PERFORMING ARTS

Performing Arts Roadmap: Years 7–11

The Performing Arts curriculum from Year 7 to Year 11 is designed to provide a step-by-step, inclusive learning journey, supporting students to develop confidence, communication, and self-expression. Through a spiral curriculum approach, key skills are revisited regularly, recognising that these concepts can be challenging for many students due to their individual needs and diagnoses.

Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9)

At Key Stage 3, the focus is on building foundational performance skills, with regular opportunities to revisit and practise these in a supportive and structured environment.

• Years 7-8:
  In Years 7 and 8, students follow similar themes, allowing them to revisit and reinforce key skills such as expression, movement, voice, and basic performance techniques.
  This repetition is essential in helping students to embed understanding and build confidence, particularly as performing arts concepts can be abstract and difficult to grasp. There is a strong emphasis on communication, teamwork, and participation.

• Year 9:
  As students progress into Year 9, learning begins to diverge slightly according to pathway:

  • Forest Pathway: Students are introduced to more complex performance skills, providing appropriate challenge. They develop greater independence, refine techniques, and begin to explore more structured performance work.
  • Emerald Pathway: Students continue to revisit and consolidate core skills, with a focus on communication, teamwork, and engagement. Activities are adapted and scaffolded to ensure all students can access and succeed in performance-based tasks.

This approach ensures all students are prepared for potential progression into Key Stage 4 options.

Key Stage 4 (Years 10–11)

At Key Stage 4, students have the opportunity to specialise in Performing Arts as an option subject.

• Emerald and Forest Pathways (Optional Route):
  Students may choose to study Performing Arts through the Arts Award pathway.
  • In Year 10, students are entered for the Bronze Arts Award, developing skills in performance, creativity, and reflection.
  • In Year 11, students who are successful at Bronze can progress to the Silver Arts Award, further extending their skills, independence, and ability to plan and evaluate creative work.

This pathway provides a flexible and accessible qualification, allowing students to demonstrate their abilities in a range of creative ways while building valuable personal and communication skills.

Summary

The Performing Arts roadmap offers a supportive and progressive curriculum that recognises the importance of repetition, confidence-building, and individual needs. Through adapted teaching, opportunities for creative expression, and clear progression routes, students are equipped to develop communication, teamwork, and self-confidence, supporting both their personal development and future pathways.