At Leigh Academy Milestone, we believe in fostering an inclusive and enriching environment for all students, recognising the unique strengths and potential within each individual. Our Performing Arts curriculum is designed to empower students, with a particular emphasis on communication and the development of self-confidence. Through the transformative power of the arts, we aim to create a space where every student can express themselves, connect with others, and discover their own unique voice.
Our approach to Performing Arts is rooted in the belief that every student has the right to access opportunities for artistic expression. We understand that, where performance can be daunting, everyone faces unique challenges, and our curriculum is tailored to address these challenges while leveraging the inherent benefits of performing arts.
Our Performing Arts curriculum is carefully designed to align with the National Curriculum, ensuring a strong foundation for all students.
Through drama, music, and dance, students explore and enhance both verbal and non-verbal communication skills, aligning closely with the National Curriculum’s emphasis on effective communication as outlined in the English Programmes of Study.
Collaborative activities and group performances provide a platform for students to interact with their peers, fostering social skills and building a sense of community within the classroom. These practices resonate with the National Curriculum’s goals of promoting social development and effective collaboration, as stated in the Personal, Social, Health, and Economic (PSHE) Education Framework.
Our Performing Arts curriculum places a strong emphasis on individual expression and public performances, aligning with the National Curriculum’s recognition of the importance of building self-confidence and self-esteem in students, as highlighted in the Personal, Social and Physical Development objectives.
Incorporating multisensory activities, our curriculum aligns with the National Curriculum’s acknowledgment of the diverse learning needs of students, particularly in the context of inclusive education principles stated in the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Code of Practice.
We provide adapted materials and tools to accommodate the diverse sensory needs of our students, aligning with the National Curriculum’s commitment to providing inclusive educational resources, as outlined in the principles of inclusive education.
Curriculum Components
Role-Playing: Through role-playing activities, students develop empathy, perspective-taking, and a deeper understanding of social dynamics, aligning closely with the National Curriculum’s goals for fostering empathy and social understanding within the English Programmes of Study (Reference: National Curriculum for England, English Programmes of Study).
Rhythmic Exploration: Music activities focus on rhythm and movement, promoting coordination and motor skills, aligning with the National Curriculum’s objectives for physical development within the Physical Education (PE) Framework (Reference: National Curriculum for England, PE Framework).
Inclusive Choreography: Choreography is adapted to accommodate different abilities, aligning with the National Curriculum’s principles of inclusive education and equal opportunities, as highlighted in the SEND Code of Practice (Reference: National Curriculum for England, SEND Code of Practice).
Our assessment methods are designed to be flexible, recognizing the individualized nature of each student’s learning journey. We use a combination of observation, self-assessment, and performance evaluations, aligning with the National Curriculum’s recommendations for varied assessment methods, as specified in the Assessment and Reporting arrangements (Reference: National Curriculum for England, Assessment and Reporting arrangements).
In aligning the Performing Arts curriculum with the National Curriculum for England, Leigh Academy Milestone is dedicated to providing students with an arts education that seamlessly integrates with the broader goals of their academic journey. Through this alignment, we aim to contribute to the holistic development of our students in accordance with the educational vision outlined in the National Curriculum for England.
Through drama, music, and dance, students will explore and enhance both verbal and non-verbal communication skills. This includes the use of body language, facial expressions, and voice modulation to convey emotions, thoughts, and ideas.
Collaborative activities and group performances provide a platform for students to interact with their peers, fostering social skills and building a sense of community within the classroom.
Performing arts offers a unique outlet for self-expression. Students will have the opportunity to explore and communicate their feelings, thoughts, and experiences through various artistic mediums.
Regular opportunities for public performance, both within the school community and beyond, will encourage students to build self-assurance, and develop a positive self-image, self-esteem and self-confidence.
Our curriculum incorporates multisensory activities that engage students in a holistic manner. This approach supports sensory integration, allowing students to explore and understand their environment through sight, sound, touch, and movement.
We provide adapted materials and tools to accommodate the diverse sensory needs of our students, ensuring that everyone can actively participate in the learning process.
Curriculum Components
Drama
- Role-Playing: Through role-playing activities, students will develop empathy, perspective-taking, and a deeper understanding of social dynamics.
- Storytelling: Creating and performing stories provides an avenue for imaginative expression and the development of narrative skills.
Music
- Rhythmic Exploration: Music activities focus on rhythm and movement, promoting coordination and motor skills.
- Expressive Sound: Students will experiment with various instruments and vocal techniques, discovering the joy of creating and expressing themselves through sound.
Dance
- Creative Movement: Dance classes encourage creative expression through movement, enhancing body awareness and control.
- Inclusive Choreography: Choreography is adapted to accommodate different abilities, ensuring that all students can participate and experience success.
Assessment
Our assessment methods are designed to be flexible, recognizing the individualised nature of each student’s learning journey. We use a combination of observation, self-assessment, and performance evaluations to monitor progress. Regular communication with parents and caregivers is an integral part of our assessment process, ensuring a collaborative approach to each student’s development.
In aligning the Performing Arts curriculum with the National Curriculum, Leigh Academy Milestone is dedicated to providing students with an arts education that seamlessly integrates with the broader goals of their academic journey. Through this alignment, we aim to contribute to the holistic development of our students in accordance with the educational vision outlined in the National Curriculum.
