Performing Arts
Welcome to the Performing Arts faculty, which is made up of three subjects: Dance, Drama and Music.
At Key Stage 3, pupils have one lesson per week, which is part of a half-termly carousel. Pupils will take part in each discipline three times over the academic year. Within each rotation, pupils are introduced to new and exciting concepts and topics which are built on throughout the year. At the end of each carousel pupils will take part in a mini performance to consolidate their skills.
At Key Stage 4, pupils choose Music or Drama as an option subject. It is an opportunity for the pupils to embrace and experience different methods of learning inside and outside of the classroom, working with our wide range of expertise within the department and external professionals.
The Performing Arts team aim to create learning environments in which pupils feel safe to take risks, work with others and make creative decisions. We support all pupils to create live experiences by assisting them to take an active part in music-making, choreography and performing opportunities. All Performing Arts subjects are taught as discrete subjects on the timetable.
Even though each subject has its own identity there is a strong ethos of collaboration and achievement.
Performing Arts Curriculum Vision
Music
Creativity and performance are central to our music curriculum at St Matthew Academy and our aim is to develop pupils' skills in performing, listening and composing through a strong practical focus. Pupils experience creative and challenging lessons along with many enrichment opportunities extending their learning well beyond the classroom.
Key Stage 3
In Year 7/8 pupils experience a wide range of topics touching which embrace and reflect the diverse culture of our pupils.
Year 7
- Finding your voice/Instruments of the orchestra
- African Drumming
- Keyboard skills
Year 8
- The Blues
- Dance music/Music Technology riffs
- Ensemble Performance
Key Stage 4
Pupils study a 3-year programme to prepare them for the more complex world of music. Alongside classroom lessons, every pupil receives a subsidised individual music lesson with one of our specialist teachers. With the ever-changing world of music, we have shifted from the traditional GCSE music and made the decision to go with a more contemporary course.
RSL – Level 2 certificate in Technology & Composition for music practitioners
RSL - Level 2 Certificate in performance for music practitioners
There are two pathways which your son/daughter can take: Performance or Technology and Composition. The qualifications consist of three types of unit: a core (compulsory) internally assessed unit, a core externally assessed unit and an optional unit. The most attractive element of the RSL course is that it is 100% coursework. This means your son/daughter can concentrate on producing the best work possible as opposed to stressing about a formal exam.
Examination Information Links
https://www.rslawards.com/vocational/music-practitioners/
Recommended Resources
Below are some links where you can find further information about GCSE Music:
BBC Bitesize: http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/music/
Enrichment and Extra-Curricular Activities
We have a wide range of activities to enrich our pupil’s musical experience. The department runs weekly homework clubs for pupils to attend.
Pupils in Year 7 and 8 will be offered the opportunity to have paired or individual lessons on one of the following instruments (depending on availability): trumpet, flute, piano, drum kit, violin, trombone, clarinet, keyboard, voice, cello, saxophone, classical and electric guitar. Pupils are selected based on prior experience, aptitude and attitude.
We maintain strong links with musical organisations outside of academy thus opening our pupils to a wider musical experience in and beyond the local community.
Dance
Dance is a popular subject within the St Matthew Academy curriculum. The department exposes children of all ages and abilities to a rich and varied dance education, placing the individual learner at the heart of the dance experience. Our aim is to develop creativity and technical dance skills in a stimulating, high quality and exciting learning environment. Working in conjunction with external agencies such as Trinity Laban and the Royal Academy of Dance, we aim to provide young people with an extensive and exciting extracurricular dance programme which facilitates a life-long involvement and appreciation of dance.
Lessons take place in a purpose-built Dance Studio with specialist mirrors, sound system and dance floor. Children are actively encouraged to participate in performances both in and beyond the school environment. The department works closely alongside other areas of the Performing Arts to produce innovative and highly popular multidisciplinary productions.
Year 7
In Year 7, the pupils are introduced to the basic rules and safety considerations needed to participate effectively in a secondary dance lesson. They are encouraged to work cooperatively and creatively to engage in free exploration and expressive movement styles. As they learn, they develop an understanding and application of movement motifs and choreographic devices. Over the course of the year, they learn how to take responsibility for other dancers and how to use contact safely.
Amongst many other starting points for creative dance, the pupils learn to employ the principles of Martial Arts to extend and develop their movement vocabulary. Under close supervision, they learn to focus and strengthen their bodies using a taught, then adapted Karate Kata. Pupils watch and discuss scenes from The LXD’s ‘Matrix Dance’ before applying the concepts of action/reaction to develop dynamic movement phrases to share with the class.
In their final Unit of Work, the Year 7 dancers explore the key features of Parkour. Pupils develop their understanding of transitions and explore how to travel safely through the dance space. They create exciting phrases, demonstrating ways to travel over, under and around a partner, creating performance work which is then videoed and analysed.
