Creative Arts

Intent of the Creative Arts Curriculum

Our intent within the creative arts department at The Community College, is to inspire creativity, providing students with the opportunity to study art, music and drama until the end of Key Stage 3 and beyond should they choose to. Through the creative arts, students will enhance their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. We aim for a willingness to participate in and respond positively to artistic influences, to co-operate well with and consider the viewpoints of others, and to be reflective of the world around them. We provide many opportunities for students to develop their skills and knowledge of the creative arts through extra-curricular activities. We aim to provide students with many opportunities including concerts, exhibitions and productions. At The Community College, we aim to provide enjoyable lessons, where students are able to express themselves by offering them a broad and balanced education.

Implementation of the Creative Arts Curriculum

All of the creative arts subjects are delivered at Key Stage 3, allowing students to study art, drama and music once a week. They are delivered in groups of mixed ability and learn a variety of skills and styles across the three arts subjects.

In art, we follow the assessment objectives taken from GCSE level; Critical Understanding, developing ideas and demonstrating understanding of sources. Creative Making, refining work by exploring ideas and experimenting with appropriate media, materials and techniques. Reflective Recording, recording ideas, observations and insights and Personal Presentation, where the students present a meaningful response, demonstrating understanding of visual language.

In drama, students study a range of theatre styles and techniques in line with the GCSE components; Understanding Drama, where we learn about theatre roles and responsibilities, study plays and analyse the work of live theatre makers. Devising Drama where students understand the process of creating, performing and evaluating own work and Texts in Practice, which is performing existing scripted drama.

In Music, we follow the GCSE components; Understanding Music, which includes listening and contextual understanding. Performing Music, working both as soloists and as an ensemble to perform as an instrumentalist, a vocalist or via technology and finally Composing Music, where students develop musical ideas through a range of styles and genre.

All of the creative arts subjects are an option at Key Stage 4. They comprise of a combination of coursework and examinations and are taught by a team of dedicated and enthusiastic teachers.

Impact of the Creative Arts Curriculum

The creative arts subjects consistently achieve good grades at GCSE and are a popular choice in the option process that takes place in year 9. We pride ourselves on delivering a curriculum that is diverse, allowing students to develop their creativity, confidence and aspirations. They will achieve lifelong skills, becoming independent learners, whilst also being able to work collaboratively as part of a team. The arts are undoubtedly recognised for positive well-being.

We have excellent links with the community and are lucky enough to use the SpArc to teach drama and to exhibit our art work. We are able to give the students opportunities to do taster days in preparation for further education, due to our strong links to colleges. Through exhibitions, concerts and productions, the community and The Community College continue to support each other to strive ever further.