Creative Arts
Art
STAFF:
Mrs J T Preston (Subject Leader & Advanced Skills Teacher))
Ms D Stranders
Mrs T Thompson (Art Technician)
RESOURCES:
- 1 Art room & Interactive Whiteboard
- 1 Art/Pottery Studio & Interactive Whiteboard
The Art rooms are large and well equipped with a wide range of tools, materials and resources. There are interactive smart boards and facilities for computer aided design. The Art/Pottery studio has a Potters wheel, two kilns and a pugmill. Work is displayed in the rooms and around the school.
Key Stage 3
During Key Stage 3 all pupils undertake a wide variety of activities which develop technical and imaginative skills in both two dimensional and three dimensional art. In the main, pupils work individually but there are opportunities for partner and group work. Studies involve; direct observation, imagination, personal experience, investigation and research work. Aspects of work of various artists and world cultures are also studied.
Assessment
Each pupil has a record showing progress from Year 7 to Year 9. Following the National Curriculum levels of attainment, each project is assessed using the appropriate criteria. Sketch books show National Curriculum levels, feedback and targets.
Homework
Each pupil receives one piece of art homework per fortnight. It is expected that pupils spend between 30-60 minutes on homework. Each pupil will be given an A4 art book to be used for homework and class work.
Key Stage 4
At Key Stage 4 pupils follow the AQA Art and Design syllabus. This is an unendorsed course which promotes a wide variety of disciplines: painting and drawing, graphics, ceramics, mixed media, textiles, printing and photography. The course is assessed through coursework (60%) and examination (40%). There is a Year 11 art exhibition each June in the Library. Gallery visits are organised in London and residential trips are made to Paris and Barcelona.
Homework
GCSE students receive homework every week, which contributes to their coursework portfolio.
GCSE Results
Excellent results are achieved by Year 11 pupils and usually fall within the region of 85%-100% (A* - C grade). In the summers of 2000, 2006 and 2007 the department achieved outstanding results of 100% A*-C GCSE grades. We achieved 94% in summer 2009 with 2 Year 9 pupils gaining A* and A grades. Many students continue their art studies at ‘A’ level, BTEC and HND in college and pursue a career using their art qualifications.
Projects undertaken during Key Stage 3 involve:
Year 7
- The development of skills and knowledge of colour theory
- The exploration of the techniques of drawing, painting, printing, mixed media, sculpture and collage
- The introduction of ceramics
- The study of artists’ work, art movements and the art of different cultures and periods
Year 8
- The appreciation and application of texture, line and pattern in both the natural and man-made environment
- The introduction of textiles
- Further studies in ceramic work
- The study of artists’ work, art movements and the art of different cultures and periods
Year 9
- Further analysis of perspective, scale, proportion and composition
- A consolidation of other formal elements experienced in years 7 and 8
- Aspects of figure work
- The study of artists’ work, art movements and the art of different cultures and periods
Drama
STAFF:
Mr J Donaldson (Head of Creative Arts Faculty)
Ms J Marsh (Head of House)
Miss Alice Wadman
We aim in Drama to maintain and stimulate pupil curiosity and interest in an enjoyable and practical way. We encourage a high level of pupil achievement by using a range of strategies in order to encourage and maintain pupil learning. A wide variety of work is covered to meet all needs by class, group and individual teaching.
RESOURCES:
- Drama Studio with stage, sound and lighting facilities & Interactive Whiteboard
- Hall (with stage, lighting and sound systems).
- Pavilion (second teaching space)
KEY STAGE 3
Drama is a popular subject at KS3. At KS3 Drama covers a wide variety of issues and areas. Work covered ranges from issue based work exploring topics such as bullying and divorce to more specialist drama skills such as melodrama, Shakespeare, mask work, devising film trailers, Commedia d’ell Arte, stage fighting and script work. At the end of KS3 all pupils will have developed a good understanding of a wide variety of drama skills and conventions and have enjoyed three years of a variety of practical and written drama work.
