Performing Arts at Armfield is a superb way to explore your creativity whilst developing your confidence and working closely as a team. We study a range of performance styles, looking at techniques and genres as well as having the opportunity to look at scripts, improvisations, characters and performances. Through Drama we provoke thinking and questioning about a huge range of social and moral issues and explore these through performance.
We want our Armfield youngsters to leave confident and have the ability to feel comfortable presenting in front of people, being able to communicate with people and be confident in whatever role they head towards as they grow older. Performing Arts lessons encourage team work and imagination and allow our young people to explore their own ideas and feel confident and safe in the classroom environment to investigate their imaginations however they choose.
Performing arts at Armfield gives our students the opportunity to study music and drama. The performing arts are for all and it is vital that students study these subjects so they can experience a broad and wide-ranging curriculum that develops the whole person. Music and drama are all around us and Blackpool is incredibly famous for its rich entertainment heritage. This is why we believe it is so important that our students have access to an outstanding learning experience in performing arts.
At Armfield, our aim is for students to engage in performing arts during every phase of their education. We strive to produce the highest possible outcomes for our students by providing engaging, accessible, and challenging lessons where students can achieve their potential and be the best they can be.
Within performing arts lessons, students are continually able to develop their reading and literacy skills through the focus on subject specific key words and the use of knowledge organisers. This enables students to explore specific definitions of music and drama terminology. There is also a focus on reading through the analysis of scripts in drama where students will explore the varied language used in plays, musicals and productions. Studying music provides students with an opportunity to develop their numeracy skills with a focus on note lengths, beats in a bar and rhythmic patterns.
Performing arts at Armfield is delivered using a blended learning approach where students are able to access resources remotely to continue their learning at home. Through the use of programmes such as Charanga and Noteflight, students are able to access high quality learning away from the classroom. Homework is set weekly in Key Stage 4 music.
As a department, it is our aim to encourage a life-long interest in the performing arts. Studying performing arts can help to develop many skills including creativity, communication, problem solving, teamwork, dedication, independent learning and self-discipline. These are all highly valued in further education and in the work place. There is a vast array of career opportunities within the performing arts with the UK’s creative industries contributing nearly £13 million to the UK economy every hour.
EYFS Music
Children will use untuned instruments such as woodblocks and African drums to develop an ability to find the pulse in a range of songs. They will focus on singing a range of songs to support finding the pulse.
Key Stage 1 Music
Children continue to explore music through singing and will also experience their first tuned instrument - a glockenspiel. They will then move onto a second tuned instrument - the recorder. During music lessons, children will experience music through the three main disciplines of appraising, performing and composing whilst discovering varied musical styles and traditions.
Key Stage 2 Music
Children explore a wide-range of musical styles and traditions through song. They will also engage in group samba and percussion workshops. Children then progress onto their first string instrument - the ukulele. Again, children engage in appraising, performing and composing in their music lessons.
Key Stage 3 Music
In Years 7 – 9, students continue to develop their musical skills and knowledge through appraising, performing and composing. Students explore instruments such as the keyboard and ukulele. Vocal work from Key Stage 1 and 2 is further developed as students’ voices mature. There is also a focus on using music technology in composition. Students’ knowledge of the musical elements and music notation are continually developed through the learning of practical instrumental skills. Students are exposed to a wide range of music including the western classical tradition, popular music and world music.
Key Stage 4 Music
In key stage 4 students have the option to continue studying music at GCSE following the Eduqas syllabus. Students continue to develop their skills in performing, composing and listening through a mix of practical and written work. There are 4 areas of study - musical forms and devices, music for ensemble, film music, and popular music, including set works by Bach and Toto. Students have access to practice rooms, music software, revision materials, clubs and live performance opportunities. This course is ideal for anyone who plays an instrument, sings, or enjoys creating and exploring music, helping build creativity, confidence and analytical skills. GCSE Music also supports progression to A‑level music, performing arts or music technology, and opens pathways into careers such as performance, composition, production, film and media, game audio, performing arts and education.
Key Stage 3 Drama
All students study drama in Key Stage 3. There is a large focus on developing students’ confidence through practical workshop lessons. Students will develop their ability to work with others as part of a team to prepare for performances. Students will explore various acting styles and genres including a focus on devising, improvisation, physical theatre and musical theatre. Students also develop their creative thinking, their organisational skills and focus on the importance of evaluation. Students will challenge societal ideas, focus on real-life experiences and explore current affairs in their drama lessons.
Key Stage 4 Performing Arts
The BTEC Performing Arts course is a GCSE option that allows students to study performing arts in a practical work-related setting. There is a clear focus on providing students with the realistic skills needed for a successful career in the industry. This lively vocational qualification is designed for students who want a strong core of performance study. Budding performers and those with a passion for acting, musical theatre and dance will benefit from this exciting course. There are numerous opportunities after studying BTEC Performing Arts. Students will have many options at university such as studying drama, dance, musical theatre, technical theatre and performance design. A vast amount of transferable skills are gained from studying BTEC Performing Arts, such as creative thinking, problem solving, teamwork, communication, independent learning, analysis and evaluation. Employers specifically look for these skills to complement technical knowledge so they will provide an advantage when learners progress to the workplace.
At Armfield, we provide an extensive selection of performing arts extra-curricular activities designed to inspire and engage students beyond the classroom. Students can develop their vocal skills in our vocal group ‘Limelight Voices’ and vocal harmony group, or grow their confidence and stagecraft in our dedicated drama club and musical theatre club. These groups offer a vibrant community for every performer, providing a rich variety of ways to engage with the arts.
Our students benefit from numerous professional performance opportunities throughout the academic year to showcase their diverse talents to a live audience. A highlight of our calendar is the annual whole-school production, where students collaborate on a full-scale musical. This tradition boasts a legacy of past successes, including spectacular stagings of Matilda, Oliver!, and Fame. In the autumn term, students can also take part in Beyond the Limelights, a highly anticipated showcase that gives individual performers the unique opportunity to step into the spotlight and share their personal talents on stage.
Beyond our school theater, our ensembles regularly represent Armfield on prominent local stages. Students proudly share their talents across the town by performing in celebrated community events such as Schools Alive, Blackpool Sings, and the Celebration of Music.