Performing Arts is a form of expression and so our aim at Newton Abott College is to give students the chance to express themselves through the Performing Arts curriculum across the different disciplines and styles. We want to create an encouraging, non-judgmental and approachable environment for them to develop their performance and creative skills in. Students’ physical and mental well-being is one of our priorities at Newton Abbot College and Performing Arts can strongly promote a positive mental attitude which might then improve other areas of their education and life outside of school.

Intent

The Performing Arts curriculum at Newton Abbot College provides students with the building blocks to allow them to grow as an individual and develop qualities and skills such as creativity, resilience, self-discipline and confidence. We believe that students have the right to an engaging and varied curriculum which targets all three areas of Performing Arts.

• dance
• singing
• acting

Our curriculum provides students with choice and flexibility so they can focus on all disciplines in the Performing Arts but also specialise in just one or two.

Through our comprehensive curriculum, students will hopefully continue to pursue their interest in the arts and thrive in what they feel most passionate about.

Here are some of the ways our students can develop their knowledge and practical skills in Performing Arts:

• Appreciating and analysing performance work to gain more of an understanding into professional performance skills and the performing arts industry.
• Developing vital skills that enable students to succeed in Performing Arts and in their personal lives.
• Learning how to use a range of stimuli during the devising process in appropriate and creative ways.
• Learning and performing a range of repertoire in all three disciplines
• Developing reflective, analytical and evaluative written skills which are structured using accurate and specific terminology.
• Understanding the challenges and demands of planning, rehearsing, and analysing performances.
• Providing constructive and positive feedback during class discussions in a respectful and supportive manner.

Implementation

At Newton Abbot College, our Performing Arts curriculum is implemented through highly effective teaching and learning which aims to encourage a classroom ethos of mutual respect and trust. We meet the needs of all students including disadvantaged and SEND students by providing personalised strategies in lessons to champion progress and therefore allowing all students to reach their goals and achieve the best they can in our subject.

This includes:

• The teaching of a wide range of technical and interpretive skills which cover all disciplines in the Performing Arts (dance, singing and acting).
• An inclusive, supportive and encouraging approach when students are performing and showing solo or group work.
• Variation of questioning and checking for understanding methods used by teachers to inspire self-reflection and nurture their knowledge.
• Written feedback is given at least every half term to support student target setting and progress for the specific topic and Performing Arts discipline.
• Verbal feedback is given every lesson to provide relevant and first-hand feedback for students to reflect on in the lesson.

Our Performing Arts curriculum is enhanced by:

• Organising dance and musical theatre trips across KS3-KS5 for exam preparations, to develop an understanding of the performing arts industry, cultural enrichment and exam preparations.
• Establishing cross-curricular links with subjects such as History, English, Art and Music.
• Encouragement of Performing Arts students to support and lead in extra-curricular clubs.
• Regular exam showcase performances throughout the year for all exam cohort year groups.
• Dance and Musical Theatre workshops with professional companies and local practitioners.
• Dimensions annual show which includes a variety of dance performances with some Musical Theatre pieces.
• The annual Newton Abbot College Production. This provides students from all year groups the opportunity to rehearse and perform as part of a large company while working towards the final production show evenings in July.

 Impact

The impact of our Performing Arts curriculum is that students will be prepared with an enhanced knowledge and understanding of the Performing and Creative Arts industry by the time they leave Newton Abbot College. Our Performing Arts curriculum not only aims to support our students’ development as creative, resilient and confident individuals but also encourages their understanding to ‘think outside the box’ in more unique approaches.

From KS3 through to sixth form we hope to encourage and engage students to develop their performance level in ways they might not have thought possible. There are many transferable skills which our students will develop when they study Performing Arts such as communication, organisational, social and teamwork. These skills will be invaluable for them to utilise as they head into their chosen pathways and careers when they leave Newton Abbot College.

We are hopeful that the Performing Arts curriculum at Newton Abbot College will support our students to strive towards their goals and as result improve their aspirations in other aspects of their life to achieve their full potential.

“The arts make a bridge across this world in ways that nothing else can.” – Julie Andrews