Performing Arts

At Portfield, our Performing Arts offer includes opportunities for pupils to explore their talents and develop their skills in dance, drama and music. Please see the Performing Arts Calendar of the year below to find out what opportunities happen when at Portfield.

Our dance curriculum (Real Dance) provides pupils with a strong foundation in various dance styles, technique and choreography. Pupils will develop discipline, coordination, and self-expression through structured learning.

In 2025, the whole school took part in Sky Arts Week where we came off our usual timetable to explore drama, dance, music, story-writing and visual arts in more detail. This was a fantastic week which brought children together as a whole school and gave children the opportunities to learn new skills and succeed in different ways. 

Beyond the curriculum, we offer a range of extra-curricular activities. Pupils can take part in many experiences listed below:

• shows and productions: previous KS2 productions include shows such as The Lion King Jr, The Greatest Showman and Oliver. Early Years children perform a Christmas nativity every year and KS1 children sing to parents and the public as part of their topic outcomes.

• dance performances: Years 5-6 have the opportunity to audition for Dance House which involves performing at a professional theatre alongside other schools. This is a fantastic experience to build technique and confidence in performing. Years 2-3 can take part in an after-school dance club during the Spring and Summer terms and work towards a performance - this has been recently at the Dance Studios at Chichester University.

• Rocksteady music performances: Children involved in Rocksteady learn an instrument as part of a 'rock band' and practice a well-known song together. They get the chance to perform to parents/carers in a termly rock concert.

• Big Sing events: a select group of KS2 children perform at Big Sing events alongside other primary schools - these are led by a West Sussex Music singing teacher. Children learn a set of songs to perform collectively and prepare a song to sing as part of a performance. This experience enthuses the children in their love of singing by introducing them to different genres and songs and develops their singing technique.

• Individual music lessons: We have a music teaching company in school on Tuesdays and Wednesdays called Inclusive Music and Movement. Parents/carers can sign up for their child to take part in individual or paired lessons in piano or guitar. 

At Portfield, we offer a wide range of performing-arts related clubs across the year. These involve: Choir, Musical club for KS2 children in preparation for the Christmas musical, Dance House, Year 2/3 Dance Club. We believe that participation in the performing arts fosters confidence, teamwork, and communication skills, which can benefit pupils in all areas of their life. We encourage all pupils to explore the opportunities available within our Performing Arts offer.