Performance (Drama, Music and Dance)
Intent
As a department we aim to develop pupils’ creativity, confidence and leadership skills. We are currently undergoing an exciting transformation. New staff and improved resources are creating more opportunities for our pupils to show others just how talented they are. The new curriculum is designed and delivered with the aim of encouraging all learners to enjoy some aspect of performance. We currently deliver drama, music and dance at key stage three and are also currently running GCSE groups in all three of these subject areas.
We want our learners to develop a love of the arts through a curriculum and enrichment programme that are designed to excite and engage. Our aim is to instil pupils with a passion for the arts and, as a minimum, pupils will develop an appreciation of the arts and build their cultural capital. We want our pupils to feel comfortable in being challenged in order to develop perseverance and resilience. Pupils are encouraged to ‘stand out’ for the right reasons when performing, embodying the school ethos “Be Outstanding”. We hope to be part of creating memories that our pupils will cherish for years to come.
Performance at Standish has an integral role to play in preparing learners for their chosen destinations. Communication and confidence are vital life skills that we foster in our pupils. We encourage learners to have a voice and to listen to one another, promoting tolerance and respect. By broadening their cultural appreciation, we also ensure that they develop as well rounded, successful and interesting young adults.
We want our learners to develop a life-long love of music by participating in individual music lessons that supplement their understanding. Our commitment to deliver exciting learning experiences will encourage learners to embrace creativity, communicate with others and experience a full spectrum of performance such as drama, dance, choir, drumming and bands, providing key learning experiences and creating exciting and memorable moments within school life.
We want our learners to develop a lifelong appreciation of drama, music, dance and musical theatre. We have already established several pupil guitar bands, a singing group, dance troupes, drama groups and a large cast for our school musical and we believe that there is a lot more to come!
We want our learners to possess confidence and showcase their skills in performance at whole school events. It is through Performance that pupils are able to take part and contribute positively to the wider school community, supporting and representing the ethos of Standish Community High School.
We hope to continue building strong links with our school community and wider local community via the performing arts and have already begun establishing a positive presence which we will build upon as we lead performance at Standish into an exciting new era.
Performance
The Performance Department fosters an animated, enthusiastic and engaging curriculum area with passionate and dedicated specialist staff. Lessons are delivered across fully equipped Drama, Music and Dance studios by teachers who are committed to creating lessons that will make pupils enjoy and achieve.
Curriculum
The provision for Performance is excellent, as pupils are taught the subjects throughout Key Stage 3 and then given the opportunity to opt for continued study of Drama, Music and Dance as part of their option choices in Year 8 and then again in Year 9.
The department continues to develop and improve the curriculum in order to remain relevant, challenge and enhance pupils learning and achievement.
At Standish we provide a wide variety of instrumental lessons where students can begin to learn or continue their studies in addition to the classroom.
We provide tuition for the following:
- Brass
- Drums
- Guitar
- Piano/Keyboard
- Strings
- Voice
- Woodwind
- DJ mixing
Parent/carers are responsible for the cost of instrumental tuition for their child during Key Stage 3. However, it is partially funded for students who choose GCSE Music at Key Stage 4.
Extra-Curricular
There is an ever-developing extra-curricular programme providing enrichment opportunities that not only develop musical ability but also develop confidence and wellbeing. We are regularly running theatre trips and residential trips for pupils to experience. We have already had successful bands perform in school and are due to enjoy a visiting performance from the Philharmonic orchestra.
Sessions currently include:
- Lunchtime drama club
- Lunchtime dance club
- Lunchtime singing ‘raise your voice’
- Band practise ‘school of rock’
- After school rehearsals for the school musical ‘Annie’
- Intervention sessions for pupils studying our current Drama, Dance and Music GCSE courses
- The performance department is also leading a trip to Broadway, New York in 2026
Curriculum Map
Learning Journey
Subject Assessment Dates
Music Development Plan
