Performing Arts

Dance offers the opportunity to develop students’ physical activity, artistic expressions, and social interaction.

At Knutsford Academy we aim to broaden students’ experience of performance choreography and appreciation. Our curriculum encompasses a range of styles and techniques helping students develop their dance technique, co-ordination, creativity, and self-expression.  

We study the AQA A Level Dance specification.  This is separated into two components  

Component One:  

Performance and Choreography 

Students will develop and apply the knowledge, understanding and skills required to perform dance, as a soloist and in a quartet. The knowledge and understanding of physical skills and expressive skills will be studied inform the development of  

• Performance in a solo  

• Performance in a quartet. 

Students must be able to create an original piece of choreography, which lasts between 3-4mins for between 3-5 dancers in response to an externally set task.  

Component Two: Critical Engagement 

The areas of study within this component require students to investigate the key changes in the development of dance linked to Modern Dance in Britain and Modern Jazz Dance in America.  Students will demonstrate contextual understanding of these areas of study through written communication 

 Students will develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding of two set works and their corresponding areas of study:  

• Rooster by Christopher Bruce and area of study: The development of Rambert Dance Company 1966-2002 (including the practitioners Glen Tetley and Richard Alston).  

• Singin’ in the Rain by Gene Kelly and the area of study: American Jazz Dance 1940-75 (including the practitioners Jerome Robbins and Bob Fosse).  

Enrichment

In KS5 pupils are offered the following to support and enhance their A Level studies:​ 

• A Level tutorial support​ 

• Musical Theatre Dance Club​ 

• Short Back and Sides Dance Company​ 

• Ignition Dance Company (Auditioned)​ 

• External Community Performance Platforms 

• Dance Theatre trips and residentials 

Careers

• Professional Dance/Musical Theatre Performer 

• Choreographer 

• Freelance Community Practitioner 

• Dance Teacher/Educator 

• Dance Journalist 

• Dance Physiotherapy 

• Dance Historian 

• Stage Management 

Contact details

Mrs Lisa Scott – lst@knutsfordacademy.org.uk Head of Dance

Musical Theatre is the study of the wonderful world of musicals and the ways in which they are created, produced, and performed.
At Knutsford Academy we aim to develop a love of musical theatre in our pupils, allowing them to blend the skills they learn in drama, dance and music.

Course Summary

We study the Pearson/Edexcel Level 3 Extended Certificate in Performing Arts specification, following a Musical Theatre pathway.

The course consists of FOUR units of study, three compulsory, and one optional. Students will experience both practical and theoretical tuition, allowing them to develop their personal and collaborative skills with a secure grounding in musical theatre history.

Unit 1 – Investigating Practitioners Work.

Unit 2 – Performance skills and techniques.

Unit 3 – Group performance workshop.

Unit 27 – Musical Theatre Techniques.

Assessment

Enrichment

• Production opportunities
• Digital and live theatre visits
• Visiting practitioner workshops

Careers

Musical Theatre alumni, have continued on to many of the most prestigious UK and Overseas Drama and Dance schools and from there to a career on the professional stage. Other employment routes include; Theatre management, Musical Theatre Performer, Actor, Musician, Director, Choreographer, Teacher and Theatre Critic.

Contact details

Miss Helen Mayne – hme@knutsfordacademy.org.uk Head of Performing Arts

Music (BTEC Level 3 qualification)

Course Summary – Music BTEC LEvel 3

Are you a musician? If you love music and are an avid performer then the Level 3 BTEC in Music Performance is the course for you. Equivalent to at least one A Level, the Music Performance BTEC teaches skills that are applicable for higher education, and a career in the music industry. The qualification was developed in collaboration with experts from professional bodies and universities to ensure that the course prepares you for university and beyond. Throughout your studies, you will engage in ensemble and solo performances, conduct rehearsals, research the music industry, and compose using various music theory techniques.

The Main Areas of Study Are:

• Practical Music Theory and Harmony
• Professional Practice in the Music Industry
• Ensemble Music Performance
• Solo Performance

Where might it lead

If you are interested in becoming a full-time musician or any other career in the music industry, many students have found their BTEC studies excellent preparation for advancing into full time training in Higher Education and a career in the Performing Arts. The music industry employs over 145,815 people full time in the UK in various sectors including music creation, recorded music, live music, music publishing, music representation, and music production. The career prospects and possibilities in the music industry are endless.

Entrance Criteria

In addition to a minimum of 5 GCSE’s inc Maths and English at grade 5 or above

Plus a minimum of grade 6 in GCSE Music.

Assessment Criteria

A Level Music

1. Musical Appraisal : 40%
2. Performance : 35%
3. Composition : 25%

Exam Board

AQA

Contact details

Miss Helen Mayne – hme@knutsfordacademy.org.uk Head of Performing Arts Faculty

KS5 Performing Arts Curriculum Maps