Arts

Introduction

At Chancellor’s, Art students are introduced to a variety of artistic movements, techniques and projects designed to spark their creative flair and develop their technical skill.

The department’s teachers have drawn upon their diverse specialisms to build a curriculum that enables students to understand not only how Art is created, but also the importance of Art in a social, cultural and political context.

Schemes of learning are diverse – from the intricacy of portraiture to the cultural study of architecture from around the world. Students in Key Stage 3 and 4 are also welcomed at our after-school clubs and catch-ups where they can hone their technique and master their own personal projects. The high standard of our A-Level students’ work has also been recognised, with a number having their work exhibited at the prestigious Mall Gallery in London.

Key Stage 3

Art students at Key Stage 3 undertake a series of term-long projects that build on their existing skills through a range of media and materials. In Year 7, students gain an understanding of the formal elements and colour theory, creating a sculptural cube that depicts all of their hard work and understanding throughout the year.

Students in Year 8 will examine portraiture and the theme of identity, learning to draw with accurate proportion whilst developing their observational drawing skills, before developing their work into more abstract designs along the theme of cubist portraiture. Students research artists like Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque, providing inspiration that will influence the choice of colour, design and composition in their very own cardboard relief mask.

Pre-GCSE students in Y9 undertake a sustained project under the theme of ‘Architecture’, developing 3D making skills using clay, cardboard and mixed media. The second part of the course focusses on the work of war artist John Piper, giving students the opportunity to respond to the wider context behind his style of work. Students become more aware of sketchbook presentation and begin to produce more sophisticated work – all before making GCSE Art their number one option choice!

Key Stage 4

Students in Years 10 and 11 follow the AQA courses for both Art and Design and Photography, and will be awarded a 9-1 grade for coursework and exam. As part of the Art and Design course, students are encouraged to work independently while being exposed to a wide range of techniques including (but not limited to): mark-making, painting with a range of paints (acrylic, water colour etc.) print-making (lino, monoprint and poly-tile), oil pastels, traditional drawing techniques and 3D work. Students complete both sketchbook and out-of-book work around the themes of ‘Henry Moore’ and ‘Gluttony’.

Photography students explore the themes of ‘Transform’ and ‘Campaign’ When compiling their sketchbooks and final pieces. In addition to honing technical photography skills, they will experiment with techniques such as painting over photographs, Photoshop, stitching and scratching into photographs and manipulating light. Students will also develop an understanding and experience of both studio and location shooting.

For both Art and Photography, students will take an externally set exam on a theme set by AQA. In addition to creating their own work, it students will explore the work of both classical and contemporary artists within their creative journey.

Key Stage 5

Our A-Level Art and Photography students are completing the AQA course and the focus is very much on developing an individualised portfolio that evolves into a Personal Investigation led by the student. Individuals can take full advantage of our materials, resources and facilities to produce their work both in lesson time and free periods. In February of Y13, students are given an externally-set assignment chosen by the exam board, and work to build an additional portfolio of work and timed exam piece to accompany their Personal Investigation.

Extra-Curricular

The Art department is always looking for opportunities to take students to galleries, exhibitions and installations. GCSE Art students visit the Henry Moore foundation in Perry Green, whilst photographers experience a darkroom photography workshop in partnership with the University of Hertfordshire. The Art and textiles department also run a bi annual trip to NewYork in October where students get to experience the arts scene and culture as well as take part in artist run workshops. :

AQA:
Tate galleries:
V&A Museum:
The Saatchi Gallery:
The South London Gallery:
The Serpentine Galleries:
The Photographer’s Gallery:
The National Portrait Gallery:

Intent - what are we trying to achieve with our curriculum?

Our aim is for Drama at Chancellors School to be a vibrant and exciting subject, which allows every student to achieve, enjoy and excel. We are passionate about inspiring a curiosity, appreciation and love of the many elements of theatre and performance.  We intend to root our students with a foundation of skills and knowledge that will help them understand and develop themselves as individuals and as members of society. We champion the joy of practical learning and aim to train our students to adopt a growth mindset and become collaborative, flexible, resilient and reflective learners who are driven to push themselves out of their comfort zone.

Implementation - how do we deliver our curriculum?

We have curated an engaging and dynamic Drama curriculum that has been designed for students to continuously refine and add to their repertoire of theatrical knowledge and skills as they progress through their learning journey. Throughout the key stages, students will expand their characterisation skills and ability to create engaging performances. They will study a variety of theatre practitioners and texts to gain a broad understanding of different theatre styles and genres. Additionally, students will learn how to respond to stimuli to create original pieces of drama and expand their creativity by using a range of rehearsal techniques and drama conventions. Every lesson requires students to think analytically and evaluate the success of their own work and that of others, so they understand and appreciate the importance of reflection and refinement.

Impact - what difference does our curriculum make to our students?

We strongly believe that Drama holds a unique power to build a broad spectrum of transferable life skills. The collaborative nature of our lessons allows students to continuously develop themselves as team-players, and learn how to effectively communicate, co-operate, lead, listen and problem-solve. We are passionate about helping our students identify their unique strengths and talents and build their confidence in pursuing their own ideas. Whatever the future holds for them, our students will emerge from Drama with a toolkit of transferable skills, applicable both in further studies and in the workplace.

Key Stage 3

In Year 7, students are introduced to the fundamental skills of drama and learn a range of rehearsal techniques and performance conventions. They are encouraged to use their imaginations and explore the many ways in which their vocal and physical skills can create engaging characters and performances.  A huge focus is given to building ensemble within the group and nourishing confidence in performing in front of an audience.

