As a Performing Arts Pathway student, we will teach you core performance skills.
Students on the Performing Arts Pathway will learn how to:
- Take part in performance.
- Develop characters.
- Develop design skills.
- Create props and scenery.
- Explore dance and musical techniques.
Through these experiences you will learn a range of Employability Skills:
- Creative interests.
- Imagination.
- Problem solving.
- Open mindedness.
- Confidence.
- Communication skills.
The skills you learn will support you in all aspects of your life. You will learn how to build stronger relationships on and off the stage, consequently increasing self-confidence and preparing you to manage social situations.
Learning takes place in both classroom and in performance areas of the college. The Performing Arts Pathway offers you a unique opportunity to showcase your talent for performing. Derwen College has studio and stage space which offer real-life performance opportunities.We will teach you relevant skills to gain performing Arts qualifications appropriate to your learning needs. These qualifications include:
- Agored Cymru Exploring Creative Industries – Entry 1 / Entry 2.
- Edexcel BTEC Award in Vocational studies – Entry Level 3 / Level 1.
Curriculum Overview
As well as learning performance skills, we will give you the opportunity to develop skills and gain confidence in other areas:
- Social situations – you will meet lots of different people on your learning journey. From peers and staff to members of public. Social situations will be part of your daily routine.
- Independence – as you learn new skills you will become more confident in working independently. The level of independence will be different for everybody.
- Reading – you may be reading performance instructions, messages on computers, or theatre programmes. Reading – at your level – will be embedded throughout your work.
- Writing – your written work may be through the use of Makatons symbols, creating performance programmes, or hand written diaries.
- Numeracy – you may be counting beats in music, numbers of props created or ensuring you have enough scripts for the cast. Numeracy will be embedded into sessions in a way that is unique to you.
In addition, you will have access to discrete maths and English sessions if it is recognised it will benefit you.
Core Performance Skills
Performing Arts students practice and develop essential performance skills. You will have the opportunity to work on a range of projects at Derwen College. This includes videos, dance and movement exploration, script work and theatre in education, Makaton sign song and dance, and much more!
Backstage
From costumes to make-up, scenery to props, and promoting a performing arts event you will have the opportunity to explore some of the design skills used in the field of performing arts.
It’s Show Time!
Each year students and guests enjoy watching shows put on by Performing Arts students. The Summer Show takes place on the day of the fete. Similarly, during the week before the Christmas holidays, the Christmas show entertains school children, parents, students and staff. Gain the experience of taking part in a performance as a performer, designer or in a technical role.
Work placements
As you progress through your course, you will have the opportunity to undertake internal work placements. Work placements give you the opportunity to do vocational jobs in a familiar environment before moving on to an external placement.
Derwen College has it’s own groups which regularly go out to perform at public events:
- DC NarraTours – touring storytelling group targeted for pre-school and nursery learners.
- Derwen On Tour (DOT) – our popular Makaton sign, song and dance group who entertain a wide range of audiences throughout the year.
- DC TIE – our theatre in education group that develops educational performance work. DC TIE allows opportunities to empower and investigate challenging situations.
- Derwen Dance Crew – our street dance group that compete at external events.
- Further internal work placements also include Theatre and Backstage Production.
We work closely with local businesses who provide external work placement, including:
- Theatre Severn
- Gobowen Playgroup
- Identity School of Dance
- Workshops and external performances.
- Bespoke work placements can be arranged for you if appropriate to your future plans.
Derwen on Tour (DOT)
You might have the opportunity to hit the road with Derwen on Tour (DOT). DOT offers exciting Makaton sign, song and dance performances and workshops. The group delivers workshop activities where students can explore Makaton through dance and movement.
Previous DOT tours include…
- The Skills Show.
- NATSPEC 30th anniversary.
- Oswestry and Welshpool Christmas lights switch-on.
- Awards evenings.
- Celebratory lunches.
- Specialist and non-specialist schools and colleges.
If you would like DOT to visit you and perform their sign, song and dance routine, please contact Jessie Vaughan on 01691 661234 ext 358. You can also email your interest to jessie.vaughan@derwen.ac.uk
See DOT performing locally throughout the year:
Things are a bit different with lockdown restrictions in place. As soon as we are able to we will update this page with our upcoming performance dates.
DC NarraTours
How to Apply
Further information can be provided by the Admissions Team on:
Tel: 01691 661234 ext 401 or Email: admissions@derwen.ac.uk
Keep up to date with Performing Arts on Social Media:
@dc_performing
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Follow us on Instagram! @performingarts_dc
