Infants

Music

The purpose of Music in Years 1 and 2 is to allow pupils the freedom to create songs, experiment with sound and play a variety of different and exciting musical instruments such as the glockenspiel. Intertwined within this creative and fun curriculum the pupils begin to look at notation, the treble and bass cleft, and writing basic songs. Pupils can expect to understand note value, identify key notes (crotchets, minims, quavers) and also compose a variety of short tunes which they can perform proficiently and confidently.

Drama

The curriculum in Years 1 and 2 focusses on the basics of Drama and learning how to create and understand different facial expressions and body language. Pupils take on different characters and are able to respond to others within a performance. Activities include role play, storytelling, improvisation, masks, dance, musical theatre and an introduction to scripts.  Pupils are assessed throughout their rehearsals and for any performances. They are able to say what they like about a performance and give reasons for how they could improve.

Performance Opportunities

We give pupils regular opportunities to perform in front of audiences. Pupils are encouraged to perform on many different occasions from the annual productions to festival events and community performances. Parents are often invited to see their children perform.

Progress

Development is measured through termly tests, written work and verbal questioning. If a pupil feels unsure or confused, strategies are put in place to help the pupil and make them feel comfortable within the environment and the work provided.

Juniors

Music

In Years 3 to 6 the pupils apply and strengthen their knowledge of musical theory through singing and music composition on various instruments and formats. They create Power Point documents, play a variety of instruments, learn various styles of popular, traditional and world music, sing solos and in groups and create displays and posters.

We have a Ukulele Club, an extensive range of individual and group private instrument lessons with qualified tutors, and both a Junior mixed choir and senior mixed choir.  We encourage formal music grades and offer music theory classes after school hours to help any pupils interested in taking exams.

Drama

Years 3 to 6 focus on the exploration of the different Drama techniques such as hot seating, freeze frames, puppetry, an introduction to using props and improvisation. Pupils work in a variety of groups and can act out scripts using stage directions and character information. Pupils are assessed throughout their rehearsal process and for any performances. They are given a National Curriculum level and are able to articulate their reasons why they did or didn’t like a performance.

Seniors

Music

In Years 7 to 9 the pupils study about the history of music and gain a more in depth understanding of the musical elements. They can expect to understand the importance of tones and semi tones, sharps and flats, as well as various performance aspects. There are opportunities to write, record and edit compositions through the use of music technology and studio programs.

We have a Ukulele Club, an extensive range of individual and group private instrument lessons with qualified tutors and a senior mixed choir. We encourage formal music grades and offer music theory classes after school hours to help any pupils interested in taking exams.

Drama

During Years 7 to 9 our pupils explore a variety of issues and ideas that relate to society. They work individually, in small groups and as a whole class to develop their skills, techniques and styles including mime, musical theatre, puppetry, improvisation, scripts, Theatre in Education and slapstick. Older pupils learn about using costume, working behind the scenes and preparing for GCSE Drama if selected.

Pupils are aware of their National Curriculum levels and how to achieve the next grade. They verbally peer and self-assess and complete VIVAs (talking to the camera about a performance). A homework project is set each term for students to reflect on how well they have done in group work, individual work and final performances.