Courses Offered
The Team
Mrs S Valu (Head of Performing Arts), Mr H Green, Miss H Hardicre, Miss Ingram and Mrs Ospina
Key Stage 3
In Years 7 and 8 students are given a broad and balanced education in Performing Arts. Through Drama, Music and Dance the students are encouraged to develop self-discipline, self-awareness, confidence and good citizenship as well as clear, fluent and expressive speech. Our schemes of work promote creativity and imagination where we explore various social issues relevant to young people today. We develop the knowledge of both traditional and contemporary styles of theatre, music and dance in addition to a variety of genres. The course involves students becoming effective team players, developing their speaking and listening skills through making, performing and responding.
Young people who study Performing Arts become confident individuals and young adults who progress into successful teachers, therapists, lawyers, actors, dancers, musicians or presenters to name a few. The students learn to express thoughts in a way that can be understood by others; to be able to work in a team, exchanging and organising ideas as well as working efficiently and effectively on their own or collaboratively. Good communication skills and self-confidence are an essential part of the life we all lead.
Year 9
Music
Arts Award – Silver
In Year 9 students are able to select this subject for their one-year option. This course builds on all the musical skills learnt in Years 7 and 8 and is available to everyone. The Arts Award course is practical, giving students the opportunity to learn new pieces of music and develop their composition skills further in styles of their own choice. The course includes a project on a Musical Career such as a ‘Performer’ where students research their favourite band or solo artist. Students complete ‘creativity’ and ‘leadership’ modules. They create music as a composer and develop the following skills: organisation, resilience, confidence, planning and reviewing.
LAMDA
LAMDA is offered in Year 9 where students achieve outstanding results. The course enhances students’ skills in mime, devising and acting. Practical work is delivered through monologues to further develop their individual performance skills. At Collingwood College, we believe that this course offers excellent groundwork for students' acting skills which prepares them for the GCSE Drama curriculum.
Key Stage 4
GCSE Music
In Years 10 and 11 all students are able to study GCSE music. It is a good option for those who have completed the Arts Award in Year 9, and for those wanting to continue with their study of music who chose another option in Year 9. Students develop their skills further in Performing, Composing and Listening. Performances can be vocal for singers or instrumental for keyboard players, guitarists and instrumentalists of orchestral or world and folk instruments. Students choose their own style of music to perform and compose. Music technology is used extensively to develop composition skills. Students also learn to analyse music from various styles and musical genres including Instrumental Music, Vocal Music, Music for Stage and Screen and World Music.
GCSE Drama
In Years 10 and 11 students may opt to follow a Drama GCSE course (AQA). The course consists of a written exam, devising and script component. It gives students an opportunity to collaborate with others to create, perform and analyse performance pieces. All students develop their knowledge and understanding of drama and theatre by participating in and observing live theatre.
Key Stage 5
A Level Drama
In the Sixth Form A Level Drama and Theatre Studies (AQA) is offered.
With its emphasis on the skills of communication, experience in Drama is a vital part of education which seeks to develop students' creativity, originality and inventiveness. Students explore several plays both practically and theoretically, making reflective decisions about acting and technical elements in a production. Devising drama gives students the opportunity to work collectively in creating an original piece of theatre and make informed decisions during the process. A written exam is taken at the end of the course where students show their understanding of Drama and analyse the work of live theatre makers.
Enrichment Activities
- Drama Club
- Dance Club
- Autumn Performing Arts Showcase
- Summer Performing Arts Showcase
- Whole School Production
- Theatre trips - organised throughout the year for Key Stage 4 and 5 students.
- 6th Form Revue (Key Stage 5 students).