At the Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts (PQA), we pride ourselves on taking an innovative and fresh approach to teaching performing arts. One way we do this is through Project-Based Learning. Rather than following the herd with our teaching, we embrace this dynamic approach, which is perfectly suited to our classes in musical theatre, comedy and drama, and filmmaking—and it comes with some amazing benefits!
Project-Based Learning is a hands-on teaching approach that encourages critical thinking and active involvement. Students are given a theme or concept to explore, culminating in a performance or show-back. This makes learning more engaging and gives students a deeper understanding of their craft, while also fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
At PQA, our projects are designed to be both challenging and fun. Students can dive into a theme and explore it from multiple angles. With a broad range of projects and titles, ranging from an ‘Immersive Alice in Wonderland Experience’ to ‘Musicals on Film’ through to ‘Stand-up Comedy’ and everything in between, students get to explore different aspects of the performing arts and use their ideas and creativity to bring these projects to life for all kinds of different audiences.Project-Based learning also helps students develop vital life skills such as problem-solving skills, how to collaborate effectively and how to work as a team. These kinds of life skills are crucial in today’s world, where teamwork and good communication are highly valued in the workplace. By working on projects together, students learn to listen to different viewpoints, negotiate, and reach a consensus, helping develop these all-important skills.
Hands-on, active learning is far more engaging than traditional methods. Supervised by expert teachers, our projects allow young people to explore topics that are relevant and interesting to them, which keeps them engaged and motivated. PQA students get to explore themes and ideas that they feel passionate about or find personally meaningful. This helps students remain enthusiastic about learning and proud of what they create and achieve.
Take Halloween, for example. In a filmmaking class, students might be tasked with creating a short spooky film. Using a single prop, two locations, and six lines of dialogue, they work together to storyboard, write, act, and film their masterpiece, supported by their teacher. The result? A fun and fulfilling process that culminates in a celebratory screening at one of our annual film showcases.
Feedback is a key part of the process. Students receive constructive input from teachers and peers throughout the project, encouraging them to reflect, adapt, and improve. This approach shifts the focus from simply ‘getting it right’ to understanding the journey of learning. It also encourages students to think critically about their work and strive for improvement.
By giving students more control over their projects, we create an environment where they can explore at their own pace and focus on what excites them most. This personalisation means that no two PQA classrooms are ever the same, as our approach accommodates students of all ages and abilities. The only limitations are the imaginations of our students, which are limitless!
At PQA, we use Project-Based Learning because we believe it is transformative. It deepens students’ understanding of the performing arts, sharpens critical thinking, and builds collaboration skills, all while preparing them for real-world challenges. Most importantly, it’s fun! It celebrates creativity, skill, and imagination—everything we believe performing arts should be about.
To learn more about our learning approach, click here.