Throughout the year, the pupils are taught how to apply success criteria and analyse and appreciate dance performance and choreography. Moreover, they are encouraged to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of their own and others performances
Year 8
In Year 8, pupils enjoy the opportunity to build on the key skills established in Year 7. They explore a variety of creative stimuli to develop their understanding of contact, counter-tension and counter-balance. Choreographing collaboratively, they use an array of exciting dance props, including: broom handles, ropes and chairs.
Throughout their learning, the Year 8 dancers will be encouraged to extend and refine their movement vocabulary and use a greater range of sophisticated choreographic devices to communicate ideas and intentions. Over time, they will develop an appreciation of professional dances. They will explore work by Hope Boykin from the Alvin Ailey Dance Company, Diversity and Christopher Bruce's award-winning dance 'Swansong.' Here, the pupils will examine the socio-political issues surrounding the themes of interrogation and social injustice to build dynamic and expressive dances.
Throughout the year, the pupils are encouraged to adopt the role of lead choreographer. They are taught to use key terminology to reflect upon and analyse complex movement sequences and choreographed phrases. Furthermore, they are guided to share their reflections with the class and suggest ways in which their own and other’s work can be improved.
Extracurricular Dance
The extracurricular dance programme aims to provide opportunities for pupils to grow as choreographers, performers and as stage managers. Mixed and same-gender dance groups run weekly to explore ideas and prepare for up and coming performances and projects. The Year 7 and 8 dance club work with the Royal Academy of Dance to explore a variety of exciting and engaging dance styles including Contemporary dance, Capoeira, and Fusion Dance.
St Matthew Academy work alongside Trinity Laban to raise the profile of dance across the school and beyond. During the lockdown of 2020, our Year 8 pupils enjoyed being put through their paces by a professional choreographer to produce an exciting piece as part of Live @ Trinity Laban. The project involved working collaboratively with a music department and professional artists.
Useful Websites:
http://www.theplace.org.uk/primary-schools
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b03g64pk
Step Into Dance (Royal Academy of Dance)
Extract of ‘Swansong’ by Christopher Bruce
Drama
'We must all do theatre, to find out who we are, and to discover who we could become' - Augusto Boal
At St Matthew Academy, our Drama Department is a vibrant hub where creativity, expression, and collaboration come to life both in the classroom and on stage. Our drama programme offers a meticulously designed curriculum to nurture pupils' talents, build confidence, and develop a profound appreciation for the performing arts. Lessons are conducted in our purpose-built Drama Studio, equipped with specialist facilities to enhance the learning experience. Pupils are actively encouraged to participate in performances both within and beyond the school environment. The department works closely with other areas of the Performing Arts to produce innovative and highly popular multidisciplinary productions.
Studying drama at St Matthew Academy offers numerous benefits:
Confidence Building: Performing in front of an audience helps build self-assurance.
Teamwork and Collaboration: Drama fosters strong communication and cooperation skills.
Creative Thinking: Encourages innovation and problem-solving.
Transferrable Skills: Our drama curriculum provides valuable skills applicable in various fields, whether or not pupils pursue a career in the arts.
Key Stage 3
In Key Stage 3, pupils are introduced to the fundamentals of drama through a practical, hands-on approach. The curriculum is designed to build essential skills in performance, script work, and creative expression. Each year focuses on different aspects to ensure a well-rounded introduction to drama.
Year 7:
- Improvisation and Devising: Encouraging spontaneity and creativity using key skills.
- Script Work: Understanding and interpreting written plays.
- Character Development: Techniques for creating believable characters.
- Voice and Movement: Enhancing vocal projection and physical expression.
Year 8:
- Theatre-in-Education: Using theatre to educate an audience.
- Script Work: Further developing the understanding and interpretation of plays.
- Character Development: Advanced techniques for creating complex characters.
- Voice and Movement: Continued enhancement of vocal and physical expression.
Year 9:
- Devising: Creating performances from a stimulus, fostering original and collaborative work.
- Konstantin Stanislavski: Exploring naturalistic performance techniques.
- Bertolt Brecht: Introduction to non-naturalistic performance and epic theatre.
- Frantic Assembly: Learning the principles of physical theatre and its applications.
Key Stage 4
At Key Stage 4, pupils can opt to take Drama as a GCSE subject. This stage involves a deeper and more rigorous exploration of theatre, providing a comprehensive understanding of various performance styles and practices. The Level 2 in Performing Arts course includes several key components:
Unit 1: Performing from a Script: Pupils perform scenes from a scripted play, focusing on interpretation and performance skills.
Unit 2: Creating Performance from a Brief: Pupils devise a performance based on a brief set by the exam board, allowing for creativity and originality.
Unit 3: Performing Arts in Practice: An in-depth study of the performing arts industry, including production roles, theatre companies, and career opportunities. Pupils use this knowledge to plan and pitch an event.
Examination Information link and Useful Information:
Lewisham Youth Theatre Company
