Ysgol Stanwell School

Performing Arts

The Performing Arts courses run by the Music department have steadily grown in popularity over the past few years. The courses are aimed at budding singers, dancers, actors, stage mangers, make-up artists and lighting technicians, as well as those students who have a general interest in the industry or who wish to build their confidence.

The emphasis is on providing students with a practical understanding of all aspects of the Performing Arts industry; lessons are delivered in a variety of teaching spaces, including Stanwell’s purpose-built auditorium. This allows students to gain first-hand experience of working in the theatre – from operating a lighting desk, to directing, to setting props, to performing!

Students’ studies are enriched through a variety of trips and workshops, for example:

• ‘Creative Choices’ careers in the Performing Arts workshops October 2013
• Trip to see Matthew Bourne’s Lord of the Flies at the WMC October 2014

In February 2016 Performing Arts pupils will be going to New York, their itinerary includes watching a Broadway show and attending workshops with professional actors.

Key Stage 4

At Key Stage 4 the WJEC GCSE Performing Arts (single award) specification is delivered. The course outline is below:

Big Talent Agency ‘We Will Rock You’ workshop

Key Stage 5

At Key Stage 5 the Level 3 BTEC in Performing Arts is offered (single and double award). The content is outlined below:

Aims of the Course

The BTEC course in Performing Arts allows students to develop their knowledge and skills in the Performing Arts. It will also give students the opportunity to develop and prepare for a degree or career in this industry. Throughout the course, students will have the opportunity to learn and develop new techniques and partake in productions and workshops. Students will have the opportunity to choose between two courses which are both studied over two years. The BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma – 60 credits – is regarded as equivalent to one A Level and the BTEC Level 3 Diploma – 120 credits – is regarded as equivalent to two A Levels.

BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma – 6 Unit single award

The 6-unit National Award is a unit-based specialist qualification that focuses on particular aspects of employment within the vocational sector and further develops performance skills. It is graded pass, merit or distinction (P, M, D), which is regarded as equivalent to E, C or A grades at A Level, securing a corresponding score on the UCAS Points Tariff. The qualification can also be graded distinction* (D*) which is regarded as equivalent to an A* grade and 140 UCAS points. Edexcel Examination Board.

BTEC Level 3 Diploma – 12 Unit double award

The 12-unit National Award is a unit-based specialist qualification that focuses on a wider range of aspects of employment within the vocational sector and gives pupils greater opportunity to further develop their performance skills. It is regarded as equivalent to two GCE A Levels and is given a double grade, for example, PP, MP, DD, D*D* etc. Edexcel Examination Board.

Topics Studied

The compulsory units for both qualifications are:

• Performance Workshop
• Performing Arts Business
• Performing to an Audience

Optional Units are taken from the following list:

• Theatre in Education
• Musical Theatre Performance
• Variety Performance
• Historical Context of Performance
• Approaches to Directing for Theatre
• Dance Performance
• Singing Techniques and Performance
• Film and TV Acting
• Audio Performance Acting
• Urban/Jazz/Contemporary Dance
• Devising Plays
• Contemporary & Classical Theatre Performance
• Stand-up Comic Technique
• Legal Aspects in Performing and Production Arts