Performing Arts
Art and Design Department
"The arts help all students to develop multiple capabilities
for understanding and deciphering an image- and a symbol-laden world."
The secondary art and design program builds upon prior art
knowledge and experience developed through study at Primary School levels. The
aspects of perceiving, producing, knowing, communicating, evaluating, and
connecting - provide broad, unifying structures for organising the knowledge
and skills students are expected to acquire. Students build upon their
cumulative knowledge and experience of art in order to grow in their ability to
describe, interpret, evaluate, respond, and produce. They continue to use a
wide range of subject matter, symbols, meaningful images, and visual
expression. Students gain powerful tools for: understanding human experiences,
both past and present; learning to adapt to and respect others’ (often very
different) ways of thinking, working, and expressing themselves. They are
exposed to participate in various Art competitions this year e.g. The
Environmental Event held at the Movenpick, the Schools, Art Competition
organised by Centrepoint and the International poster Competition for the ASSE.
Sequenced instruction enables students to develop and advance
their understanding and application of visual art concepts and skills from
intricate observational studies to interpretive designs.
Classroom work is composed of comprehensive and sequential
experiences that promote and emphasize students' development of independent,
creative and complex thinking. Instruction focuses on artistic inquiry,
reflective thinking and problem-solving skills. Students learn vocabulary and
concepts associated with various types of work in visual arts study.
They are empowered to think and reason in visual ways.It is
designed to further enhance and develop their ability to reach goals and
objectives and to reach their highest level of potential.Creative problem
solving, critical thinking and a broad range of experiences build the
foundation for deeper understanding, advanced learning, and innovation within
the various media.Through visual arts courses, students learn to use art media,
techniques and processes to communicate context, ideas and themes.They are
expected to develop a broad and in-depth understanding of the meaning and
impact of visual arts and the visual world in which they live.
“The arts are deeply embedded in our daily life, often so
deeply or subtly that we are unaware of their presence.”
Music Department
The Music department believes that Music is a unique form of
communication that can change the way pupils feel, think and act. Music forms
part of an individual’s identity and positive interaction with music can
develop pupils’ competence as learners and increase their self-esteem. Music
brings together intellect and feeling and enables personal expression,
reflection and emotional development. As an integral part of the culture, past
and present, music helps pupils understand themselves, relate to others and
develop their cultural understanding, forging important links between home,
school and the wider world.
Music education encourages active involvement in different
forms of music-making, both individual and communal, helping to develop a sense
of group identity and togetherness. Music can influence pupils’ development in
and out of school by fostering personal development and maturity, creating a
sense of achievement and self-worth, and increasing pupils’ ability to work
with others in a group context.
Music learning develops pupils’ critical skills: their
ability to listen, to appreciate a wide variety of music, and to make
judgements about musical quality. It also increases self-discipline,
creativity, aesthetic sensitivity and fulfilment.
At Key Stage 3, students follow a comprehensive scheme of
work based on the UK National Curriculum guidelines. The music classroom is
stocked with electric keyboards, guitars and percussion instruments to enable
students to compose and perform. Singing is also taught and students learn to
listen to and appraise a variety of styles of music.
Outside the classroom, there are opportunities for developing
musical skills in after-school clubs. Those who wish to perform can join the
choir for special occasions and take part in the annual musical production.
This academic year saw year 7 and 8 students give an excellent and lively
performance of "Cinderella Rockerfella" Several informal music
ensembles have also sprung up recently, with students using their break times
to practice in the music room.
After year 9, students can choose music as an IGCSE option,
to further develop their own skills and musical interests. Music at IGCSE level
is a universally acknowledged sign of excellence which informs universities
about students who have something extra to offer outside the normal academic
requirements.
