Performing Arts is a huge part of King Ethelbert. Throughout our departments we have the clear vision of creating and fostering lifelong interest in, and passion for, Performing Arts.

KES Music Department is a busy and thriving area of the school with many opportunities for rehearsal and performance throughout the year. We have a fantastic group of visiting music teachers who provide top class instrumental tuition to many of our students and a wide range of bands and ensembles for students to join.

Dance has been a driving force within King Ethelbert School for many years enhancing the school experience for many.

What we offer at KS3/4/5

In Key Stage 3 pupils will be able to experience music, dance and drama through the curriculum, gaining a strong foundation of all three disciplines both practically and theoretically. Pupils will learn and improve their technical, physical and expressive skills, whilst exploring a diverse and varied array of practitioners’ work, styles and genres. Ultimately enabling them to gain an appreciation for the performing arts and a strong awareness for its cultural benefits.

Music

At Key Stage 3 students are given the opportunity both to learn about music from a variety of different angles, and to try their hands at a range of musical instruments including keyboards, guitars, drums and more! This allows every student the chance to consider music as a possible exam subject later in his or her school career.

Dance

At Key Stage 3 pupils will experience dance within the PE curriculum, allowing all students to access dance training in performance and choreographic skills. This will cover a variety of dance styles but focuses increasingly on the use of creative movement to show meaning, thus allowing all pupils to access and engage the content.

Qualifications at KS4 and KS5

At Key Stage 4 we offer a range of BTEC and GCSE options covering all areas of performing arts, and at Key Stage 5 we offer both a BTEC Level 3 in Performing Arts, along with IB options in Theatre Studies, Dance and Music.

Music

Our Key Stage 4 students study for the BTEC Tech Award in Music Practice covering and building on a wide range of musical skills. Students rehearse and perform pieces and songs from right across the musical spectrum as well as composing and arranging their own music.

Dance

At Key Stage 4 we offer GCSE Dance, allowing pupils to further develop their skills from Key Stage 3. This covers advanced performance skills (physical, technical and expressive), a deeper understanding of and ability to choreograph, along with a developed appreciation of professional dance works through the Dance Anthology, which includes a culturally diverse range of dance works.

Extra curricular activities in the Performing Arts Department

Performing Arts

In addition we offer a huge wealth of extra curricular opportunities including school and community performances, shows, trips, clubs, instrumental and performing art (Trinity) examinations, productions, practitioners, workshops, Cabaret weeks and more! We also love working with a number of other departments on exciting projects, such as, our Dance and Creative Arts Show, which fuses dance and photography/art and design, and our stunning work with our English department and the Royal Shakespeare Company. We also pride ourselves in the use of local and creative venues for our performances, beyond the school campus, which has included local theatres, landmarks, tourist sites etc. This allows pupils to gain a far deeper appreciation for the performing arts and fosters their professionalism and commitment.

Music

KES LIVE is our flagship annual performance at which students from all year groups are given the opportunity to showcase their talents and to build their confidence through live performance. Along with many other performance opportunities throughout the year this is a great chance for our bands, guitar ensembles, choir, jazz band and others to show off the great work they do throughout the year!

Dance

Whilst we offer an extensive range of wider opportunities within dance, our main performance is our Dance & Creative Arts Show, which we hold annually at the Theatre Royal in Margate. We are incredibly lucky to have a professional live band to accompany our talented pupil singers and dancers, and choose a different theme each year to push our own creativity, previous choices have included the 90s, metal and Day of the Dead.