AS/A2 Level Expessive Arts
'The secret of life is in art.' Oscar Wilde. The aim of Expressive Arts is to deliver a broad arts curriculum through dedicated and knowledgeable teaching to enthusiastic committed students. Through this teaching, the students will develop an understanding of the different arts specialisms, a healthy analytical approach to all aspects of performance, and knowledge of the historical and social contexts of practitioners. Although a practical course, practitioners in three specialisms; dance, drama and Expressive Arts will be studied in depth. Teachers in each specialism will work closely to deliver a well constructed timetable where the specialisms complement each other. Throughout the course, students will not only study performance contexts but they will be given the opportunity to explore the arts and spiritual, moral, social and cultural issues in a unique, hands on way. The practical demands of the course include numerous extra-curricular activities. To work with students in this environment strengthens the team and gives the students a sense of responsibility and commitment. These skills are vital for individual character development and maturity. By the end of the courses, the students will have developed their knowledge and understanding of the arts and learned to appreciate all arts forms. They will have gained accreditation through various avenues including GCE AS and A level in the areas of Expressive Arts, Expressive Arts Technology, theatre studies, drama ,dance, GNVQ Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced in Performing Arts and or a Vocational GCE A level ( AVCE ) in Performing Arts. With options for full and single awards. ‘Creating Our Future – A Quest For Excellence’ We are now entering a new and exciting era for the school as a whole with a renewed purpose for everyone involved with West Cumbria Catholic Sixth Form Centre, the direction of the school applying for Engineering College Status has given a new purposefulness to all our work and endeavours. In terms of Expressive Arts, dance, drama and all the performing, creative and expressive arts, the overall aim is to further establish West Cumbria Sixth Form Centre as a ‘Centre of Excellence’ with the highest possible reputation for its standards and achievements. Departmental Aims/Philosophy In line with all the existing Development Plan, Budget Submission and related departmental documentation, the overall aims of the Expressive Arts Department at West Cumbria Catholic Sixth Form Centre continue to be for all students to achieve the highest possible standards within the subject areas whilst developing a personal enjoyment, appreciation, respect and understanding of Expressive Arts in all its cultures, forms, styles and genres. In addition, the philosophy of the department is to strive to incorporate as much cross-curricular experience as possible where this involves the highest levels of practical, ‘hands-on’ participation and embrace the core issues and initiatives with regard to ICT (Information Communication Technology), literacy and numeracy whilst allowing for as wide a differentiation of student standards and abilities as possible. I Kirby February 2002
