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Why choose Performing Arts?
Welcome to the Drama Department at Hinchingbrooke School.
We are an enthusiastic, well-qualified team of teachers so please do not hesitate to contact us with any further questions you may have.
Course Structure: Performing Arts
Edexcel AS GCE code 8781
Edexcel Advanced GCE code 9781
Year 1 includes:
- Understanding skills required for Performance
- Organising an event
- Performing to a commission set by the exam board, examined by visiting assessor
Year 2 includes:
- Developing skills for Performance, specialising in one chosen practical skill: acting, choreography, stage management, marketing, costume design, lighting/sound.
- Performing in a play or offering a production support skill
- Performing to a commission examined by a visiting assessor
Performing Arts can include dance, acting, performance support, music. It is a course expecting you to link what you learn to employment opportunities in Performing Arts.
Why study Performing Arts at A level?
These are active, people-centred courses which lead you to develop the all-important life-skills of team-work, meeting deadlines, developing initiative and personal confidence.
There is a fascinating amount to learn about the Performing Arts. These aspects of our national life have increasing cultural and economic importance and, – in part, thanks to Shakespeare – have impact internationally.
Plays teach us about ourselves and what it is to be human. This is the course which ‘holds a mirror up to nature’. Successful students have entered all walks of life. Note: only those who cannot possibly do anything else pursue a route to the stage!
The school has its own Performing Arts Centre! To perform in a professionally equipped 250-seater theatre is a unique opportunity at this level.
What is the difference between GCSE Drama and Y12 Performing Arts?
The examination board is EDEXCEL for both so the sense of progression from GCSE to AS is straightforward. The topics and scripts you meet will be more adult and intellectually challenging. There is far more scope for you to work independently at AS level and we would expect you to have the self-motivation to read around the topic.
What subjects should I combine with Performing Arts?
Literally anything you want. Whether studying for Sciences or Humanities, a Performing Arts/Drama choice is extremely
helpful both in its own right and in terms of encouraging growth in personal confidence and in those interpersonal skills which are so highly valued in the work place.
Beyond the classroom
We aim to offer at least one trip to see live theatre once a term. Theatres in Cambridge, London, Northampton offer good quality programmes and we would encourage A level students to seek out productions of quality independently.
Sixth form students, with staff in support, currently organise lunchtime Drama clubs for pupils in Years 7, 8 and 9. The experiences gained in these sessions benefit coursework portfolios and UCAS references but, more significantly, provide opportunities to exercise creativity and leadership.
Students who choose Performing Art are often at the forefront of whole school productions and recently major roles both on stage and in backstage support have been filled by students on these courses.
Five students have designed costumes and two have been appointed stage managers for this term’s musical Return to the Forbidden Planet.
For more information contact:
Miss. Dunn.
Tel No. 01480 375700 extn 5605
