Curriculum Allocation
Performing Arts is taught for one 100 lesson per fortnight.
Curriculum Period 1: Script Work – ‘Blood Brothers’
Curriculum Overview
In this curriculum period, students will begin an exciting introduction to Willy Russell’s iconic musical Blood Brothers, a powerful and emotionally charged story exploring themes of class, family, fate, and identity.
Students will engage with the text through guided reading and discussion, focusing on key aspects such as plot development, character relationships, thematic content, and the social and historical context in which the play is set. Special attention will be given to understanding how Russell uses character and dialogue to convey powerful messages about society and inequality.
To deepen their engagement and bring the script to life, students will also take part in a series of practical drama activities. These tasks will support comprehension and interpretation of the text by encouraging students to experiment with voice, movement, characterisation, and blocking, helping them to fully understand the emotional weight and theatricality of the musical.
This blended approach—combining analytical reading with active exploration—supports a range of learning styles and lays a strong foundation for more detailed performance or design work in later units.
Assessment
Students will complete an online written assessment to demonstrate their understanding of the play so far. This assessment will cover key areas of learning from lessons and homework, including character analysis, plot knowledge, and contextual understanding.
Curriculum Period: Script Work - ‘Blood Brothers’
Curriculum Overview
In this curriculum period, students will continue their study of Willy Russell’s Blood Brothers, deepening their understanding of the text through a greater emphasis on practical exploration and performance.
Building on their initial reading and analysis, students will now focus on bringing the characters and scenes to lifethrough rehearsal and performance-based tasks. They will examine how vocal delivery, movement, facial expression, and interaction between characters can communicate meaning and emotion to an audience. This phase encourages students to engage with the material on a personal level, exploring the emotional depth, tension, and social themes embedded within the text.
As the unit progresses, students will be guided in selecting a monologue or duologue from the play that resonates with them. They will then work to rehearse, refine, and prepare this extract for performance, applying both their analytical understanding and performance skills.
This unit supports the development of confident communication, interpretation, rehearsal discipline, and the ability to make independent artistic choices—all essential tools for any young performer.
Assessment
Students will complete a practical performance assessment, presenting a workshop performance of a selected monologue or duologue from Blood Brothers. This will assess their ability to interpret character, convey emotion, and apply performance techniques in a focused and meaningful way. The assessment encourages both creativity and discipline, while providing students with a platform to showcase their individual strengths.
Curriculum Period 3: Devising from a Stimulus
Curriculum Overview
To conclude their Key Stage 3 journey in Performing Arts, students will take on an exciting and creatively challenging devising project, allowing them to apply everything they have learned throughout their studies in a fully student-led performance.
At the start of the unit, students will be presented with a selection of five diverse stimuli—these may include images, quotes, pieces of music, short texts, or current events—designed to inspire original ideas and provoke imaginative thinking. Working in groups, students will select one stimulus and use it as a springboard to create, develop, and rehearse an original devised piece.
Students will be given the freedom to choose the style, structure, and genre of their performance, whether it be naturalistic drama, physical theatre, abstract performance, or a mixed-media approach. This encourages individuality, creativity, and ownership of the work. Throughout the process, they will refine essential skills such as collaboration, time management, problem-solving, and performance technique.
The devising process will involve a range of activities including brainstorming, improvisation, scripting, rehearsal and feedback, and students will be encouraged to experiment, take risks, and explore bold theatrical choices. This unit not only consolidates their knowledge and skills from previous units but also supports their transition into further study in the Performing Arts at Key Stage 4.
Assessment
Students will complete a two-part assessment:
Practical Performance – A group performance of their original devised piece, demonstrating their ability to work collaboratively, respond creatively to a stimulus, and communicate meaning effectively through performance.
Written Evaluation – A reflective written task in which students will evaluate their creative process, assess their individual and group contributions, and consider the strengths and areas for development within their final performance.
This final unit celebrates students' progress across Key Stage 3 and provides a platform for them to express their creativity, confidence, and passion for performance.
Subject advice and guidance
If you need any further guidance, then please contact Mrs Black via email:
leanne.black@endon.set.org