The Expressive Arts curriculum embodies personal expression, cultural understanding and creative responses to our world. Learners cultivate creativity and learn how to communicate their ideas, thoughts and feelings through imagination, play and practice. We aim to engage, inspire and challenge students, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to experiment and invent. Our goal is to enable learners to refine their craft, hone their skills and flourish as confident and accomplished artists, musicians, actors and dancers.
Art
Art provides a means to engage with and understand the world, to explore and express ideas in relation to it. Learners develop knowledge and understanding of art, craft and design in historical and contemporary contexts, societies and cultures. Art builds the confidence and resilience to be purposeful and innovative in decision making, how-to problem solve, design and take risks in order to develop artistic skills through the experimentation of media, processes and techniques. Learners are encouraged to seek questions, to be curious and actively engage in their creative process to develop as independent learners and reflective thinkers with inquisitive minds.
Drama
Kings Academy Drama department aims to provide a playful, positive environment in which to experience a challenging curriculum, encouraging its students to “hold…the mirror up to nature.” Learners will develop knowledge and understanding of historical and contemporary contexts, societies and cultures to engage with and gain a stronger understand of the world the inhabit and to explore and express ideas in relation to it. Throughout the curriculum our students will have time to develop their technical skills and constructive knowledge as well as the freedom and opportunity to develop their own individual dramatic expression. Our extra-curricular provision supports the curriculum through a range of ensemble groups and clubs giving students the opportunity to develop their skills outside of the classroom. In addition to this, students will gain an awareness of the industry and its related careers so that they can make informed choices for their own futures.
Music
Kings Academy Music Department aims to provide a supportive, encouraging, and challenging curriculum to all students. The curriculum aims to tap into the enthusiasm that teenagers have for music through a range of topics that are relevant to them, reflecting their own musical interests, as well as introducing them to new musical styles and cultures. Throughout the curriculum our students will have time to develop their technical skills and constructive knowledge as well as the freedom and opportunity to develop their own individual musical expression. Our extra-curricular provision supports the curriculum through a range of ensemble groups and clubs giving students the opportunity to develop their skills outside of the classroom. In addition to this we want students to have an awareness of the music industry and its related careers so that they can make informed choices for their own futures.
Photography
Photography provides a means to engage with, and understand, the world, to explore and express ideas in relation to it. Learners develop knowledge and understanding of Photography in historical and contemporary contexts, societies and cultures. Photography builds the confidence and resilience to be purposeful and innovative in decision-making, how to problem-solve, design and take risks in order to develop artistic skills through the experimentation of media, processes and techniques. Learners are encouraged to seek questions, to be curious and actively engage in their creative process in order to develop as independent learners, and reflective thinkers with inquisitive minds.
Textiles
The Textiles Department at Kings of Wessex aims to provide a supportive, engaging, and challenging curriculum for all students. We encourage students to explore their creativity, build confidence, and develop their technical skills through a range of projects that tap into their interests and reflect the diverse world of textiles. Our curriculum introduces students to techniques and styles from different cultures and historical periods, inspiring them to explore and express their own ideas. Students are encouraged to experiment, take creative risks, and embrace challenges, helping them build resilience and independent problem-solving skills. We offer extra-curricular opportunities like clubs and workshops, where students can further develop their skills, collaborate, and gain practical experience outside the classroom. We also aim to build awareness of the textiles and design industries, so students can make informed choices about future pathways and careers.