Performing Arts
At TOAN we recognise the importance of music and drama as enriching and educational activities that benefits our students culturally, socially and academically.
Music
TOAN has a brand new and very well-equipped Music department, including a large classroom equipped with 15 iMac computers, two practice rooms and a recording studio. Pupils will study on a rotation basis where at KS3 they will be studying about the Elements of Music, Working as an Ensemble and Music for Cartoons.
Elements of Music:
Pupils will learn about the basics and building blocks of music. Pupils will study using percussion and tuned percussion instruments and there will be many opportunities to perform individually, as a group and as a class during lessons.
Ensemble Skills:
Pupils will learn the basic skills of how to rehearse and perform as an ensemble. Pupils will learn how to play various instruments such as Piano, Ukulele, Singing and Drums to perform a popular song in small groups.
Music for Cartoons:
Pupils will use software called GarageBand to learn about how music affects the atmosphere of a video. Pupils will use clips from various cartoons and learn how to build atmosphere and tension using the software. Pupils will also learn about the importance of sound effects and timing.
Drama
The academy has its very own theatre, housing specialist sound and stage lighting equipment. This is where lessons take place, allowing our students to rehearse and perform in a professional environment. KS3 students have fortnightly drama lessons where they will study drama skills and techniques. The KS3 drama curriculum is closely linked to English and so it is in their drama lessons that students can bring the plays that they study in English to life, thus help to aid understanding.
At KS4 we follow the Eduqas Drama GCSE. Students are given the opportunity to develop their appreciation of drama as actors, designers and directors. Students develop a wide range of key skills and an understanding of the intentions of theatre practitioners through the use of practical work and carefully selected texts. Students are able to concentrate on areas of drama which best suit their ability and skills such as acting or design and all students participate in exam performances of their work.
Clubs
Pupils have the opportunity to be involved in many music clubs such as Guitar Club, Choir, Rock Band and Music Tech Club, with the chance to perform around school whenever possible. The clubs are open to all year groups, and provide an opportunity to learn different styles of music and performance.
Drama and dance clubs are open to all students interested in acting and dancing. In drama we study and rehearse plays from a range of playwrights and genres – students have recently rehearsed Teachers by John Godber and created a devised performance about the Holocaust. Currently rehearsals are underway for a performance of the musical ‘We Will Rock You’.
Personal Music Tuition
At TOAN we want to ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn a musical instrument and can make progress in music. Personal tuition is available to all students
and is heavily subsidised by the academy. Interested students can receive string, percussion, woodwind, guitar, keyboard and vocal lessons. Weekly lessons take place in the academy, and are led by specialist teachers from Oldham Music Service. Once signed up students receive an instrument which they can take home to practice.
Performance Opportunities
Students frequently perform at whole academy and community events. Each year we hold a celebration performance in dance, drama and music performed to the whole academy.
Our GCSE drama students perform their exam pieces to student audiences, and our performing artists have even been requested at community events including a police swearing in ceremony held at TOAN.
Theatre Visits
Students are also invited to attend live theatre performances.
Recent highlights include Blood Brothers, the English National Ballet performance of Giselle at the Manchester Palace Theatre, The Woman in Black at The Lowry and more locally, ‘Up ‘n’ Under’ at Oldham Coliseum.