Our approach to the curriculum is artistic, coherent and integrated. The curriculum we offer is personalised and aspirational. It is subject to an on-going and rigorous review process, using our analysis of data and the wider ambitions of teaching and learning to ensure that the curriculum is effective in meeting the needs of all students.
Curriculum design in the arts aims to maximise opportunities and reflect the high expectations of all students at Seahaven Academy. We also recognise the broader development of students and the importance of learning both in and outside the classroom and within and across subject areas including extra–curricular productions, rehearsals and Concerts. Structures are in place to ensure that all students can access the full curriculum offer and take-up of opportunities outside the classroom are monitored.
All staff in the Arts department recognise their role in ensuring the quality of the curriculum offer and understand that outstanding teaching and learning is at the heart of a successful curriculum.
In Key Stage Three students study two 50 minute periods of each of the arts disciplines: Drama and Music, over the two week timetable. They have the opportunity to choose to further study these subjects at the end of Year 9. There are 2 assessment points in the year.
The chosen Drama GCSE exam board is AQA (9-1) Their specification engages and encourages students to become confident performers with the skills they need for a bright and successful future. All students have the opportunity to devise drama and explore texts.
Music is a Level 2 BTEC at Key Stage 4 which embodies a fundamentally learner-centred approach to the curriculum, with a flexible, unit-based structure and knowledge applied in project-based assessments. They focus on the holistic development of the practical, interpersonal and thinking skills required to be able to succeed in employment and higher education.
Drama
Drama is a subject that encompasses a multitude of skills and disciplines from across the curriculum. Not only does drama teach you about the world of theatre and performance, it also allows you to explore technical theatre and stage design. Drama students develop creativity, confidence, emotional intelligence and resilience. Drama is the study of creatively exploring the world around you and teaches students what it means to be human.
Through Drama students are given the chance to express themselves in ways they might not have been able to before and gives students the opportunity to flourish and grow in both performance and their personal lives and beyond. We celebrate diversity through our Drama provision and seek to narrow-the-gap and raise attainment of those with additional needs.
Studying Drama at Seahaven Academy students can expect a well rounded curriculum exploring the different pathways in Drama. In Key Stage Three students will learn how to create both devised and scripted performances as part of a group and explore a variety of dramatic styles and conventions. Students will explore how drama has developed through history and how it differs in other cultures and discover Drama as a form of storytelling and imagination as well as developing performance skills through vocal and physical expression.
As part of GCSE Drama students are provided with a stimulus and work in small groups to create a twenty minute performance alongside a written Devising Log. Students will also prepare two scripted extracts for performance to an examiner as well as study the set text of Blood Brothers by Willy Russell and critique live theatre in preparation for their written examination.
Music
The Music curriculum is designed to enable all students to develop their musical potential through practical lessons and provide the opportunity to participate in engaging musical experiences. It sets out to encourage and prepare students for lifelong musical learning.
The curriculum intends to:
- Provide students ambition: to perform to a high standard, and to support others who also aim for high standards;
- Instill confidence: to perfom in both small and large settings, participating in memorable occasions that contribute to the school life and community
- Foster creativity: to compose and improvise with skill, building on prior experiences
- Instill respect: for each other in performance, and for the artistry of musicians from all backgrounds
- Drive enthusiasm: to pursue musical talents and interests through an engaging curriculum
- Encourage determination: to persevere and strive when refining and improving performance and composition
The three main strands of the KS3 Music Curriculum are:
- Performing (performing and singing). At least two instruments and voice, specialising over the key stage.
- Composing (composing and improvising). Musical concepts sequenced over the key stage: contrasts, rhythm, melody, form, harmony.
- Critical Engagement (listening, appraising, understanding). A working understanding of technical language increases over the key stage.
By the end of Key Stage 3 students will have:
- Gained an aural knowledge of some of the great musical genres, styles, traditions and compositions
- Engaged with creative processes through improvisation and composition
- Built an understanding of how musical elements work
- Developed knowledge of a wider range of notes and notations, improving their fluency and ability to read
Assessment: Key Performance Indicators (KPI) are an outcome of the taught curriculum. Evidence of the achievement of these key performance indicators is built over time and from a range of sources. A single summative assessment is not used to assess the KPI’s
Key Documents:
Curriculum Overview
Course Specification
Staff Structure and Contacts: