Expressive Arts
Expressive Arts Faculty
Welcome to Expressive Arts at Ysgol Bryn Alyn
"Creativity is seeing what others see and thinking what no one else ever thought."
Albert Einstein
At Ysgol Bryn Alyn, the Expressive Arts Faculty is a vibrant and inclusive learning community where creativity, confidence and communication flourish. Through Art, Dance, Drama, Media Studies and Music, students are encouraged to explore, experiment and express themselves while developing the knowledge, skills and dispositions needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Our curriculum is built around the principles of the Curriculum for Wales and nurtures ambitious, capable learners who are ready to contribute creatively and confidently to society. We provide engaging practical experiences that inspire curiosity, promote wellbeing and develop resilience. Through performance, production, design, composition, analysis and reflection, students learn to communicate ideas, solve problems, collaborate effectively and celebrate individuality.
The faculty prides itself on providing outstanding opportunities both inside and outside the classroom. Whether performing on stage, creating digital media, exhibiting artwork, composing music or choreographing dance, our students are challenged to think creatively, take risks and strive for excellence.
Regardless of starting point, background or circumstance, every learner is supported to develop their talents, recognise their potential and achieve success. Through high-quality teaching, enrichment opportunities and strong links to careers, we empower students to pursue lives of choice, opportunity and fulfilment.
Our Vision
An Expressive Arts learner at Ysgol Bryn Alyn:
Is creative, curious and imaginative.
Demonstrates resilience, independence and self-belief.
Develops confidence in communication and performance.
Appreciates diverse cultures, perspectives and artistic traditions.
Uses creativity to solve problems and respond to real-world issues.
Reflects upon and evaluates their work to improve outcomes.
Collaborates respectfully with others.
Develops the skills needed for further education, employment and lifelong learning.
Through Expressive Arts, learners become innovative thinkers, effective communicators and valuable contributors to their communities.
Meet the Team
Our dedicated specialist teachers are passionate about nurturing creativity and helping every learner achieve success.
Faculty Staff
Amanda Noon - Head of Expressive Arts - Drama/ Media
Tristan Humphreys - Second in Faculty - Music
Victoria DaSilva - Art
Bethan Evans-Lea - Dance
Together, the team provides expertise across Art, Dance, Drama, Music and Media Studies whilst creating an inspiring environment where students can develop their talents and achieve their ambitions.
Subjects Within Expressive Arts
Our faculty combines five exciting and interconnected disciplines:
Art & Design
Students investigate, experiment and create using a range of materials, techniques and processes. They explore drawing, painting, printmaking, textiles, photography, mixed media and digital art while developing their own artistic identity.
Drama
Drama develops confidence, creativity and communication through performance, devising and theatre-making. Students explore a wide range of theatrical styles, practitioners and performance techniques.
Dance
Dance encourages learners to express ideas through movement. Students develop performance, choreography and appreciation skills while enhancing creativity, fitness, teamwork and confidence.
Music
Music allows students to perform, compose and listen critically. Learners develop instrumental, vocal and digital music skills while exploring a variety of musical genres, cultures and traditions.
Media Studies
Media Studies develops learners' understanding of how media products are created, consumed and interpreted. Students analyse, create and evaluate digital content using industry-standard approaches and technologies.
Curriculum Journey
Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9)
Our Curriculum for Wales programme develops creativity, critical thinking, communication and personal effectiveness through a series of exciting enquiry questions.
Term 1
Year Group | Theme | Enquiry Question |
|---|---|---|
Year 7 | Foundations | How can we entertain and engage an audience? |
Year 8 | Structure | How do artists structure their work? |
Year 9 | Exploration | How can I apply creative ideas to my work? |
Term 2
Year Group | Theme | Enquiry Question |
|---|---|---|
Year 7 | Imagination | How can I develop my artistic skills? |
Year 8 | Culture | How has culture influenced Expressive Arts? |
Year 9 | Reflection | Who am I as an artist? How do artists create meaning? |
Term 3
Year Group | Theme | Enquiry Question |
|---|---|---|
Year 7 | Identity & Belonging | What if I experiment with...? |
Year 8 | Symbolism & Interpretation | How can artistic styles and techniques produce meaning? |
Year 9 | Innovation | How can different styles and mediums be used to create meaning? |
Throughout KS3, students experience all five disciplines whilst developing the integral skills of creativity and innovation, critical thinking and problem solving, personal effectiveness, and planning and organisation. Opportunities to develop literacy, numeracy and digital competence are carefully embedded across the curriculum.