Through the arts, we aim to not only enhance communication skills and self-confidence but also to celebrate the unique abilities and potential within each student. By providing a platform for creative expression, we believe we can unlock new avenues for personal and social growth, ultimately preparing our students for a more connected and fulfilling future.
At Leigh Academy Milestone, the true measure of success lies in the transformative achievements our students attain through active participation in our Performing Arts curriculum. By engaging with drama, music, and dance, students embark on a journey that extends far beyond the classroom, fostering growth and development in various dimensions of their lives.
This includes:
- Communication Growth and Mastery – Through the immersive experience of verbal and non-verbal communication in drama, music, and dance, our students refine their expressive capabilities and work towards a mastery of communication in a way which is most appropriate for them. Over time, they gain the ability to articulate thoughts with clarity, express emotions with authenticity, and engage in meaningful dialogue with peers and educators. This newfound communicative prowess becomes a valuable asset in navigating diverse social environments.
- Self-Confidence Beyond Boundaries – The emphasis on performance serves as a catalyst for the development of self-confidence. Students learn to embrace their unique identities. The confidence they gain extends beyond the stage, influencing their interactions in academic settings, social situations, and, ultimately, their ability to face challenges with resilience.
- Sensory Integration and Understanding – Our commitment to multisensory activities and adapted materials goes beyond creating an inclusive environment; it nurtures a profound understanding of the world. Students develop heightened sensory awareness, allowing them to explore and comprehend their surroundings through sight, sound, touch, and movement. This holistic understanding enhances their ability to engage with and adapt to diverse experiences, fostering independence and self-reliance.
- Artistic Proficiency and Expression – In the realms of drama, music, and dance, students discover the artist within. They acquire a repertoire of creative skills, from role-playing and storytelling to rhythmic exploration and expressive sound. The ability to craft narratives, move rhythmically, and create expressive sounds empowers students to become proficient artists who can channel their thoughts, emotions, and experiences into powerful, tangible expressions that resonate with themselves and others.
- Collaboration and Community Building – The collaborative nature of our Performing Arts curriculum extends beyond the immediate classroom. Through group performances and shared artistic endeavours, students forge meaningful connections with their peers, building a sense of community and mutual support. This collaborative spirit not only enhances their social skills but also lays the foundation for a supportive network that extends into other aspects of their lives.
- Measurable Success Beyond the Stage – The impact of Leigh Academy Milestone’s Performing Arts curriculum goes beyond the applause of a performance. Students emerge not only as confident communicators and proficient artists but also as resilient individuals equipped with the tools to navigate the complexities of life. As they step into the world beyond our school, they carry with them a wealth of skills, a heightened sense of self, and the unwavering belief that they can overcome any obstacle on their path to success.
Theatre and Theatre Productions:
- Participation in inclusive arts festivals: Engage in regional or national inclusive arts festivals that celebrate creativity and diversity (Schools Shakespeare Festival)
- Showcasing student talents: Provide platforms within these festivals for students to showcase their talents.
- Local performances: Attendances to local theatres for specially adapted performances or relaxed performances catered to individuals with special needs.
- Backstage tours: Collaborate with local theatres to organise backstage tours, providing students with insights into the production process.
- In-School performances: Leigh Academy Milestone frequently hosts performances by local theatre companies, including In a Nutshell and Embracing Arts.
- Virtual performances: Access to virtual performances or interactive online workshops, providing exposure to a broader range of performances.
Music Concerts:
- Live performances: Attendance at or participation in live music concerts or performances, with consideration for sensory-friendly events (Leigh Festival)
- Musical workshops: Interactive workshops with local musicians or music educators, fostering hands-on experience with various instruments.
Dance Performances:
- Adapted Dance Performances: Participation in or access to adapted dance performances or performances.
Cultural Festivals:
- Participation in local festivals: Involvement in local cultural festivals that showcase performing arts and visual arts from different communities (eg: Dartford Festival of Light)
- Diversity celebrations: Opportunities to participate in events that celebrate cultural diversity through music, dance, and drama.
Performance & Creative Careers
- Performer – Act, sing, or dance in school, community productions, or local theatre groups.
- Voice Actor – Record voices for animations or audiobooks, often in a quiet, controlled space.
- Drama Workshop Leader – Help others explore acting through fun and structured activities.
- Creative Writer – Write simple stories, poems, or plays that could be shared or performed locally.
- Music Creator – Create soundtracks or explore music production with user-friendly software.
Support & Behind-the-Scenes Careers
- Stage Assistant – Help with props, costumes, or setting up small productions.
- Costume Assistant – support in creating simple costumes for performances.
- Set Builder – Assist in painting or assembling props and sets for productions.
- Lighting or Sound Technician – Operate equipment to enhance small performances with sound or light effects.
Therapeutic & Community Roles
- Drama Therapy Assistant – Support sessions that use drama to help people express themselves.
- Community Arts Facilitator – Organise or assist in fun, inclusive creative activities.
- Special Effects Makeup Artist – Learn simple techniques to create fun looks for performances.
Media & Communication Careers
- Social Media Content Creator – Share videos or posts about creative projects or performances.
- Radio Presenter or Podcaster – Create simple shows or discussions, using clear communication.
- Photographer or Videographer – Capture moments from plays or events for sharing with others.
These careers inspire creativity, teamwork, and practical skills while remaining accessible and encouraging independence and confidence.