About the Faculty

The Faculty of Performing Arts consists of two departments; Music and Drama.

Music

The Music Department consists of two teaching rooms, a music ICT suite, recording studio and two practice rooms. Each room is equipped with a variety of musical equipment including keyboards and percussion instruments. The Music ICT suite is extremely well resourced with Apple Mac computers and some of the most up to date music software.

Key Stage 3 (Years 7-8)

At Key Stage 3, pupils have one weekly lesson. The curriculum is designed to provide pupils with the opportunity to study a variety of musical styles from different cultures and develop skills in performing, composing and listening.

Key Stage 4 (Years 9-11)

At Key Stages 4 pupils have the option to follow one of three pathways. This varied curriculum is designed to allow pupils to succeed whatever their musical ability. The majority of pupils study the BTEC First Certificate which is equivalent to two GCSEs A*-C. This course is 100% coursework where pupils complete assignments based on music technology and the music industry. Some of our more talented students follow a different curriculum and study either traditional GCSE Music or the BTEC First Diploma which is equivalent to four GCSEs A*-C.

Key Stage 5 (Post-16)

At Key Stage 5, pupils study the BTEC National Award in Music Technology. During the course pupils learn how to create a CD of professional quality and learn about different aspects of the music industry.

There are plenty of opportunities for pupils of all abilities to take part in extra curricular activities. St Thomas Aquinas hosts local Area Band rehearsals. These take place on Thursdays after school and pupils from our partner primary schools are invited to attend. We also have a successful choir which features boys and girls in all Key Stages.

The school also provides a range of instrumental tuition. Pupils who receive free school meals or study Music in Key Stage 4-5 are entitled to free instrumental tuition. We currently have pupils learning drums, violin, flute, clarinet, saxophone, piano, trumpet and guitar. Singing lessons are also available and if a pupil expresses an interest in learning an instrument other than those currently available, we will do our best to make arrangements for tuition with Birmingham Music Services

Drama

Drama lessons take place in a purpose built Drama studio, which is situated in the Performing Arts Faculty.

Key Stage 3 (Years 7-8)

In Key Stage 3, pupils develop key skills such learning how to perform in front of others and from a script. They also learn how to devise their own performances using different Drama techniques. Pupils study a variety of genres such as Physical Theatre, Horror and Comedy. Group performances of Roald Dahl “The Witches” and the famous children’s film, “Bugsy Malone” are particularly popular with our pupils.

Key Stage 4 (Years 9-11) & Key Stage 5 (Post-16)

At Key Stages 4 and 5, Drama is an increasingly popular option choice and examination results are one of the faculty’s key successes. 'A' Level performances are outstanding and always of a professional standard.

Drama pupils are encouraged to participate in performances and trips to the theatre. 'A' evel pupils regularly go to see plays in Stratford and Birmingham. We also like to allow our younger pupils the opportunity to experience professional theatre productions. Some of our recent trips have been to London to see 'Wicked' and 'Blood Brothers'.

Our most recent school production was of 'The Way It’s Meant to Be' and provided our pupils with the opportunity to perform at the Crescent Theatre in Birmingham.

Faculty Team

Head of Faculty:
Miss M Cutler

Head of Drama:
Miss M. Morgan

Other teaching staff:
Mr A. Weekes