Phoenix Performing Arts Academy

St Mary’s has a number of Academy Programmes that provide opportunities for sixth form students to participate in high quality programmes and gain experience in a range of specific subjects to support career aspirations or leisure interests. (Please see the relevant website pages for more information about each Academy programme).

Students in Years 7 to 11 access parts of Academy programmes to support their aspirations and career pathways as well as provide challenge and extension activities.

Sixth form Academy students are expected to coach and mentor younger students as part of their commitment to the Academy. Sixth form students have to balance their academic studies with their Academy skills training and activities and remain part of the Academy programme only if they study well and uphold the high standards expected of them.

Phoenix Performing Arts Academy

The Performing Arts Academy offers a programme to support career or personal interests in the Performing Arts, Drama, Music, and Dance. Ms Deborah King is the Phoenix Academy Lead. Involvement in the Academy includes opportunities to participate in school performing arts events and productions, receive tutoring in singing or a musical instrument and to access Performing Arts accreditations such as LAMDA and London School of Music (LSM) examinations. Students are also supported to participate in experiences outside of school with local performing arts companies so that they can access professional performances and productions. Students will also be involved in outstanding showcases and be invited to be part of a range of high quality performance opportunities.

Our Phoenix Performing Arts Academy provides a unique opportunity for those who have a natural talent or passion for Drama, Music and/or Dance to combine sixth form academic study with a programme of Performing Arts enrichment.

This allows students to develop a personal portfolio of technical and practical experiences that strengthens curriculum vitae and personal performance portfolios. Participation in Performing Arts Academy activities particularly supports personal skill development such as public speaking and performance confidence.

Students on the programme are able to:

• Combine a personalised curriculum with specialist Performing Arts enrichment
• Access a range of performing arts qualifications including A level Theatre Arts, BTEC Level 3 in Performing Arts, LAMDA Dance qualifications & Vocal and Instrumental qualifications
• Participate in a wide range of performing arts activities such as stage shows, plays, choirs, bands, showcase reviews, vocal and instrumental coaching
• Gain performing arts industry experience in the form of external auditions, backstage tours, work experience, trips and visiting tutors