Performing Arts

Why is the subject important?

Performing Arts is so much more than just acting. It’s a dynamic and enriching subject that fosters creativity, confidence, and personal growth. At its heart, Performing Arts education is about cultivating joy, deepening knowledge, developing essential life skills, and opening doors to future opportunities.
We aim to broaden students’ horizons beyond Bradford—encouraging them to explore the world’s possibilities and grow into motivated, resilient individuals. Through Performing Arts, students learn to express themselves, challenge their thinking, and set ambitious goals for their futures.
Our curriculum nurtures communication, leadership, and self-awareness. We create a safe and supportive environment where students build confidence, reflect on their progress, and feel empowered to exceed expectations—not just in performance, but in life.

Year 7

What will I be studying?

In Performing Arts, students will explore a diverse and exciting range of disciplines designed to develop creativity, collaboration, and confidence. The curriculum includes:
• Improvisational Theatre – learning to think on your feet and respond creatively in the moment.
• Page to Stage – transforming written scripts into live performance through interpretation and staging.
• Musical Theatre – combining acting, singing, and movement to bring stories to life.
• Devising – creating original performances from ideas, themes, or stimuli as a group.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment in Performing Arts focuses on three key areas: Performing, Creating, and Appreciating.
• Students will take part in rehearsed performances, working in pairs or groups, but will be assessed individually based on their contribution and development.
• Each assessment includes self and peer evaluations, encouraging students to reflect on their progress and give constructive feedback.
• Verbal feedback from teachers is provided regularly, with a summary at the end of each unit to support growth and improvement.
• Students will learn to assess their own work and others’, developing critical thinking and reflective skills essential for both performance and life.
• Marks will be awarded based on the Performing, Creating, and Appreciating criteria, ensuring a balanced evaluation of practical skills, creative input, and thoughtful reflection.

Which websites should I use to support my learning?

  • https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/examspecs/zjjrdnb

What will I be studying?

In Year 8 Performing Arts, students continue to build on their foundational skills through a range of exciting and expressive units:
• Silent Movie & Mime – exploring physical storytelling and non-verbal communication.
• Thematic Play – developing performances around key themes and social issues.
• Page to Stage – interpreting and staging scripted work with creativity and precision.
• Devising – collaborating to create original performances from ideas and stimuli.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment in Year 8 builds on prior learning, with each unit designed to strengthen and sustain key skills over time. Students are assessed across three core areas: Performing, Creating, and Appreciating.
• Each assessment includes a rehearsed performance, alongside self and peer feedback to encourage reflection and growth.
• Students work in pairs or groups, but marks are awarded based on individual contribution and merit.
• Verbal teacher feedback is given regularly and summarised at the end of each unit.
• Students complete a skills audit, ranking their progress across all covered skills to support self-evaluation and goal setting.
• Marks are awarded based on the Performing, Creating, and Appreciating criteria, ensuring a balanced and fair assessment of practical ability, creative input, and reflective understanding.

Which websites should I use to support my learning?

  • https://www.bbc.co.uk/search?filter=bitesize&scope=bitesize&q=drama (Devising)
  •  https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/examspecs/z4bfscw
  •  https://www.dramaonlinelibrary.com/plays/our-day-out-iid-113797

What will I be studying?

In Year 9, students have the opportunity to deepen their passion and understanding of Performing Arts through a focused 12-week block. Building on the foundational skills developed in Years 7 and 8, this phase continues to strengthen performance, devising, scriptwork, and appreciation.

Students will explore:

Thematic Plays – developing performances around relevant themes and social issues.
Styles of Theatre – including Epic Theatre, Naturalism, and Physical Theatre, examining how different theatrical forms shape storytelling, audience engagement, and performance techniques.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment in Year 9 continues to focus on the three core areas: Performing, Creating, and Appreciating.

Each unit includes a rehearsed performance, supported by self and peer feedback to encourage reflection and skill development.
Students collaborate in pairs or groups, with individual contributions recognised and supported through regular verbal feedback.
Skills are developed and embedded over time through practical exploration and reflective discussion.

Which websites should I use to support my learning?

For students in Year 9 or Year 10
This course is ideal for students who are passionate about Performing Arts and want to develop their skills in a practical, creative, and industry-relevant way. It provides a strong foundation for further study or careers in the performing arts sector.

What will I be studying?

The qualification is made up of three units, each focusing on a different aspect of Performing Arts:

Unit 1: Performing – Page to Stage
In this unit, you will:
• Work from a script to develop a performance, exploring character, voice, movement, and staging.
• Learn how to interpret and bring scripted material to life through rehearsal and performance.
• Reflect on your progress and development through rehearsal logs and feedback.
This unit focuses on building your confidence and technique as a performer.

Unit 2: Creating – Devising Original Work
In this unit, you will:
• Create your own performance work from a given stimulus.
• Explore ideas, themes, and styles to develop original material.
• Collaborate with others to devise, rehearse, and refine your performance.
• Document your creative process through development logs and evaluations.
This unit encourages creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving.

Unit 3: Performing Arts in Practice
This externally assessed unit introduces you to the wider performing arts industry. You will:
• Respond to a scenario or commission, just like professionals in the industry.
• Apply your knowledge of performance, planning, and production.
• Complete a series of tasks that reflect real-world performing arts practice.
This unit helps you understand how the industry works and prepares you for future opportunities.

Styles and Techniques You’ll Explore
Throughout the course, you’ll study a range of performance styles and techniques, including:
• Thematic Plays – developing performances around relevant themes and social issues.
• Epic Theatre – using techniques that challenge and engage the audience intellectually.
• Naturalism – creating believable, realistic characters and settings.
• Physical Theatre – using movement and the body to tell stories and express ideas.

How will I be assessed?

Units 1 & 2 are internally assessed through practical work and coursework (60% of the qualification).
• Unit 3 is externally assessed by WJEC through a scenario-based assignment (40% of the qualification).
Assessment focuses on your ability to perform, create, and reflect—building essential skills for both the stage and beyond.

Which examination board am I following?

Exam Board: Level 1/2 Vocational Award Specification: Performing Arts (Technical Award)

Website:https://www.wjec.co.uk/qualifications/level-1-2-vocational-award-in-performing-arts/#tab_keydocuments

Which websites should I use to support my learning?

Ofsted Good Provider
Trinity Scholars

Trinity Scholar students benefit from an additional investment of up to £6000

Click to find out more!