Performing Arts Department
Performing arts is an exciting, vibrant and creative department who offer Dance, Drama and Music from Key Stage 3 through to A level. As well as an extensive curriculum, we also offer a wide variety of extra-curricular activities, produce an annual Christmas showcase, an annual Whole School musical, performances to local primary schools and visits to the theatre and other professional performances.
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For detailed information on specifications refer to the Key Stage 4 or Key Stage 5 prospectus. |
The department consists of experienced specialists in each subject area who work collaboratively. Performing Arts is particularly proud of the huge success of the annual musical which involves students from all years and attracts sell out audiences.
The department features a fully equipped dance studio with sprung floor and surround sound system, the drama studio has a fully equipped lighting rig and surround sound system, the music studio has Mac computers and there is also a music recording studio and music practice rooms which are fully resourced with a wide range of instruments.
The arts are fundamental in providing you with vital life skills such as; creativity and the ability to express yourself, improved physical skills, confidence, better leadership and presentation skills, more effective problem solving and decision making skills, perseverance, concentration, the ability to collaborate and responsibility. Participation not only enhances academic ability, it can also improve academic performance.
Performing Arts Intent
Performing arts is a physical, mental, and emotional journey of personal development and human connection, fundamental to the growth and development of all students. The desire to express our culture, emotions, and beliefs is part of what makes us human and performing arts teaches us how do this, whilst fostering our compassion and empathy towards each other, informing our sense of humanity.
At Brooke Weston, we believe that our students deserve a rich and diverse cultural education, regardless of individual starting points and inclusive of all backgrounds, enabling them to unlock their innate creativity and become more rounded and confident human beings, and so our purpose in the Performing Arts department is to nurture passionate, imaginative and inquisitive individuals who are equipped with a wide-ranging world-view combined with a strong sense of self-worth, confidence, and their place in society. Our curriculum empowers students to think creatively and critically, to reason and ask questions, to adapt and solve problems, to explore and understand social and cultural issues, and to effect change through creativity, providing them with essential skills that can be applied to every aspect of life.
Founded on the core components of performance, composition and appreciation, the curriculum ensures that practical work is at the heart of every lesson and supports students in writing analytically, crafting critical responses and accurately employing subject related terminology. Progression is ensured through the schemes of work, which introduce and then build upon key vocabulary, knowledge, skills, and techniques learnt through a range of creative styles, genres and practitioners. This is enriched with opportunities to work with professional practitioners, experience live performance, and participate in extra-curricular activities to develop students’ professionalism and furnish their understanding of how the Performing Arts industry operates in today’s society.
The Team
| Dawn Willis |
Head of Performing Arts |
| Camilla Kerr |
Teacher of PA and Drama |
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Sophie Jackson
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Teacher of PA and Music |
Enrichment Opportunities
Other opportunities in Performing Arts also include involvement in dance, drama and music clubs, peripatetic lessons in a wide variety of instruments, the chance to be involved in productions both on and off stage, extensive performance opportunities at a variety of events and a range of exciting employment opportunities in the future.