Key Stage 4: Creative and Performing Arts Pathway
At KS4, students can specialise through a range of qualifications designed to prepare them for further study, apprenticeships and careers within the creative industries.
Students can study:
WJEC GCSE Art & Design
Learners build a portfolio showcasing experimentation, refinement and personal creative outcomes through drawing, painting, photography, textiles and mixed media approaches.
WJEC GCSE Drama
Students develop performance, devising and theatre analysis skills through practical exploration and written evaluation.
WJEC GCSE Dance
Learners create, perform and analyse dance, developing technical ability, creativity and performance confidence.
WJEC GCSE Music
Students perform, compose and appraise music through practical and theoretical study, developing both creative and technical musical skills.
WJEC Creative Media, Film and Digital Pathways
Students explore media industries, digital production and film-making, creating professional-quality media products while developing highly transferable digital skills.
Across all qualifications, students develop:
Creativity and innovation
Communication skills
Technical expertise
Critical thinking
Collaboration
Digital literacy
Project management
Self-reflection and evaluation
These qualifications provide excellent progression routes into A Levels, vocational qualifications, apprenticeships and careers in the creative sector.
Enrichment Opportunities
Enrichment is a cornerstone of Expressive Arts at Ysgol Bryn Alyn.
Students have opportunities to participate in:
Whole-school productions
Performance showcases
Theatre visits
Dance performances
Art exhibitions
Music concerts
School bands and ensembles
Eisteddfod competitions
National Theatre projects
Into Film competitions
Professional workshops
Industry visits
International educational visits
Creative clubs and societies
These experiences build confidence, leadership, teamwork and cultural awareness while inspiring future aspirations.
Careers in Creative Industries
The creative industries are one of the fastest-growing employment sectors in the UK.
Our subjects open pathways into careers including:
Art & Design
Fine Artist • Illustrator • Architect • Graphic Designer • Photographer • Animator • Fashion Designer • Product Designer • Museum Curator • Art Therapist
Drama & Theatre
Actor • Director • Stage Manager • Playwright • Drama Teacher • Theatre Technician • Producer • Arts Administrator • Drama Therapist
Dance
Professional Dancer • Choreographer • Dance Teacher • Musical Theatre Performer • Movement Director • Community Arts Practitioner
Music
Performer • Composer • Songwriter • Music Producer • Sound Engineer • Music Teacher • Recording Engineer • Live Events Technician
Media Studies
Film Director • Video Editor • Broadcast Journalist • Content Creator • Social Media Manager • Marketing Executive • Games Designer • Web Designer
Cross-Faculty Careers
Film and Television Production
Games Development
Virtual Reality Design
Creative Marketing
Digital Media Production
Broadcasting
Festival and Event Management
Arts Management
Creative Entrepreneurship
Cultural Heritage and Museums
Why Study Expressive Arts?
Expressive Arts develops highly desirable lifelong skills including:
Creativity and innovation
Communication and presentation skills
Teamwork and collaboration
Leadership
Problem solving
Critical thinking
Organisation and project management
Resilience and confidence
Digital competency
Independence and self-reflection
These skills are valued by universities, employers and apprenticeship providers across all sectors.
Homework and Independent Learning
Key Stage 3
Students complete a collective Expressive Arts project each half term through our Curious Mind programme.
Projects may involve:
Performance and theatre-making
Design and visual arts
Photography and media creation
Music research and listening
Creative challenges linked to house competitions
These activities encourage curiosity, independence and creative exploration beyond the classroom.
Key Stage 4
Students are expected to complete at least one hour of independent study each week.
Tasks may include:
Rehearsal and performance preparation
Coursework and portfolio development
Creative experimentation and refinement
Examination revision
Research and analysis
Digital media production
Regular independent study helps students maximise achievement and prepare effectively for assessment.
Dream. Reach. Achieve.
The Expressive Arts Faculty at Ysgol Bryn Alyn provides students with inspiring opportunities to create, perform, communicate and innovate. Through outstanding teaching, exciting experiences and a commitment to excellence, we help every learner discover their creative potential and develop the confidence to shape their future.
