Performing Arts
Performing Arts
Drama
Why study Drama?
Drama is a subject that can lead to any destination possible. With skills like communication, teamwork and cooperation you will be better equipped to gain employment to all areas.
If you choose to follow drama as a more dedicated subject then you could become many different things. Performing is the obvious one but for the more technical people you could work backstage or behind the camera. Also you could use the skills you have acquired to work in public relations or marketing.
Course Overview
Fresher and prep
In the first two years at the academy students have nine weeks or dedicated drama time. In this time we introduce students to what drama is and the skills we can learn. We then explore the use of character and how this can help us to explore issues that affect us in everyday life. Finally we begin to look at the work of William Shakespeare and explore Macbeth.
In the second year of key stage 3 we look at the genre of slapstick and how to use our bodies to create comic effect. We then move to look at another part of modern society and look at how gangs are formed and what can be done to stop the anti social behaviour caused by gangs. Finally in Key Stage 3 we look at another Shakespeare play called A Mid Summer Nights Dream where we explore the use of non naturalistic drama.
Key Stage 4
If students choose to opt for drama in Key Stage 4 there are many choices available. Currently we are running and AQA GCSE drama course where we look at many different styles of acting and performance and perform many times a year to live audiences, students have the choice to perform on stage or take a back stage role depending on their own individual passions. We also go on many trips to see live theatre as this is a major part of the course whilst also being great for class bonding. We also link with the music department to study the edexcel GCSE performing Arts course. Drama also has a very close link with Create and Media diploma. Finally we run course for BTEC performing arts which looks at the more vocational side of drama, in the past we have studied theatre in education and community work with outside agencies.
Further study
If you decide to pursue you interest in drama into post 16 the courses we offer are IB theatre and BTEC performing arts level 3.
Music
Why study Music?
Music lessons are taught in rotation with other subjects in specialism such as Drama, Design Technology and Art over nine week sessions. All students at Key Stage 3 have access to a range of musical experiences in and out of taught lessons. All students are encouraged to learn to play a musical instrument. Lessons in class are often based around the use of "Gigajam" – our Virtual Learning Environment for musicians. Students can access lessons on Guitar, Bass Guitar, Drums and Keyboards in school and at home. Each student has a username and password which can be used to access a whole of musical learning at the touch of a button.
In addition to Gigajam, students have opportunities to sing, compose, perform and use music technology to create, edit and arrange music. This also helps to develop their ICT skills but in a musical context, encouraging good use of generic and specialist ICT skills.
Students can also access instrumental lessons after school during session 4. Instruments currently on offer are guitar, violin, flute, clarinet, saxophone and drums. Instrumental lessons at DYCA are free of charge to students and their families but places are limited.
Course overview
In Fresher and Prep years students are stimulated through practical music making. Students work both individually and together to create, compose, perform and evaluate a range of music. Some examples include Music for Films, Popular Music Studies, An introduction to DJ-ing, Learning Music with 'REASON' ( music recording and composing software ), African Drumming Workshops, Understanding Music, Exploring the keyboard, Working in the Music Industry, Dance Music and of course "Gigajam".
Music at KS4
GCSE Performing Arts ( including Music )
The specification in Performing Arts gives students the opportunity to study a wide range of performance, design, technical and management skills relating to the Performing Arts industry and realise them in production.
The primary focus of the course is to give students the opportunity to experience the performing arts industry in a meaningful context through active participation in performance work.
This may be as a performer, as a technician, as a designer or a combination of any of the designated performing arts disciplines below:
- Acting Costume designer
- Singing Properties
- Dance Masks
- Music Puppets
- Music technology
- Make-up
- DJ'ing
- Stage management
- Lighting
- Front of House
- Sound
- Marketing and Publicity
- Set designer
The course allows students to experiment with a range of performing arts disciplines in a real context for a specific target audience and enables them to choose the way in which they deliver it to the performance outcome.
However you organise your course though, the aims are the same. You should:
- Actively engage in the processes of performing arts and
- Develop broad skills, knowledge and understanding of the performing arts industry.
The need for continuous practice and improvement is fundamental to the aims of the course, and clear and detailed rehearsal schedules should be produced as an ongoing focus for development. This will be achieved through the ongoing production of a log book where each lesson you will be required to update your work electronically or otherwise.
The specification is unitised in its structure. The course can be offered as a single GCSE (Units 1 and 2) or a Double Award. For the Double Award, you will take units 1, 2, 3 and 4.
Unit 1: Skills development
Unit 2: Showcase performance
Unit 3: Working to a commission
Unit 4: Final performance/designs for the chosen commission
Btec Music Level 2
The Music Industry is one of the biggest industries in the UK. It accounts for almost 10% of record sales worldwide. There are many varied and interesting roles for individuals within the music industry, including singing, performing, business, law, composing, producing, and music management. Rewards for those who reach the top of their profession can be outstanding in terms of financial rewards and job satisfaction but this is a very competitive environment. The BTEC National Award in Music offers a range of specialised areas, including:
- Music performance on at least one instrument or voice
- Music project ( album or live event )
- Listening skills
- Musical theatre
- Musical Improvisation,
- Popular, World, Classical and Contemporary music studies
- Session and Freelance work
- Performance.
