the arts at scwa

ART

Art is a leveller for many students. It allows them a platform from which to voice their opinions and express their concerns on important subjects. At SCWA it is our intention to foster our students’ inquisitiveness of the world around them, to challenge them to consider other people’s point of view and to support them in expressing themselves through visual means.

We have created a curriculum that allows for a gradual progression from years 7-13. The MYP curriculum, whilst developing students practical skills across a wide range of materials and processes, also allows them to see the importance of Art within society and the wider world. We want students to share our respect and passion for what art stands for and the important contribution that it makes to so many people’s lives. We have incorporated problem solving activities to develop self confidence and a sense of perseverance. Our projects use recall and retrieval to firmly establish knowledge and understanding and to prepare the students to continue to follow the subject for GCSE and A Level.

The beauty of Art as a subject is that there is no definite right and wrong and this provides students with a sense of freedom to explore various subjects that are relevant in today’s society. Art has healing properties; it is therapy to some and can help us to overcome or deal with difficult situations.

At SCWA we feel passionately about Art’s place on the curriculum to help to provide a full and balanced learning experience for the student. We support and encourage the students cultural awareness and their ability to communicate their ideas and feelings around given themes. We offer opportunities for students to enter competitions and positively promote the future career possibilities associated with studying Art. The aim of the Art department at SCWA is to help to create inquisitive,independent learners with an empathy towards others and the world in which they live.

DRAMA

“Theatre is a form of knowledge; it should and can also be a means of transforming society. Theatre can help us build our future, rather than just waiting for it.” – Augusto Boal

Drama is a popular subject at the academy that students enjoy (Drama survey November 2022) and hosts many events during the year for students at SCWA to  partake in. Drama and Theatre Studies is taught by specialist teachers that are passionate about their subject and aim to teach in innovative ways. They aim to encourage students to work imaginatively and creatively in a collaborative context.

Resources:

• 2 fully equipped large black box studios with sound and lighting
• Traditional theatre space with full lighting and sound set-up
• Two large Ipads
• A variety of stage blocks and staging
• A range of costumes and props
• Multiple sets of Trestle masks

Workshops and Shows:

Throughout the year, the Drama Department  organises a range of trips and workshops, such as trips to the West End and vitiging companies such as Splendid, Punchdrunk and Up Front Theatre. Through these events, students learn about the world, and social issues from the past and present, ensuring our students have every opportunity to improve their cultural capital.

Drama Challenge: Try to find a job or career that does not heavily rely on the skills developed in Drama. You will be surprised to see that there are not many: which is why we strongly believe in the importance and power of Drama and Theatre!