The Performing Arts department offers a wide variety of extra-curricular programmes. All pupils will be given every opportunity to develop their skills and talents via the curriculum and extra-curricular courses. 

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. 

We must all do theatre – to find out who we are, and to discover who we could become.' Augusto Boal 

At Newfield we believe that the benefits of receiving a drama education from specialist teaching staff are immense. 

The identity and purpose of drama is tailored to our students and community.  

We believe that drama should be practical, immediate and engage the emotions as well as the intellect. It develops social skills, personal confidence, and talents which may be transferred to any subject or future profession.  

At GCSE, our students are assessed on drama as a craft for nationally recognised qualifications and many may wish to further pursue the study of performance. Therefore we teach our students how to create, perform and respond to theatrical works. 

At Newfield we believe that striking a balance between knowledge and application is key to students achieving their potential as performance practitioners.  

Music  

'Music can name the unnameable and communicate the unknowable.' Leonard Bernstein 

Students' lessons are focused on learning about music through performance, composition and listening and appraising skills. There is an emphasis on understanding music, musical literacy; reading notation, being familiar with  pieces of music from a broad range of musical styles, for example western classical, traditional music and popular musical styles. 

Opportunities for students to be able to hone and develop the practical aspects of performance and composition are a key feature in music lessons at Newfield. Lessons also ensure that students have the ability to understand how the development of life skills, such as confidence, self-awareness, perseverance and discipline give them a holistic experience that they can take beyond their musical studies. 

The department also have a number of visiting peripatetic teachers, whom offer individual lessons (cello, brass*, piano / keyboard, singing, electric and acoustic guitar, bass guitar, and drum kit*). Lessons are available through both Sheffield Music Hub (*), as well as accredited instrumental teachers.  

Performing Arts Principles 

• Build confidence and creativity in every student.  
• Foster a love of both performance art and dramatic literature, current and past, familiar and un-familiar, mainstream and avant-garde. 
• Create a love of music, through a balance of performance, composition and listening and appraising, through sequenced lessons that build upon student’s musicianship and musical knowledge.  
• Develop the skills of students in being able to create, perform and respond to drama through classroom activities that integrate these experiences and skills in a wide range of contexts and for a wide range of purposes. 
• Develop the skills of students in being able to create, perform and respond to a wide variety musical styles. 
• Improve students’ abilities to solve problems and make decisions within the context of their work, and to develop the ability to work together collaboratively. 
• Enable students to acquire musical knowledge and skills on a variety of instruments, including voice, keyboards, drumming, guitars and ukuleles.  
• Provide a wide range of performing opportunities for those of all abilities in and out of curriculum time.  
• Provide opportunities for students to gain a nationally recognised qualification at the best standard possible. 
• Every student to be the best creative practitioner they can be.  

Extra-Curricular 

There are regular weekly activates within the performing arts department each week. These include BTEC rehearsals, theatre company rehearsals as well rehearsals for productions, African drumming, choir, jazz band. There is also opportunity for students to use the department as a space to practice before, and after school time. This enables students to work independently or within small groups developing their knowledge of music further still.    

In a nutshell:  

1. To build confidence and creativity in every student.  
2. Develop the skills of students in being able to create, perform and respond within the performing arts.  
3. Every students to be the best creative practitioner they can be.