In Year 8, students continue building upon these skills through a study of various thought-provoking topics. They explore various genres of Drama and learn how to add dramatic tension to a piece and create mood and atmosphere. They will also begin approaching drama from the perspective of a theatre designer (set/costume/lighting & sound). Students continue developing their ability in giving helpful and constructive feedback and evaluating their own performance work and that of others.

In Year 9, students are introduced to a range of theatre practitioners and explore a range of contrasting theatre styles. They collaborate to devise an original piece of drama from a stimulus and rehearse and perform scripts of various playwrights. They also begin to learn how to analyse and evaluate live performances in the written form, to prepare them for demands of the GCSE course.

Assessment

Assessment in Drama at KS3 is focused on 3 key areas: Rehearsal, Performance, and Knowledge. Verbal feedback is continuously embedded into every lesson and at the end of each term, students rehearse, perform and evaluate a piece of drama which is formally assessed.

Key Stage 4

In KS4, students learn an understanding of drama through the perspective of a range of theatre makers including performers, directors and designers (costume, set, lighting & sound). We follow the AQA GCSE Drama specification which is divided into three components:

Component 1: A written exam based on a study of a set text and an analysis and evaluation of a live theatre performance. This exam is completed at the end of year 11 and is worth 40% of the GCSE.

Component 2: A practical devising exam with written coursework, in which students create and perform an original piece of drama as part of a group and document the process in a log book. This unit is completed in year 10 and is worth 40% of the GCSE.

Component 3: A fully practical exam in which students will creatively explore and perform two extracts from one play to a visiting examiner. This unit is completed in year 11 and is worth 20% of the GCSE.

Extra-Curricular

We offer a range of enriching extra-curricular opportunities throughout the school year, including trips to professional theatre performances, junior and senior drama clubs, workshops and house drama competitions. We also collaborate with the Music department for our annual whole-school musical, and often enter a play into the Welwyn Youth Drama Festival - at which we won 1st prize in 2023!

Key Stage 5

In KS5, students gain a more sophisticated and in-depth understanding of drama through the perspective of a range of theatre makers including performers, directors and designers (costume, set, lighting & sound). We follow the AQA specification, which follows a similar structure to the GCSE course.

Component 1: A written exam based on a study of two set texts and an analysis and evaluation of the work of live theatre makers. This exam is completed at the end of year 13 and is worth 40% of the A Level.

Component 2: A practical devising exam with written coursework, in which students create and perform an original piece of drama. The devised piece must be influenced by the work and methodologies of one prescribed practitioner and their process is documented in a working notebook. This unit is completed in year 12 and is worth 30% of the A Level.

Component 3: A practical exploration and interpretation of three extracts, each taken from a different play. Students perform one extract to a visiting examiner applying the methodology of a prescribed practitioner and complete a reflective report analysing and evaluating theatrical interpretations of all three extracts. This unit is completed in year 12 & 13 and is worth 30% of the A Level.

Useful Websites

Please follow our instagram for the latest exciting news and updates from H Block. @ChancellorsMusic&Drama. More information about the AQA GCSE and A Level courses can be found here:

https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/drama/gcse/drama-8261

https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/drama/a-level/drama-and-theatre-7262

Introduction

High quality musical performance is at the core of what Chancellor’s Music department wish every student to experience. We aim to nurture and encourage all students in their musical development. Our Scheme of Learning and our extra-curricular provision look to excite and challenge students creatively as well as develop social, interpersonal and communicative skills. We have an ‘open door’ policy allowing students to work in a Music room when they and a room are available. The Music rooms are busy every hour of every day with students rehearsing and perfecting their performance and composition.  We work collaboratively with other departments and continue to develop links with the wider community.  

Key Stage 3

The Music department delivers a wide range of topics that aim to build skills and knowledge throughout the key stage. Music lessons are primarily focused on performance and composition and listening however students are also required to complete a short “Reflective Learning Log” at the end of each lesson.  In year 7 and 8 students are taught in form groups.  Year 9 students will have picked two out of the three Arts subjects and so are taught in smaller class sizes. In their lessons students will either have use of our iMac suite or the practical facilities and will study topics such as Film music, Blues, Theme and Variations, Remix and Disco music.

Key Stage 4

Students in years 10 and 11 follow a scheme of work based upon the OCR GCSE specification.  This is a linear GCSE course and students will take all examinations in year 11; the course is split 60% coursework and 40% exam.  The coursework will involve two compositions and two recorded performances. Compared to key stage 3, key stage 4 adds an extra an emphasis on the ability to use and apply musical keywords and theory in the examination papers.

Internal assessments take place at Christmas, Easter and at the end of year 10. Revision sessions are held in the lead up to the exam in year 11; however an intervention programme is in place for those students not on track to attain their target grade which begins in the final half term of year 10.

Key Stage 5

Students in year 12 and 13 follow a scheme of work based on the EDUQAS A level specification. This is a linear A level course with the coursework and exam completed at the end of year 13. The coursework will involve two compositions and a recital performance.

Extra-Curricular

The Arts faculty offer a wide range of trips throughout the calendar year. The Music department take KS3 & 4 students to the Brightsparks Concert series run by the London Philharmonic orchestra at London’s South Bank centre. In addition we also run an overseas Music Tour, this year we are taking students to the Costa Brava for a week in July. For details of our extensive extra-curricular programme, look at the Music extra-curricular page (Link to School Life and Extra Curricular -> Music)

Useful Websites

Our Twitter page contains updates on rehearsals and shows. Please follow us @ChancellorsMusic