Performing Arts

The Performing Arts play an important role in the social and emotional development of our students. The personal skills and qualities developed – teamwork, empathy, leadership and risk-taking – are invaluable, transferable skills that permeate home life, social life and, importantly, work life.

In all areas of Performing Arts study, our key aim is to focus on the Three P’s: Preparation, Practice and Performance. This simple structure allows students to forge a lifelong skill set that enhances both their academic and working lives. The Performing Arts promote self-esteem and give every student a sense of achievement, regardless of academic ability – and at FIC we offer a range of opportunities for all students to perform to audiences of parents, carers and friends of the College community.

Areas of Study

subject our approach
Public Speaking (all students) Speaking confidently empowers our students – in school, in further education and in any situation they may face. Lessons encourage critical and logical thinking, research and memorisation, covering presentation technique, interview technique, reciprocal learning, debating and performance. Teaching is carefully structured for students with English as a second language as well as first-language speakers, challenging every young person to think on their feet and communicate with poise and professionalism.
Dance (all students) A powerful, expressive form of non-verbal communication, whatever a student’s previous experience. Dancers develop movement memory – a transferable skill that assists revision and organisation – along with the perseverance, resilience and determination that physical learning demands. Students collaborate through design in space, explore cultural traditions and genres from around the world, and use choreographic devices such as unison, canon and travelling patterns – building memory, problem-solving and sequencing skills alongside flexibility, musicality, spatial awareness, coordination, strength and balance.
Music (all students, with greater depth at KS3) Music is taught through three areas of study: Listening, Composing and Performing. Projects range from world music – African drumming and Samba – through popular styles such as Reggae, Brit-pop and rhythm and blues, to advert and film music created with music technology. With a strong emphasis on the elements of music and creativity, most half-termly projects are approached through practical compositions in small groups, building determination and teamwork while fostering a sense of rhythm and melody and nurturing musical talent.
LAMDA (optional) We also offer LAMDA (London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art) examinations – internationally recognised, graded qualifications in communication and performance that build confidence, clear expression and stage presence, with students working towards formal exams at their own level. Full details of the course can be found on our dedicated LAMDA page.
Arts Award (optional) A national qualification designed to inspire young people to grow as artists and arts leaders, whatever their level, ability or background. The project is teacher-led and student-driven: learners are supported by a trained Arts Award adviser acting as assessor, facilitator and mentor, with a lesson structure that adapts to individual progress. Students are encouraged to explore their curiosity, experiment with ideas, and document their creative journey in a portfolio of evidence – building confidence and life skills that support education and future employment.

subject our approach

Public Speaking

(all students)

Speaking confidently empowers our students – in school, in further education and in any situation they may face. Lessons encourage critical and logical thinking, research and memorisation, covering presentation technique, interview technique, reciprocal learning, debating and performance. Teaching is carefully structured for students with English as a second language as well as first-language speakers, challenging every young person to think on their feet and communicate with poise and professionalism.

Dance

(all students)

A powerful, expressive form of non-verbal communication, whatever a student’s previous experience. Dancers develop movement memory – a transferable skill that assists revision and organisation – along with the perseverance, resilience and determination that physical learning demands. Students collaborate through design in space, explore cultural traditions and genres from around the world, and use choreographic devices such as unison, canon and travelling patterns – building memory, problem-solving and sequencing skills alongside flexibility, musicality, spatial awareness, coordination, strength and balance.

Music

(all students, with greater depth at KS3)

Music is taught through three areas of study: Listening, Composing and Performing. Projects range from world music – African drumming and Samba – through popular styles such as Reggae, Brit-pop and rhythm and blues, to advert and film music created with music technology. With a strong emphasis on the elements of music and creativity, most half-termly projects are approached through practical compositions in small groups, building determination and teamwork while fostering a sense of rhythm and melody and nurturing musical talent.

LAMDA

(optional)

We also offer LAMDA (London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art) examinations – internationally recognised, graded qualifications in communication and performance that build confidence, clear expression and stage presence, with students working towards formal exams at their own level. Full details of the course can be found on our dedicated LAMDA page.

Arts Award

(optional)

A national qualification designed to inspire young people to grow as artists and arts leaders, whatever their level, ability or background. The project is teacher-led and student-driven: learners are supported by a trained Arts Award adviser acting as assessor, facilitator and mentor, with a lesson structure that adapts to individual progress. Students are encouraged to explore their curiosity, experiment with ideas, and document their creative journey in a portfolio of evidence – building confidence and life skills that support education and future employment.