About Smart Ways
We know that everyone has a mixture of talents together with things they find harder, and we pride ourselves on how we enable people to thrive, not only meeting but also surpassing their learning goals!
We differentiate our programmes to accommodate learners of the full ability range from level 1 to level 3. As a registered exam centre for RSL - we deliver music, performing arts and creative arts qualifications appearing in performance tables at Level 1,2 and 3 that have equivalency with GCSEs and A levels. Each core programme lasts approximately 14 hours per week spread over three or four days, with additional English and Maths Functional Skills where appropriate. New for September 2023, are our accredited sports pathways where it is possible to study sports at level. We also offer all students the option to include sport for fun and health, as part of the main programme.
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We are now recruiting students for 2025/2026! Please find information regarding THS and how to apply on a PDF of our brochure.
Music
What can you study?
When you study music with us you will have the opportunity to learn and develop your skills in a number of different areas such as instrumental skills, general musicianship, planning for a career in the industry and using a digital audio workstation. We can cater to all abilities and our varied and talented staff have a wide range of experience and expertise, with some even still working in the music industry today. Studying at Level 3 allows a clear pathway into studying music at university but it will also set you up with the skills for entering the music industry in a variety of different ways.
You will be learning things such as:
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Performance skills which can be applied to on stage performances
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How to improve on your instrument or even learn a new instrument by working with a tutor in bespoke lessons
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How to write and create your own music as on a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation)​
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Playing in a band - performing covers & writing original material​
At Tang Hall Smart we offer a Level 3 diploma in Creative Art and Design. This is a broad and exciting course, in which you will gain experience in a variety of disciplines, including 2D, 3D, garment production, creating digital graphics, video art, project management, understanding the creative process, portfolio development and concept development. You can also choose to study an elective unit in Creative and Performing Arts, such as masks and puppetry.
This diploma will equip you to move on to further creative study, such as an art foundation or university course in art, design, fashion or illustration.
At Level 1 and 2, we offer a blended arts programme, including makeup & prosthetics and masks & puppetry. These units of work combine with units delivered by our music and drama departments to form a Level 1 or 2 qualification. Thereafter, learners can advance to Level 3 study in either Creative Art & Design or Creative & Performing Arts
Art
You will be learning things such as:
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How to apply art into the real world by learning about the world of employment and self employment.​
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A variety of different skills from a range of different disciplines
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How to crossover with other creative arts such as using art to support music and drama
Drama & Dance
Drama and Dance sessions at Tang Hall SMART allows students to explore a range of subjects and themes through group and independent work. Sessions can be tailored to suit students strength in a subject, whilst also allowing them to explore new areas of theatre and dance they had not previously considered. Students can expect work to be very practically led with most sessions including rehearsal for a performance in one of our concerts, or a theatre/dance performance in the hall at the Burnholme centre. We often have guest speakers and workshops take place to help further enhance the knowledge and experience of our students. This paired with frequent trips around theatre venues that allows our students to have a well rounded experience of drama and dance, because it is not just about acting and dancing!
You will be learning things such as:
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Performance skills which can be applied to on stage performances
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Using improvisation, scriptwriting and performance skills to devise original pieces.
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How to plan for a career in the arts industry​​
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Backstage and theatre production
RSL Qualifications
We have been a certified RSL delivery centre since we started in 2014 and since then have been delivering music qualifications every year at Level 1 and 2. We added the full Level 3 Music Diploma in 2020, and from September 2021, we began delivering Level 1 and 2 Creative and Performing Arts, plus the Level 3 Art Diploma and now we offer qualifications in dance, drama and sports.
Gaining an RSL Qualification can help you to:
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Apply for University​
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Learn and apply real world skills in the creative arts industry
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Continue to build confidence
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Open doors for other qualifications and skills
Sport
We provide a range of different sports and fitness sessions and classes at SMART. Sports include Fustal, basketball, rounders, netball and cricket and these are delivered in a fun and safe environment using the Better Gym facilities just next to our centre in Burnholme. We also have access to the fantastic gym and fitness facilities. This allows our students to work towards qualifications in fitness and physical activities where students learn about the basics of working in the leisure industry.
You will be learning things such as:
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How to play a variety of fun sports​
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How to look after yourself and gain strength and stamina from fitness classes
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How to work in the leisure industry
Pastoral Care
Pastoral care is about supporting peoples social and emotional wellbeing and mental health. It is about how we support people at Tang Hall SMART. Our belief is in relationships, mutual respect, promoting wellbeing and personal development underpins everything we do. We believe in recognising talent and achievement and use accreditation and performance as a way of structuring and celebrating this. We work in a person centered way, working with each student as an individual. We recognise that everyone is equal and different with their own gifts and talents as well as having individual needs.
We support people in a variety of ways:
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1-1 wellbeing sessions
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Staff are always on hand to support students with any struggles
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We work closely with parents, carers and other professionals who are involved in working with students