Drama provides a friendly, safe and productive environment in which to work and places equal emphasis on both group and learning skills. Pupils are encouraged and expected to achieve high standards in their work. Drama at Emerson Park School offers opportunities for all to develop their individual skills both within and outside the classroom. Extra-curricular activities include a lunchtime drama club and opportunities to take part in both drama and drama/music productions.
In the past we have had extremely successful productions of ‘Alice in’ Wonderland’ and ‘Dracula’. More recently we have performed a production of ‘Sparkleshark’. In recent summer concerts extracts from ‘Charlie and The Chocolate Factory’, ‘The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe ‘ and ‘Bed’ have been performed.
KEY STAGE 4
This is a popular option at GCSE with 100% of last year’s Year 11 achieving a grade A*-C. Drama GCSE is a practical based course which follows on from the work that pupils have done at KS3. During this course pupils will further develop their creativity, knowledge and understanding of this subject. Pupils are given many opportunities to play a variety of roles and create and perform their own and other playwrights’ work both within and outside of the classroom.
- Drama GCSE is split between 60% coursework and 40% examination
- Coursework (60%) consists of practical performance work and a written notebook of evidence
- 2 units: one of which explores a selected text
- Examination (40%) is a practical performance which can either be improvised or based on a text
- Pupils who take GCSE Drama are encouraged and expected to achieve high standards in their work and continue to develop their appreciation and enjoyment of drama
- We have also recently introduced BTEC Performing Arts at KS4
Emerson Park School offers:
- good examination results
- high standards
- well-qualified and enthusiastic staff
- modern Information Technology
- a strong sporting tradition
- excellent performing and creative arts
- close links with parents
- care and support
- a pleasant, calm and purposeful working environment
Music
STAFF:
Mr J Donaldson (Head of Creative Arts Faculty)
Miss L Migliorini (Head of Music)
Mrs J Egleton (Head of House)
The Music Department aims to encourage pupils to achieve their full potential through understanding and enjoying music. Creativity and practical work encourages pupils in a wide variety of styles and idioms of music. We strive to achieve the highest standards.
RESOURCES:
- Music Suite – comprising recording studio, classrooms, instrumental teaching rooms, practice rooms, keyboard and percussion rooms.
- Electronic keyboards
- Tuned and untuned percussion
- Drum kits (including full electronic kit)
- Drum machines
- Wide range of acoustic and electronic instruments
- Computer equipment
- Recording equipment
Instrumental Tuition
Pupils are offered the opportunity to learn any of the instruments listed below by visiting specialist teaching staff.
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Mr Brundish
Mr Finch
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Drums
Drums
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Mr Yeomans
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Woodwind (Flute, Recorder, Clarinet, Saxophone)
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Mrs Lynch
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Strings
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Mr Staples
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Guitar (Double Bass/Bass Guitar/ Electric and Acoustic)
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Mr Osbourne
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Brass (All instruments)
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Mrs Carney
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Keyboard/Piano
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Mrs Randell
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Vocal Tutor
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We have over 100 pupils currently taking advantage of this scheme. More information is available from Miss Migliorini this evening.
Extra Curricular Music
Emerson Park School offers opportunity for your child to take part in Choir, Band, Vocal Ensemble, Wind Band, Brass Band, Pop Ensembles, String Group, Drum Ensemble, various concerts, productions and performance opportunities at a range of venues.
KEY STAGE 3
Through an understanding and enjoyment of music, pupils are encouraged to work to high standards in order to achieve their potential in:
- Composition,
- Performance,
- Listening and
- Appraising music
Topics of study include World Music, popular music, film music, keyboard work, classical music, ensemble practise, prepared performances and song composition.
KEY STAGE 4
GCSE Music – EDEXCEL
GCSE music is a practical course divided into three areas:-
- Performing 30%
- Composing 30%
- Listening 40%
The course gives opportunity for studying a wide range of music and maximising creativity through performance and composition to the highest standard of individual skill. Pupils opting to take music to GCSE level are increasing in number.
The Music Department offers:
- An opportunity to learn an instrument
- A wide variety of extra-curricular activities
- An “open house” policy during breaks and lunch for practice
- Many opportunities to perform in public