students learn how to organise an event. Visits to local theatres enable students to gain an insight into the day to day running of a theatre. They learn about different performance venues, aspects of theatre management, funding and advertising. |
