Performing Arts (Music, Dance, Drama)

The Performing Arts Department is a vibrant and busy place where there is always activity and noise! We offer specialist teaching in music and dance from three full-time and four peripatetic staff. St Benedict’s has many talented pupils and we are extremely proud of their achievements and successes. The Performing Arts suite of subjects provides students with the ability to discover and develop their creative abilities in several disciplines.

Key Stage 3

Our Key Stage 3 students begin their creative journey in Performing Arts by developing core skills in creating, performing and evaluating music, drama and dance. They study the works of past and current artists and performing arts from other countries, helping them to understand music, dance and drama in their historical and cultural contexts and to appreciate cultural change and values.

Key Stage 4

Following the BTEC Tech Award in Performing Arts at Key stage 4 allows our students to further explore and develop their creative potential in performance and production. They continue to develop their analytical skills, producing and performing skills throughout the course. They produce evidence of their learning through a reflective portfolio and a final practical showcase performance.

Key Stage 5

Level 3 BTEC in Performing Arts is offered in the Sixth Form and is the equivalent of one A Level. Students complete four units of study over the two years. The course is assessed via coursework and practical assessments and opens up many career opportunities in the PA industry.

Teaching and learning in the department is supported by many visiting artists. In the past these have included Lakeland Opera and the Sakoba Dance Theatre. We also have regular visits to local and national theatres to watch performances and to take part in workshops. We are also very fortunate to have four peripatetic music teachers who visit on a weekly basis offering subsidised instrumental tuition in String, Woodwind, Guitar and Keyboard.

During lunchtimes, we operate a booking system whereby pupils can book a room and relevant equipment for their own rehearsals. They may wish to use this time to help consolidate learning from their classroom experiences or to rehearse exam work or simply, as many have done, to form their own bands or clubs.
The department also offers a range of extra curricular opportunities for students to enhance their learning at every level. These include, instrumental tuition from visiting teachers, Glee Club, Dance workshops and clubs, Rock Challenge etc.

Armed with the skills, opportunities and experiences they have gained from their time in the department; many of our pupils go on to study the performing arts at degree level and beyond. In Year 12 we offer pupils the opportunity of visiting Universities which offer courses in the Performing Arts in order to help pupils make informed choices about their further studies.

Useful Links for Performing Arts:

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