In Performing Arts at Central Academy, we deliver a broad and exciting curriculum which provides opportunities for students to develop their knowledge and understanding, enhance their practical performance skills, share their talents and prepare them for a successful future. Students have distinct fortnightly Music and Drama lessons for the duration of KS3 before having the opportunity to progress on to further study at KS4 within GCSE Drama and or GCSE Music. Students will study a wide range of styles of performance, musical and theatrical history, performance skills and techniques and be able to apply and develop this knowledge and skillset in a comfortable and safe environment.

Our Performing arts curriculum is designed to naturally embed and develop students character values and virtues, which is an important role in which Performing arts lessons play in Schools. Students will develop their character skills such as; confidence, resilience, creativity and respect when engaging with their peers during grouped activities. The development of these skills helps to prepare students for future careers whatever their path of choice.  Our curriculum promotes spiritual, moral, social and cultural awareness and emotional intelligence, as well as fundamental British Values and mutual respect, important qualities that we want our students to leave School with.

We strive to ensure that Performing arts lessons engage and excite students so that they develop their own personal interests and have an idea of how they may be utilise the performing and arts industries within their future careers. We encourage students to challenge themselves with new experiences, whether that be standing up in class and performing work to their peers, or taking part in one of the many extra-curricular activities on offer every term. These whole school events play an important role in students holistic development which we believe is an important aspect of growing up. Our co-curricular clubs include termly performing arts events, shows and school productions, music and drama clubs, school choir and regular trips to the theatre to see plays and musical theatre.

We have subject specialists delivering Drama and Music. And they bring a wealth of exciting ideas and experiences into the classroom for students to enjoy. Lessons in KS3 are largely very practical and focus on the development of theatrical and musical skills, and exploring a broad and diverse curriculum. At KS4 there is more of a balance between the development of skills and that all important theoretical understanding and knowledge. In regards to assessment, students are assessed termly in KS3, and at KS4 we follow the AQA GCSE specification in Drama and the Eduqas GCSE in Music. Both subjects have elements of practical and theory examination and the combination of these areas informs the final grade students are awarded at the end of the GCSE.

Drama and Music lessons are built to broaden horizons and raise aspiration, giving our students the ambition to become successful adults and leaders of the future. Our plethora of extra-curricular events really does give students tangible opportunities to shine on the world stage of their choosing, realise their aspirations, talents hobbies and interests, and gives students the platform to chase their dreams. Performing arts at central brings out the best in everyone, embeds good character and empowers students to be the best version of themselves -  and this is something we are very proud of.