At Basildon Lower Academy, Performing Arts provides students with opportunities to create, perform, compose, analyse and evaluate through the disciplines of Music and Drama. We teach Performing Arts because it develops creativity, confidence, communication, resilience and cultural awareness whilst inspiring a lifelong appreciation of the arts. Our curriculum introduces students to a broad range of musical genres, dramatic styles, practitioners and cultural influences, enabling students to become creative thinkers, collaborative learners and confident performers. Across Key Stage 3, students experience a broad and carefully sequenced curriculum that develops their skills in performance, composition, devising, analysis and evaluation through a diverse range of musical genres, dramatic texts, composers, artists, practitioners and creative disciplines. 

This carefully sequenced journey builds knowledge and skills progressively, preparing students for future study and employment whilst developing their cultural capital 

Students learn within a safe and supportive environment where creativity, collaboration and respect are valued. Practical performance, composition and ensemble work help students develop confidence, resilience and independence whilst fostering positive relationships and a sense of belonging. Enrichment opportunities including choir, band, drama club, theatre visits, workshops and performance events allow students to connect with the wider school community and celebrate success beyond the classroom.  

Throughout the curriculum, students explore careers within the creative industries including actor, musician, composer, music producer, sound engineer, theatre technician, director, stage manager and events management. The curriculum promotes key values such as creativity, respect, empathy, confidence, resilience and teamwork. Literacy is developed through reading scripts, analysing texts, discussion, evaluation and the use of subject-specific vocabulary. Numeracy is developed through rhythm, pulse, note values, time signatures, tempo, sequencing and music technology. 

Performing Arts is taught through a balance of practical and theoretical learning. Teachers use modelling, retrieval practice, discussion, demonstration, rehearsal and independent application to develop students’ knowledge and skills. Lessons are carefully sequenced to build upon prior learning and enable students to know more, remember more and do more over time. Students regularly perform, create, compose and evaluate, allowing them to apply their learning in meaningful contexts.  

Progress is monitored through ongoing formative assessment including questioning, teacher observation, retrieval activities, practical performances, self-assessment and peer assessment. Lessons are scaffolded through teacher modelling, visual aids, vocabulary support, structured tasks and differentiated resources to ensure all students can access the curriculum and experience success. Students receive regular verbal and written feedback that identifies strengths and next steps, enabling them to refine their work and make continuous improvements.  

Success in Performing Arts means every student is actively engaged, confident in expressing ideas, able to apply knowledge and skills, and willing to challenge themselves creatively. Students develop the ability to perform, play an instrument, read music, compose, devise, analyse and evaluate whilst taking pride in their achievements and respecting the contributions of others. 

Performing Arts supports lifelong learning by developing creativity, communication, collaboration, resilience and critical thinking. These transferable skills equip students for further education, future employment and active participation in the cultural and creative world, whilst fostering a lifelong appreciation of music, theatre and performance.