Introduction
The Performing and Expressive Arts Department at St Joseph’s Catholic College is guided in all it does by the College Mission Statement and its interpretation of the Gospel into the everyday life of the college. Our belief – based on the message of the Gospel – is that all students are of equal worth and with their individual talents.
Arts education at St Joseph’s is an entitlement for all students both within the formal curriculum and through extra-curricular activities. All students have access to a wide range of arts experiences both as individual disciplines and collaborative ventures.
This Arts Policy, covers the subject areas of Art, Dance, Drama and Music, although it is recognised that other curriculum areas embrace and contribute to the arts. The Policy supports and underpins the thriving and exciting work in the Arts and ensures the creative educational development of all pupils – irrespective of ability, gender or cultural background. We aim to be a visible presence through the College through integration in Masses and Services throughout the year.
Aims
Stimulate and maintain pupil interest and enjoyment of the Arts :
by creating an atmosphere where pupils want to learn, so that they can enjoy the Arts and are active participants in them;
by valuing staff and ensure they enjoy teaching so that they give of their best to ensure the highest level of achievement from each pupil.
Provide pupils with the opportunity to experience and participate in a wide range of Arts activities :
through a broad arts curriculum of quality, range and depth;
the provision of a stimulating and varied extra-curricular programme;
by ensuring that Arts teachers have access to regular CPD to refresh and expand on their creativity.
Encourage the development of pupil’s self esteem, social skills and personal expression, through participation in the Arts :
by giving all pupils regular opportunities to perform/exhibit their work;
with pupils receiving both formal and informal accreditation for their work.
Help pupils to develop a life-long interest and appreciation for the Arts – encouraging an active and independent involvement in cultural opportunities :
by providing the opportunity to work alongside professional artists;
regularly organising a range of trips to see work exhibited and performed by professionals;
through developing an awareness and appreciation of the rich cultural diversity of art.
Reviewing the Arts
The Performing and Expressive Arts council, chaired by the Leader of Performing and Expressive Arts, comprises of students from all year groups (7 – 13) and all the disciplines in Key Stages 4 and 5, as well as other interested parties. We use ‘Student Voice’ to review what we offer in the Arts, enhancing the co-ordinated approach to all the disciplines.
A member of SLT provides a regular link to the Headteacher through termly meetings with Executive Leader of Performing and Expressive Arts and Head of Art.
Practice
Staff
All staff in art, music, drama and dance are specialists and many are actively involved as Arts Practitioners in their own time. They pursue their own development as artists as well as teachers through courses and experiences. All staff are encouraged to develop as both artists and teachers through regular CPD training.
The Curriculum
KS3
All students study art for one lesson a week and study music, drama and dance at KS3 as part of a Performing Arts carousel over 2 lessons a week. They study literature and the media in English. In the Performing Arts students are then placed into a colour group which is in abilities based on previous assessments and a shape group which is mixed ability.
KS4
At Key Stage 4, students are able to choose from a wide range of Arts courses. GCSEs are available in Dance, Drama, Music, Art and Design, Graphic Products, Food Technology and Textiles. Some students opt to take a vocational course in Art or Performing Arts which includes music, dance and drama. All students are encouraged to take at least one arts course at Key Stage 4. Each course has 5 hours per fortnight.
KS5
We offer courses in Fine Art, Product Design, Photography, Textiles, Music, Dance, Drama, English Literature, English Language and Media Studies at A Level. Each A Level option has five hours a week and students take four subjects.
Extra-Curricular
St Joseph’s has a vibrant extra-curricular life. Students are offered opportunities for tuition and coaching, to join clubs and performance groups and to enhance or develop work done in the formal curriculum. There are several opportunities each year for students to showcase their work including an annual school show, Winter Concert, Summer Showcase, Art End of Year Show, fortnightly lunchtime Performing and Expressive Arts Performers concerts, Battle of the Bands, X Factor.
Artists and Arts Organisations
We work with professional artists such as musicians, printmaker, photographers and theatre groups. We have worked with many fantastic companies including National Theatre, Opera North, Splendid Productions, Shakespeare Schools Festival, National Youth Theatre, BBC projects and Phoenix Dance. We work with our feeder primary schools and the wider community in pursuance of these aims by collaborating with other schools, groups, professional artists and arts organisations to forge creative partnerships.
Facilities:
These include:
Music room (equipped for music technology) and a number of practice rooms, specialist computer suite
A large dance studio with mirrored walls, ballet barres, interactive whiteboard and sound equipment
3 Art rooms, each with interactive whiteboards
Small specialist computer suite with Apple Macs
Kiln room
Photography Dark room
Theatre with capacity for an audience of 160 with large screen and projector
Refurbished drama studio with interactive whiteboard.
