Expressive Arts

I chose Music BTEC as I am interested in a career in the Music industry as a Producer or Sound Engineer. I feel that being able to understand how musicians perform will improve my understanding of how to capture them on stage and in a studio.

---

Chris Franklin
Music Technology and Music BTEC student

The Expressive Arts curriculum area has gone from strength to strength at Highcliffe in recent years. The ethos is one that encourages mutual support and students to strive to be the best. Our most important aim is to continue to raise standards and provide further access to Drama, Music and Physical Education, while allowing students to develop as independent learners. The nature of all Expressive Arts disciplines requires all students to demonstrate resilience in their learning both practically and theoretically to achieve their full potential.

There is a full range of subjects across all areas, with BTEC Performing Arts (Acting), BTEC in Music (Performing), A Levels in Music Technology and Physical Education and the Level 3 Cambridge Technical Diploma in Sport.

All the curriculum areas have excellent resources, with the Dance Studio, Performance Hall and a wealth of music facilities, including fully equipped Music Technology rooms, with a suite of computers, each running a range of music software for composing, audio recording and editing and a bespoke recording studio. The PE facilities continue to develop with our Olympian Fitness Suite, which Sixth form students may use in their free time (Induction session required).

The teaching of all the Expressive Arts subjects is further enhanced by the highly trained specialists and the small group sizes that allow students to benefit from a supportive and caring environment that promotes effective learning. Lessons are planned to encourage the development of a deeper understanding through the use of higher order questioning. The delivery of lessons is focused on challenging and stimulating students to develop their critical thinking skills. Revision lessons and academic mentoring sessions are available to support students with coursework and examination technique.

Studying an Expressive Arts subject can help students access a diverse number of career paths and a wide variety of Higher Education courses. Past students have gone on to become teachers, fitness coaches and managers, television presenters; others have gained access into some of the most elite and prestigious universities in their field. It can also support entry onto scholarships in the USA.

Drama has always meant a lot to me. The idea of stepping onto a stage and becoming a completely different character, having a completely different personality, is inexplicable. I enjoy everything about the Acting course! You are offered a very wide range of excellent experiences, including the opportunity to perform at Highcliffe Castle. Our teacher is inspirational and pushes you to get the very best out of you.

---

Jenna Slade
BTEC Acting student

Opportunities to extend and deepen learning

The extra-curricular opportunities at Highcliffe cover every curriculum area and are full of diversity.

Within the Acting course there are many opportunities for our students to work in other schools supporting students (giving performances, running workshops etc) across a wide range of ages. Acting students have the chance to work with other professional practitioners in the Performing Arts field either in school or off site; we have recently developed a close link with Highcliffe Castle. There are also trips to see professional performances, such as National Theatre Productions and touring West End performances.

The Music team offer the Sixth Form Choir, jamming sessions, a woodwind ensemble and grade 5 theory support (ABRSM). Music and Acting students have also taken lead roles in recent school productions such as ‘Grease’ and feature in main school soirées.

Within Physical Education there is the Sixth Form Rugby Academy, that offers students specialist sessions from an external coach, and there are also Football, Netball and Rounders teams that compete in local and county competitions. Other enrichment activities include the Duke of Edinburgh.

Subject Information

---

Owned by: SHN | Last Published: 21/07/2016 15:12:57 | Next Update: July 2017