Expressive Arts

Our Express Arts Department is headed up by Miss Mitchell.  Expressive Arts covers Drama, Music and Dance, subjects are all taught at both GCSE and A level.  For further information about A level provision please visit the Sixth Form section of our website.

Key Stage 3 Drama students are taught in our purpose built studio which has removable staging and is located next to our expansive atrium (used for promenade style performance and rehearsal space).  Key Stage 4 are taught in the main hall which is a 334 seater amphitheatre style space.  The main hall has state of the art light and sound equipment with extensive removable staging.

Dance students are taught in a purpose built state of the art dance studio with sprung wooden flooring, floor to ceiling mirrors and ballet bars, the dance studio is equipped with lighting and sound and has retractable doors that open out into our atrium space which can be used for performances.  In addition to the GCSE and A level tuition we have lunchtime and after school clubs operating for Street Dance and Dance Competition practice sessions.

Music students are taught in state of the art teaching spaces, each with 15 PC computers running some of the latest music creation software, there are four purpose built practice rooms, a large ensemble rehearsal room and a top of the range recording studio which allows students to record, edit and create work of a standard that the professionals would be proud of.  Our extra curricular programe is ever expanding.  We have a school choir, an annual "Academy Factor" competition whereby students audition and compete for the title of "Academy Champion" and varies groups/bands that have been formed by students.  We also host an annual Carol Concert. Students also have the opportunity to learn instruments and be taught by one of our visiting peripetetic teachers.

In February 2009 we hosted our first school production of "Oliver" which was performed over two nights to a sell out audience.

We have an extensive programme of theatre, concert and dance visits, both as part of curriculum and as extra curricular.  Visits over the past 12 months have included: Little Shop of Horrors, Wicked, A Taste of Honey, Antigone, Rambert Dance Madness (Royal Nothern), Cultural Festival (Wilmslow).  Forthcoming trips include Halle, Royal Northern, Blood Brothers, Sound of Music, Blithe Spirit and Rambert.