Creative Arts

Drama

The Drama department has been judged as “outstanding” by recent Ofsted and HMI inspections. Drama is
taught throughout all year groups. Many of our students perform extremely well at GCSE and A Level and this reflects the outstanding teaching and learning that takes place.

The department put on a number of small performances throughout the year, they are performed in one of our three fully equipped Drama studios. The school play this year was High School Musical. Over 80 students ranging from Year 7 through to Year 10 performed in front of over 1000 people - to great acclaim.
 

Art

Many and varied displays of students’ art work are an exciting feature of the school environment. Sculpture, pottery, photography, painting and drawing, collage and mixed media pieces are formally exhibited during the year. Specialist art rooms provide a stimulating atmosphere in which students can explore ideas and develop their talents.

Students stage final exhibitions of their work as part of their GCSE and A Level examinations. Parents and friends are invited to these occasions which prepare students for art college and the many careers in the art world.
 

The department works hard to include crosscurricular links within project work. It has developed links withoutside agencies for GCSE projects and competitions to build a framework of work related learning.

A Level students frequently visit exhibitions and galleries as part of their course. The department continues to provide enrichment opportunities across all year groups and areas of study.

Technology Highlights

In Year 9 students spend two lessons per week in the Design Technology workshops, they can also spend extra time in afterschool enrichment sessions. Students have the opportunity to research and study interior design; this includes skills in design, computer graphics, graphic presentation and making with wood, metal and plastics.

Year 10 students are expected to design and make a range of graphic products and are encouraged to develop a range of graphic skills for use in Year 11. Students gain experience and confidence by using ICT and information sources to design, present and ‘model’ various ideas. Many different materials can be used in designing and making. Graphic materials such as paper, card, foam board and modelling materials are available.

Year 11 students will solve problems and needs through design. They will investigate, analyze, suggest a range of ideas and solutions, model, make and test/evaluate prototypes. The course builds on the foundations laid in KS3.

Year 11 Resistant Materials groups are given the opportunity to work with silver as part of their final
project coursework. They have the option to design jewellery either to be worn on a fashion catwalk or
as gift items for a sportswear chainstore.

Music

The excellence of Music at Crown Woods is well known. The department aims to develop the aesthetic awareness of students both in lessons and through the extensive extra-curricular music programme. On joining Crown Woods students are encouraged to continue with or take up individual tuition on an instrument of their choice. Fifteen visiting instrumental teachers provide tuition weekly. Instruments can  be supplied and there is a charge for individual lessons. Throughout Years 7 - 11 Music is taught through first-hand practical experience, with all students actively composing, performing and listening. GCSE and A Level Music are offered. The Music Department places a strong emphasis on public performance and there are many opportunities for participation in informal and formal concerts.