Performing Arts Faculty
‘The Arts it has been said been said cannot change the world, but they may change human beings, who may change the world’ - Maxine Greene
Our WHY...
We believe that every child should have access to a Performing Arts Education that allows students to develop their academic, social and emotional intelligence. The Arts provides opportunities for students to develop their creative abilities in safe spaces through self-expression. We advocate for students to find their voice, become their own leaders and future change makers as local & global citizens. Performing Arts offers a sense of togetherness and belonging, whether that be in the Dance Studio after school, in a Music practice room at lunch or in the lighting box during a production – we offer a second home to all. Very simply, the Arts reminds us what it feels like to be alive.
Our intention is for learners to develop their knowledge and subject skills within Drama and Music. This is also supported by other themes/topics within our Performing Arts curriculum such as Performing Arts Business, Technical Theatre and Dance/Movement. Students will begin by learning foundation skills supported by historical context in Y7 right the way through to applying their understanding to the 21st century world they live in.
KS3 Performing Arts
The Performing Arts Business
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Unit 1 |
Unit 2 |
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Year 7: Music |
The Music Toolkit |
Keyboard Workshop |
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Year 7: Drama |
The Drama Toolkit |
Page to Stage |
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Year 7: Dance |
The Dance Toolkit |
Contact Work |
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Year 8: Music |
Samba |
Ukelele Workshop |
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Year 8: Drama |
Theatre for Social Change |
Physical Theatre |
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Year 8: Dance |
The Dance Toolkit |
Embodying Repertoire |
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Year 9: Music |
Contemporary Theatre |
The Performing Arts Business |
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Year 9: Drama |
Music Technology |
KS4 Performing Arts
We deliver the Eduqas/WJEC L1/2 Performing Arts course. For more information visit: https://www.wjec.co.uk/qualifications/level-12-vocational-award-in-performing-arts/#tab_keydocuments
Students can take one of our Performing Arts courses in KS4 currently either in Theatre (Drama and/or Technical Theatre) or Music. Please see the course overview below:
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Unit Name |
Music Requirement |
Theatre Requirement |
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Unit 1: Perform |
Reproduce and perform an existing piece of music. |
Direct and perform and existing piece of theatre. |
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Unit 2: Create |
Compose an original piece of music using a theme provided by the exam board. |
Devise an original piece of theatre or design an original technical design using a theme provided by the exam board. |
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Unit 3: Arts in Practice |
Plan and create an event (including a short performance for the event) based on a commission from the exam board. This unit includes planning, marketing, pitching and evaluation. |
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Co-curricular Performing Arts
Students have a range of Arts enrichment opportunities outside of the classroom. Our offer currently includes:
- Instrumental lessons (in collaboration with Walsall Music Hub)
- Annual school production featuring opportunities for Cast & Crew
- Voice Squad
- Lunch time rehearsal room bookings
Music Development Plan
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Academic year that this summary covers |
2025-2026, 2026- 2027 & 2027-2028 |
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Date this summary was published |
09/2025 |
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To be reviewed by |
09/2028 |
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Name of the school music lead |
Ms T Knight |
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Name of school leadership team member with responsibility for music (if different) |
Mr H Holland |
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Name of local music hub |
Walsall Music Education Hub and Service |
This is a summary of how our school delivers music education to all our pupils across three areas – curriculum music, co-curricular provision and musical experiences – and what changes we are planning in future years. This information is to help pupils and parents or carers understand what our school offers and who we work with to support our pupils’ music education.
Part A: Curriculum Music
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In key stage 3 all pupils study music for a lesson once every two weeks throughout the academic year. They cover a range of topics focusing on the strands of performance, composition, appraising music and reflective practice. Pupils have a range of direct experience with instruments including Keyboard and Ukelele and explore producing music through music technology software. Singing is also regularly taught throughout KS3. In each year group there are two topics taught throughout the year which offer spiral curriculum design attributes to interleave and build new knowledge and skillset through the three years students study music at GAD. Each topic finishes with an assessment involving both practical and written components which in provide both feedback and reflection opportunities. The elements of music, which we may argue to be the key foundation knowledge are interweaved throughout all topics and remain a focal point during assessment. Students engage in music technology learning in Y9 through a music tech suite equipped with computers, sufficient software and midi’s. An overview of our topics: Year 7: The Music Toolkit & Keyboard Workshop Year 8: Samba & Ukelele Workshop Year 9: Music Technology & Performing Arts Business All pupils follow the same music curriculum. Students with additional needs are supported through adaptive teaching. Class teachers work in collaboration with support staff to ensure the individual needs of the child are met so the curriculum can be inclusive for all students. We currently have a member of staff in the faculty who supports further in this area if needed, we have breakout instrumental rooms for those with sensory needs and are equipped with additional instruments to meet individual physical requirements. In KS4 pupils can undertake the WJEC Level 1 / 2 Performing Arts (Music) Vocational course. Students have 5 lessons per fotnight and are encouraged to undertake additional instrumental lessons to support their course. Students have access to a range of practice rooms at lunch times and after school alongside clubs in which they can enhance their musical knowledge and skillset. For more information regarding the KS4 course please follow the URL below: https://www.wjec.co.uk/qualifications/level-12-vocational-award-in-performing-arts/#tab_keydocuments |
Part B: Music Enrichment
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Grace Academy Darlaston has a strong partnership with the Walsall Music Education Hub and service. The instrumental lessons and instrument hire are provided by the hub and are paid for by the school. The Performing Arts team at GAD regularly attend networking meetings, training and development days with the hub to support and enhance the music curriculum. In collaboration with the Hub, we also provide musical instrument lessons in drum kit, trumpet, trombone, electric guitar, acoustic guitar and bass guitar. In learning these instruments pupils can take graded RSL or ABRSM grades on their instrument. Where students achieve grade 6 or above in a graded music exam, they count towards UCAS points for applications to higher education. If students wish to undertake an instrumental lesson, they should speak to the GAD PAD team to add their name to the waiting list. Students can audition to be a member of the annual school production either as triple threat performer or as a vocalist if they wish to specialise in music only. Students can also participate in clubs such as Band Club or Voice Squad to further develop their musical skillset or develop social skills through recreational music/arts. |
Part C: Musical Experiences
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Students are exposed to a range of musical experiences during their time at GAD. This includes visiting performances from artists & ensembles through to external trips to see live performance. Students have regular opportunities to perform in annual productions and portfolio showcases. We regularly share out work also with the local community through mini public sharing's in venues such as Asda & local care homes. |
Part D: Future
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We will continue to develop and grow our music offer for our students and community. Key prioritises of growth within music include: · Developing Peripatetic offer to increase offer to wider pool of students involving a wider pool of instruments. · Transition to Charanga music technology software for a more robust curriculum resource and higher quality learning experience for students. · Continue to expand the offer of cultural capital opportunities for students to experience live music both in and out of school. |
