The Creative Arts faculty

In the Creative Arts department we teach our pupils to be compassionate and loving. So that we can share a common good and become stewards who promote peace through imaginative works, inspired by their personal interests. We believe that through the arts pupils can gain an appreciation of the wider world. We teach our pupils that Music and Art (including Photography) are valuable subjects that have an impact on every ones lives. We also teach our pupils about the contribution that Music and Art have to society. Through the arts, pupils broaden their cultural experiences and have an opportunity to express themselves using the knowledge and skills that they acquire throughout key stage 3. This learning is then built upon at Key Stage 4 for those pupils who choose to study Music, Art or Photography at GCSE level. Students have the opportunity to choose personalised starting points in Key Stage 4, that enable them to explore the principles of Catholic Social Teaching. For example in Art and Photography they explore Human Dignity through Portraiture and In Music they participate individually and collaboratively. The Arts are a great subject to gain a great insight into the world around us and God’s creation. We have high aspirations for our pupils and provide them with a knowledge and skill rich curriculum. Pupils learn well through shared experience, modelling, practice and exposure to a range of diverse artists and musicians. Through our curriculum we strive to provide pupils with exciting lessons that ensure all pupils can combine practical skills with creative thinking. We believe these to be valuable skills which can be transferred across the broader curriculum and into future learning and their careers post 16.

Our teachers in the Creative Arts department support pupils in developing their personal, learning and thinking skills. We provide ample opportunities for pupils to work with others, share good practice and learn from each other. We aim for our pupils to be successful, independent learners who show an appreciation for the arts in its different forms.

In Music we aim to Develop listening skills so pupils understand the technical aspects of music

i.e. that there are 3 beats in a bar and also an as an exploration of the purpose and meaning of a piece of music. Build on the knowledge acquired at KS2 where pupils explore melodic composition. Pupils will explore music through improvisation and we will provide opportunities for pupils to learn about harmony so that by the end of year 9 all pupils are able to form and use the primary chords in a number of keys and embellish these with bass lines, melodies and rhythmic accompaniment.

Develop and enhance performance skills through the use of technology and musical instruments. Build regular opportunities for singing so that pupils develop confidence with singing and a sense of ensemble and performance. Teach about the development of music overtime and its origin. Pupils will learn about Popular music genres (Rock, Jazz, Hip Hop) and traditional music (Samba, Folk, Reggae, Indian Classical, Bollywood)