The Arts
The Arts at Marland School
Marland School recognises and values the opportunities that the Arts can present to both personal and academic development. Although great importance is placed on the visual arts, with regular timetabled lessons for all students, other areas are explored throughout the curriculum in lessons, workshops and also in activities outside of the normal school day.
The school offers a range of Art-based activities from Drama and Music workshops with outside practitioners to Art and Craft workshops with practicing artists and local organisations. Students have the opportunity to get involved in all aspects of the Arts with various visits and trips out to organised events through local theatres and galleries. Qualifications range from Arts Award Bronze in Music to BTEC Art and Design and GCSE Art & Photography
Art Subject
Students look at a wide range of art work including designers and local crafts people. There are opportunities for group off-site workshops or to visit artists in different areas of the subject including graffiti, printing, pottery and painting.
The Art room is purpose built and well resourced. Students learn drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture, photography and printmaking techniques as part of the National Curriculum at Key Stage 3.
At Key Stage 4 they specialise in their own preferred medium with the opportunity to gain qualifications at different levels including GCSE and BTEC.
A selection of images taken by students during an afternoon photography session using the Art room’s Nikon D70
Students developing screen print skills to make landscape prints onto cotton
Drama & Performance
“Drama is life with the dull bits cut out” Alfred Hitchcock
Drama forms part of the curriculum at Marland School throughout different lessons in order to encourage self-confidence in our students, particularly in the ability to communicate verbally and non-verbally. This can be through acting out scenes from a play during an English lessons to role-playing in a Humanities lesson. Through drama-based activities, students are encouraged to develop an appreciation of social, cultural and historical differences and at the same time develop an understanding of the ways in which people work together.
Students have also have the opportunity to develop their Drama and Performance skills further with structured workshops open to all age-groups. These are run by local practitioner, Rob Pudner and have been a huge success with all involved.
At various stages of KS3 & 4 students have the opportunity to participate as the audience at different Drama-based performances. These include, more recently, a pantomime performance by Rob Pudner and his team of actors and occasional performances at Queens Theatre, Barnstaple.
Students who express an interest in music or a particular instrument have the opportunity to attend workshops delivered by WREN Music, a group of practicing musicians who visit the school on a weekly basis.
Extra-curricular music sessions are provided after school where students have access to mixing and computer-based equipment as well as guitar and drums. Students are encouraged to play in different social situations and a number of staff who play in bands share their expertise with informal lessons.
We strongly believe that music training extends and enhances the mental faculties of young people.