Performing Arts Extra curricular 2022 2023
Music is a universal language and is something we all enjoy in one way or another. Drama encompasses all of life and we all spend a lot of time engaged in watching either TV, films, theatre productions or musicals. For some of us music and drama are also hobbies or a way to relax and unwind. Here at Ysgol Bryn Elian we strive to ensure that all pupils regardless of age, ability, need or talent enjoy and engage with music and drama as part of our school ethos of ‘Achievement for All’.
Our curriculum encompasses a wide range of topics and styles allowing pupils to experience music and drama from around the world and from other times. Pupils regularly take part in practical and creative work devising drama and composing music, which they then perform in class. We like to encourage pupils to be ambitious and many venture outside of school to demonstrate their performance skills taking part in events in the local community and further afield. Music and drama activities are scientifically proven to improve peoples physical and mental health, from helping with stress and anxiety to improving communication, self-esteem and confidence as well as being a great activity to do together. This can be seen in class lessons where pupils mainly work in groups or as a whole class, but also in the variety of extra-curricular activities we offer to all pupils. Pupils also have the opportunity to receive individual instrumental and singing lessons.
The subjects of Art, Drama and Music work together to enable learners to express themselves creatively and develop a myriad of skills.
Mrs M. Hildrew
Head of Department and teacher of Music and Drama
Mrs N. Pattullo
Teacher of Drama
Mr G. Rasmussen
Guitar, bass guitar and drum kit teacher
Mrs S. Pierce
Piano teacher
Mr S. Davies
Singing teacher
Mrs A. Williams
Violin teacher
Year 7
Pupils initially focus on basic rhythmic music skills using percussion instruments, which they then use and develop as part of the Expressive Arts AoLE Medieval themed work (along with Art and Drama). Pupils learn how to perform Medieval music and then use musical devices and techniques such as a drone, ostinato, tune and modes to compose and then perform their Medieval music on the keyboard. This music is then played during their Medieval drama performances.
Year 8
Pupils focus on film and TV music learning how composers use musical elements such as pitch, tempo, dynamics and key to make the audience think and feel particular things. Who can forget the ‘Jaws’ theme! Pupils then perform film music such as ‘Harry Potter’ and ‘James Bond’ on the keyboard and then compose and perform their music for scenes from famous films and Welsh legends.
Year 9
Pupils focus on pop band skills and are taught how to play the electric bass guitar, guitar, drum kit and microphone technique before forming and performing in their own rock/pop bands. Pupils also learn how to use major, minor and chromatic keys in music and compose music in Binary, Ternary or Rondo form for occasions such as a wedding, funeral, Halloween party or pantomime, which they then also perform.
Year 10 and 11
Pupils can opt to study for the BTEC Level 1/2 First Award in Music. This is a vocational qualification where pupils learn how to set up and run live sound equipment for a music gig, perform in concerts and gigs and create, organise and run a real music event here in school. Pupils also learn about all the careers available to them in the music industry (of which there are a vast range), how to get paid, how venues run, contracts and record labels, unions and industry organisations. All of these skills and this knowledge is needed to work successfully in the modern music industry.
Music and Drama courses are both academic and practical in nature which reflects the career opportunities available to pupils in these multi-million-pound industries. Pupils are able to pursue careers as teachers, musicians, composers, sound engineers, producers, promoters, music therapists, actors, directors, make-up artists, lighting technicians and playwrights etc.
Performing Arts Extra curricular 2022 2023
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