What Performing Arts look like at Leigh Academy Milestone
“We leave our limitations at the drama studio door…”
In the Green Room, The Woodville, March 2024, A Midsummers Night Dream, Phase 3 Festival entry
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.
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.
Social Interaction Building Self Confidence Sensory Integration
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.
Adapted Curriculum
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.
Latest News
Module 2: Performing Arts overview
Phase 3 Christmas production: ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas and all through the Academy’
At the end of Module 2, Phase 3 proudly presented their 2025 Christmas drama production in the form of a film, offering a fresh and engaging adaptation of ’Twas the Night Before Christmas’. Students across the Phase rehearsed their devised pieces with our drama teacher, Keren, exploring how a classic narrative could be reimagined through performance. Their work was carefully captured on film by music teacher Jack, who edited, and shared with students across the Phase, as well as parents and carers at a special screening. The finished film was a huge success and clearly showcased the students’ growing mastery of characterisation, choreography, vocal projection, physicality and stage presence. Each performer brought festive characters to life with confidence and creativity, using expressive movement, clear vocal delivery, and thoughtful ensemble work to enhance the storytelling and bring warmth, humour, and magic to this much-loved Christmas tale.
Module 3: Performing Arts overview
Phase 4 : ASDAN – Performing Arts
Meanwhile, students in Phase 4 are devising a bespoke performance as part of their ASDAN Performing Arts Challenge. They are currently creating an original script that tells a story through collaborative musical theatre numbers, all carefully chosen by the students themselves. This project places creativity, teamwork, and self-expression at its heart, allowing students to take ownership of both the narrative and musical elements of the performance. The final piece will be showcased at our Milestone@Wilmington Academy satellite in the summer term and promises to highlight the students’ creativity, confidence, and commitment to performance.
Much Ado About Nothing – 10 March 2026
Phase 3 students at Milestone@Sir Geoffrey Leigh Academy will be undertaking Milestone’s entry in the Coram Shakespeare Festival this year as part of their drama curriculum. This will be the fifth year that Milestone students have followed this programme and wowed audiences at a performance at a professional venue. Following a formal audition process, students are currently rehearsing their adapted version of the comedy Much Ado About Nothing, developing and honing their performing arts skills. Through this process, students are building confidence, refining character choices, and developing an understanding of Shakespearean comedy, timing, and relationships, while making the text accessible and relevant. The production will be staged on 10 March 2026 at The Woodville Halls Theatre, Gravesend, where students will have the exciting opportunity to perform alongside other local schools, celebrating collaboration, ambition, and high-quality performance. Watch this space for rehearsal updates.
Macbeth – The Island of Ambition – 14th March 2025
Leigh Academy Milestone phase 3 students are currently in rehearsals for the Shakespeare Festival 2025 at The Woodville, Gravesend. Below you can see our rehearsal updates to see what we are getting up to in preparation for our performance!
Milestone at Wilmington pupils shine in their magical performance of Wizard of Wilmington – 16th July
On the 16th of July, Wilmington Academy proudly presented Wizard of Wilmington, a vibrant and [...]
Jul
Rehearsal Update 3: Phase 3 Shakespeare Festival Update
Excitement is building as the final countdown begins for the highly anticipated Phase 3 Shakespeare [...]
Feb
Rehearsal Update 2: Macbeth – The Island of Ambition
Date: 7th November 2024 Location: Drama Studio Phase 3 Performing Arts with Choreographer: Preparing for [...]
Nov
IB Learner attributes demonstrated through appreciation of the Arts at Leigh Academy Milestone
The IB learner attributes align well with our goals for Performing Arts and provide great indicators for personal and social development. By integrating these IB learner profile attributes into our Performing Arts learning, students develop holistically, gaining not just artistic skills but also essential life skills that prepare them to be thoughtful, engaged, and compassionate individuals beyond the academy.
- We are Inquirers – Our Performing Arts curriculum encourages our students across the Phases to explore, ask questions, and delve into different perspectives. In drama, students investigate human behaviour, emotions, and situations, fostering a deep curiosity and a love for learning.
- We are Knowledgeable – Through engaging with different artistic forms, students build knowledge about various cultures, historical contexts, and human experiences. Drama, for example, often involves studying scripts, characters, and settings from diverse times and places, enriching their understanding of the world.
- We are Creative Thinkers – The creative process in the arts requires critical thinking and problem-solving. In drama, students analyse characters, plot structures, and thematic elements, which fosters thoughtful interpretation and decision-making.
- We Communicate consistently through our practice – Drama and the arts are all about communication, whether verbal, non-verbal, visual, or auditory. They provide students with tools to express themselves clearly and effectively and to understand and appreciate others’ expressions. Being a Total Communication learning environment this is critical to student progress and success.
- We are Principled – Engaging in the arts often involves ethical considerations, such as portraying characters respectfully, understanding the impact of stereotypes, and dealing with sensitive subjects. This helps students develop a strong sense of integrity and fairness.
- We are Open-minded – The arts expose students to diverse perspectives and cultures, helping them appreciate and respect different viewpoints. Drama, in particular, requires empathy as students step into the shoes of others, fostering open-mindedness.
- We are Caring – Drama and the arts nurture empathy and compassion by allowing students to explore and express emotions. Through understanding characters and stories, students develop a deeper sense of care and responsibility towards others. Our drama code of conduct instils a caring and safe environment for ensemble practice.
- We are Risk-takers – we feel the fear and do it anyway! Creating and performing in the arts often involves stepping out of one’s comfort zone. Whether it’s performing on stage or experimenting with a new artistic technique, the arts encourage students to take risks and embrace new challenges.
- We are Balanced in our approach to performance and Expressive Art – The arts contribute to a well-rounded education, helping students balance intellectual, physical, and emotional development. Engaging in artistic activities can be a vital part of achieving personal well-being and balance.
- We are Reflective learners – The process of creating art or performing in drama involves continuous reflection. Students consider their work critically, think about their experiences, and learn from both successes and challenges.
By integrating these IB learner profile attributes into drama at Leigh Academy Milestone, students develop holistically, gaining not just artistic skills but also essential life skills that prepare them to be thoughtful, engaged, and compassionate individuals.