Performing Arts | The Appleton School

The Performing Arts department promotes a ‘Proud to Perform' ethos. We strive for students of all abilities to participate in a full, yet varied Performing Arts programme. This gives them the confidence to attain examination success above the National Average supported by a professional and dedicated team of specialists.

MUSIC

During year 7 and 8, all students study music for two hours per fortnight. Through a combination of performing, listening and composing students will explore musical elements including rhythm, melody, texture and structure within the context of various musical styles and cultures.

Year 7 modules

Rhythm and Beats
Keyboard Skills
Ringtone
Buildings
Go with the Flow
Pictures at an Exhibition

Year 8 modules

Blues
Songwriting 1
Performance skills
Songwriting 2
Cover versions
Film music

In year 9, 10 & 11 students may opt to study music at GCSE level and this is taught in line with the Edexcel specification. During the course students will complete detailed study of specific set works covering a range of styles and cultures, while having opportunities to develop experience in solo and ensemble performance and composition.

Students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities in music and opportunities include Year 7 Choir, Appleton Singers, Rock bands, String group, Guitar Club and Ukulele Band. Rehearsals take place weekly and students are given opportunities to perform with these groups at the Christmas Concert and Performing Arts Festival. One-to-one tuition is made available to students on a variety of instruments and voice, subject to fees payable on a termly basis.

DRAMA

Taught as an independent subject at KS4 and as a part of BTEC Performing Arts at KS4 and KS5, Drama is a popular subject with Appleton students. The Subject promotes the Proud To Perform ethos of the performing arts department.

Students at KS3 have the opportunity to participate in Drama Club which allows them to gain confidence and performance skills. Students at KS4 are offered master classes to help bridge the gap between KS4 and KS5.

Students across the school are encouraged to audition for the annual Performing Arts Festival in which they can audition monologues, duologues and group drama.

A popular part of the school year is the musical, which often sees students who don't study Drama actively participating in Drama rehearsals - giving them the chance to learn new skills and work with students from across all year groups.

PERFORMING ARTS

Students can take Btec Performing Arts as an option at KS4 and KS5. This is vocational course that gives students the opportunity to develop skills in a wide variety of performance skills from acting & singing to dance & stand-up comedy. All assessments are practical and vocational with a focus on a multitude of careers in the Performing Arts.

Through rehearsing, critical peer feedback and showcasing work we regularly encourage students to demonstrate values such as respect, individual liberty and freedom in the Performing Arts department. We promote self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence through our lessons and activities. At Key Stage 4, in both Music and Drama, work and practitioners from different countries, religions and backgrounds are studied in depth. Students are expected not only to analyse these compositions and plays but also to appreciate the context of the work, background of the composers, playwrights and practitioners, as well as empathise with the characters. Students are expected to contribute to class discussions with tolerance and respect towards each other as well as the context of the creative work.

Students are further encouraged to engage with the diverse extra-curricular activities that we offer and some of these are led by students. Students who are involved in these activities regularly perform at our end of term concerts which parents, governors and the local community are invited to. We have also been involved with local community events; most recently performing at St George's Church Fun Day in Benfleet and St Margaret's CE Primary School in Bowers Gifford.

If you have any queries regarding our Curriculum please contact us.