The course consists of six modules. Three of the modules are compulsory and a further 3 are optional units from the given selection. The qualification is the equivalent to 1 A Level.
The course has a strong vocational and practical bias although there are several written and research based elements throughout the course. This course provides a good basis for anyone wishing to further explore and develop their musical interests and talents. It is also a valid route for those considering applying to study the course at College or University.
Click here to dowmload the BTEC Music handbook
Please feel free to listen to our mp3 jukebox featuring the album created by our BTEC Music students.
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When the night feels my song{mp3}01_Edukation_1{/mp3} Live and let die {mp3}02__Edukation_2{/mp3} Edukation {mp3}03__Edukation_3{/mp3} Stop the flow {mp3}04__Edukation_4{/mp3} Things we said today{mp3}05__Edukation_5{/mp3} Never forget {mp3}06__Edukation_6{/mp3} Think {mp3}07__Edukation_7{/mp3} Let your body move {mp3}08__Edukation_8{/mp3} Shape of my heart {mp3}09__Edukation_9{/mp3} Who wants to live forever {mp3}10__Edukation_10{/mp3} Viva la vida {mp3}11__Edukation_11{/mp3} Wherever you will go {mp3}12__Edukation_12{/mp3} TWEAKIT {mp3}13__Edukation_13{/mp3}
All none original compositions are copyright of the original artists. |
Instrumental lessons and extra curricular
Lessons are currently available after school on the following instruments
Monday 3.00pm – 4.00pm Drums
Wednesday 3.00pm – 4.00pm Guitar
Thursday 3.00pm – 4.35pm Violin, Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone
Monday and Wednesday 3.00pm – 4.35pm Whole School Production
This year's production is "Jesus Christ Superstar". The first performance will take place on March 27th.
Previous productions include "Joseph and his Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat", "Oliver" and " We Will Rock You".
The department also runs the Academy Choir which rehearses during form times, usually on a Monday and Wednesday. The Choir perform regularly in the Academy and to the community. This Christmas they helped raise over £1000 for our supported charities – LEPRA and St Gemma's Hospice.
Useful links
Instrumental Links
Music Software
Public Domain Music
Dance
Why study Dance?
Dance provides students with the opportunity to develop and excel both creatively and academically. Dance develops students’ confidence, social and leadership skills, muscle control, time management skills and focuses on a strong work-ethic that can transfer to academic achievement and career success. Students are encouraged to trial a wide range of genres and materials and work in a wide range of creative environments. Dance can provide students with the skills to become freelance dancers and instructors, choreographers, teachers, dance therapists as well as a variety of different positions in the performing arts industry and the arts administration.
Course Overview
Students in fresher and prep year study a wide range of dance styles and vocabulary. Students are expected to replicate movement and develop the movement using choreographic terminology and style and perform and evaluate their own skills and others. Below is a list of themes students will study:
- Street dance
- Urban Funk
- The Jive
- Bollywood
- Musical theatre
- Jazz
- Disco
- Contemporary
The students participate in dance for 1 block within their core physical education lesson and are assessed each lesson on their creativity and performance skills.
Course overview and examination courses, together with Board and syllabus name, in senior years.
Dance BTEC Level 2 Certificate, Extended Certificate and Diploma (Edexcel)
Course Duration: 1 session a week during KS4
BTEC dance is offered in Key Stage 4 as part of their core sports lesson. In Key stage 4 students follow the BTEC Certificate (2010 Specifications) – this is equivalent to 1 GCSE (C –A). Some students will work to achieve their extended certificate and Diploma this is equivalent to 4 GCSE's (C-A).
During the course, students will be given the opportunity to also take additional National Governing Body Award Level 1 Dance Leaders.
Introduction
The BTEC Dance Certificate, Extended Certificate and Diploma are specialist qualifications that focus on a specific vocational area. Learners will study a wide variety of dance styles and the core concepts common to the performing arts industry. They will also study other areas that will equip them with the necessary skills and experience relevant to further education and specific job roles. This course is the equivalent to one, (Certificate=15 credits) two (Extended Certificate = 30 credits) or four (Diploma = 60 Credits) GCSE's. The overall qualification is awarded as: Pass, Merit or Distinction. A Pass is the equivalent to a GCSE grade C, Merit, grade B and Distinction, grade A.
Dance Academy is an extracurricular group that rehearse once a week to perform in assemblies and shows. The group are taught different dance genres and raise their self esteem and passion for dance. Students are encouraged to go on school trips to see dance shows and work with visiting artists. We have close links with Northern School of Contemporary Dance and encourage students to audition for Young Yorkshire Dancers.
Further Study
Students may wish to continue their learning and decide to further their knowledge of dance by undertaking A level Dance or the BTEC level 3 National Awards, Certificates and Diplomas in Performing Arts which offers a range of specialisms, including dance and musical theatre.
