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Performing Arts
The department:
- Mrs J Cooper - Assistant Head Teacher
- Mrs L Jackson - Co-ordinator of Music
- Miss A Hazell - Co-ordinator of Dance
- Miss L Lonsdale - Teacher of Performing Arts
- Miss A Aynsley - Teacher of Drama
- Miss K Galloway - Teacher of Drama/Media Studies
- Mr M Nelson - Teacher of Media Studies
- Mr R Rowell - Performing Arts Technician
- Mr M Ivil - Performing Arts Technician
- Mrs S Kerridge - Singing Teacher
Performing Arts Prefects
- Hannah O'Conner (Team Leader)
- Rachel Ellis
- Louise Smailes
- Helen Robson
- Emma Ward
- Shannon Patterson
- Bethany Wright
- Amy Bainbridge
- Amy Fell
- Hayley O'Connelley
- Tom Wallage
Facilities:
The Performing Arts department is based in a purpose build block that encompasses a drama studio, dance studio, music room, recording studio and practice rooms. The dance and drama studios also operate as a performance space when the partition wall is removed. The deparment has a number of digital radio microphones and stage lighting equipment that can be used in performances.
Key Stage 3:
In years 7 and 8, students receive 1 hour a week in Dance, Drama and Music. In year 9 students have 1 hour of music a week and follow a Performing Arts carousel where they take lessons in Drama, Dance and Media. All students work towards gaining the Asdan Cope Award in Expressive Arts. Some students also get the opportunity to take GCSE Performing Arts and enter for this GCSE at the end of year 9.
Key Stage 4:
We offer the following options to students once they reach the Key Stage 4 level:
- GCSE Music
- GCSE Dance
- GCSE Drama
- GCSE Applied Performing Arts (Double Award)
- GCSE Media Studies
- Higher Diploma in Creative and Media
Students who are more able and talented are also able to take AS Music or AS Performing Arts in year 11.
Extra Curricular:
We offer a large amount of Extra Curricular activities, including:
- Dance Clubs
- Drama Clubs
- Film Making Clubs
- Drum Club
- Brass Ensemble
- Rock Band
- Wind Band
- Choir
- GCSE Music
- Arts Leaders Award
Each year we stage two large scale productions. Last year we put on the pantomime 'Robin Hood' at Christmas and the musical 'Summer Holiday' in July. We also had a talent show and a concert.
Each year we enter drama and music teams into the Darlington Performing Arts Festival. In March 2009 we gained first place in the following classes:
- 16 and under Duologue
- Solo Improvisation
- Brass Ensemble
- Wind Band
- 13 and under Brass Solo
- 16 and under Brass Solo
- Brass Solo Open
- Drum Solo Open
- Vocal Solo Musical Theatre 16 and Under
- Vocal Solo Pop 16 and Under
We also offer out students the chance to take Musical Theatre graded examinations.
