Curriculum Information
Subject rationale – Why study the subject? What benefits does it bring?
Dramatic Studies is at the heart of the Bishop Challoner Community. Our aim is to encourage a love of Dramatic studies as well as provide a wealth of opportunities to every student in the school, whatever their particular interest. Whether a pupil attends an extra-curricular activity once a week for fun, or a student wishes to eventually become a professional - our goal is to nurture and promote an imaginative performance, under the supervision of dedicated and caring staff.
The Dramatic Studies Curriculum has been created with a clear vision of how the Performing Arts industry is run and the lessons are designed in this way. This gives opportunity to students who wish to pursue a career in this sector or take the subject at BTEC level and also offers the other students a window into how this industry would be run. The curriculum, more importantly, is created for those students who will not continue into this field and works on developing their confidence not only in dance and acting but also in teamwork, public speaking and leadership. This can really help in their GCSE English spoken language and is an area we will develop further in the future.
A huge area we focus on every lesson is also fitness and helps alongside the PE curriculum to develop flexibility, co-ordination and general overall fitness and cardio.
The many disciplines taught throughout the Dramatic Arts curriculum enable students to build
confidence, understand the power and emotion of performance, work collaboratively with others and to develop higher thinking skills through a practical approach. There is also great cross-over between performing arts and other disciplines – the creative thinking and study techniques learned during rehearsal can be transferred to all areas of study. A huge part of our curriculum is communication. Communication skills can be accelerated through performing arts, as students learn to use verbal and non-verbal techniques in new ways to deliver their message. Some students also find new levels of confidence through performing arts. Students gain valuable life skills by learning the importance of feedback, both positive and constructive. This also provides a space for students to engage in self-reflection – a vital skill for life after school.
KS3 curriculum overview
Our key stage 3 curriculum prepares the students so that they have the skills needed to access the BTEC course at GCSE. This includes the level of dance and technical skills at a basic to developed level. Devising, directing and choreography skills and knowledge of different genres. Students also work on setting targets and analysing their progress each lesson and the skills they have developed which is a whole piece of coursework in Unit 2 of BTEC. This is often reflected in our results in year 11.
The lessons are designed so that students can monitor their own development in terms of technical exercises, strength and flexibility. It gives opportunity to develop leadership skills and group work in a creative manner.
It is important that students receive a curriculum that is not only challenging and engaging but one that continues to try and encourage creativity, which can be lost as students mature. The topics are always looked at and adapted making them relevant to our community, and the industry.
For example, we devised a piece of theatre focused on anxiety, homelessness and Knife and Gang Crime. We have also looked at dance in various styles and genres including Street dance, Jazz, Contemporary, Musical theatre, Ballroom and Latin and the new addition of Bhangra dance celebrating our wider community in Birmingham.
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Sep - Oct |
Nov - Dec |
Jan - March |
March - April |
May - July |
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Year 7 |
Jazz/Musical Theatre dance and skills Annie |
Christmas Dance- Basic teacher led choreography. 3 motifs Own choreography |
Dance styles Part 1 Michael Jackson Street dance Thriller |
Dance styles Part 2 Ballroom/Latin/ dance from other cultures Cha-Cha-Cha & Waltz |
Contemporary movement - freeze frames Anxiety Theme |
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Year 8 |
Jazz/Musical Theatre dance and skills Matilda
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Christmas Dance Intermediate teacher led choreography. 4 motifs Own choreography |
Dance styles Part 2 Tutting Street dance Best Tut Ever |
Dance styles Part 2 Ballroom/Latin/ dance from other cultures Bhangra |
Contemporary movement - freeze frames Homeless Theme |
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Year 9 |
Jazz/Musical Theatre dance and skills Grease Lightning |
Christmas Dance Higher teacher led choreography. 5 motifs Own choreography |
Dance styles Part 1 Michael Jakcson Street dance MJ Drill-This is it |
Dance styles PT-2 Ballroom/Latin/ Dance from other cultures Haka |
Contemporary movement - freeze frames Knife Crime theme Theme |
KS4 curriculum overview – BTEC Tech Award Performing Arts
The curriculum is designed to give students the opportunity to develop broad knowledge and understanding of the performing arts industry and specialist skills and techniques in acting, dance and musical theatre.
Assessment overview
Component 1 (30%)
Exploring the Performing Arts
Students will develop their understanding of the performing arts by examining practitioners’ work and the processes used to create performance. This component is internally assessed.
Component 2 (30%)
Developing Skills and Techniques in the Performing Arts
Students will develop their performing arts skills and techniques through the reproduction of acting, dance and musical theatre repertoire. This component is internally assessed.
Component 3 (40%)
Performing to a Brief
Students will be given the opportunity to work as part of a group to create a workshop performance in response to a given brief and stimulus. The component is externally assessed.
KS4 Revision Guidance
- A revision guide for this course is available to purchase directly from the Pearson website.
- Consistent and focussed practice and development of skills is also encouraged throughout the course, but especially in preparation for the component 3, externally assessed, performance.
- Revision of key vocabulary and terminology associated with the course is recommended throughout, especially in preparation for the written aspect of component 3.
Career opportunities
There are a wide range of careers options, these include:
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