Exam Board: AQA

Type of course: GCSE

How is the course assessed?  

Component 1 = 60% portfolio (Course work

Component 2 = 40% externally set assignment (examination

What topics / units will you study? 

Years 10 and 11:                                                                                                                                           

• Component 1: You will cover the following themes/topics: Cells & Bacteria, Identity and The Sea. You will develop ideas and cover the 4 assessment objectives through research into contextual studies around a theme and produce supporting explorations which can include drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics, mixed media, textile media, digital media and 3-D media.                                          
• Component 2: Will be set by the exam body in Year 11 and this is followed by a 10 hour exam to produce your final outcome.

How to be successful                                                                                                                               

If you have a genuine passion for art, and you enjoy being creative and exploring different materials, processes and techniques, then this is the course for you!  All artistic abilities are welcome on this course. Studying Art & Design develops deep thinking skills as well as enriching personal development in terms of skill, understanding and appreciation of arts and culture. Art & Design complements the more academic subjects as it can help pupils focus and express their ideas creatively in a wide variety of ways.  

                                                                                                                                                                                                            What extra-curricular activities are there?                                                                                              

• After-school Art Club                                                                      
• On-site artist taster days                                                                                                           
• Trip to Art Gallery/museum in Year 10 or 11                                                                           
• Art Exhibitions to showcase your work

What opportunities does this qualification help you to have?

This GCSE is important for anyone wishing to study the subject after Year 11, including A Level: Art & Design, and Photography, Vocational courses including: Art, Design & Media or Art & Design.    

These courses should be studied by anyone aiming for a career in: Graphic Design, Photography, Fashion and Costume design, Games Design, Merchandising, Interior Design, Video / Digital editing, web design, an illustrator or fine artist.

Art & Design is a highly regarded and useful subject that can lead to many creative careers, but also enhances a learner’s aptitude for whatever career path they choose          

                                                                                                                                                                                                             Who can you speak to for more information or if you have any questions?  

You can speak to Miss. A. Baines in 1Ar1 

Type of course: Music Btec Level 1 / Level 2 First Award in Music.

Exam Board: Pearson

How is the course assessed?

Components One and Two are Internally Assessed. This means that they are marked by your teacher.

Component Three is Externally Assessed by Pearson Examiners.

Your assessments will take place in exam conditions during lessons - there is no ‘one-off’ exam paper in the traditional sense. The BTEC requires you to complete work consistently throughout Year 10 and Year 11. When required to work in groups, you will be assessed based on your contribution and learning journey. 

What topics/units will you study?

Component 1 - Exploring Music Products and Styles (30%)

You will take your Component 1 exam in February of Year 10. You will research and learn to play five styles of music. You will practically explore the key features of different styles of music and music theory and apply your knowledge and understanding to developing your own creative work.

Component 2 - Music Skills Development (30%)

You will specialise in at least two of: Music Performance, Creating Music, Music Production. You will learn how musicians share their work and collaborate with others, and develop your skills as a musician in using blogs, Youtube and Soundcloud etc. to share your work and skills development with others.

Component 3 - Responding to a Music Brief (40%)

You will develop and present an original creation based on a piece from a given list and a style from a choice of four. For example, you might re-write a song by Oasis as a House Music track, using the key features of House Music. You will then present this as a solo or group performance, an audio recording or a Digital Audio Workstation project. You will also consider how your skills and interests make you suitable for the specific music sector opportunity.

How to be successful:

You should enjoy music and have an interest in this subject.

• Listen to a wide range of music.
• Attend gigs and concerts.
• Take part in extra-curricular music activities
• You should be willing to work hard and consistently, as this is part of the assessed criteria to pass units.
• You must be able to work well in a group and contribute ideas, as this is part of the assessed criteria in units.

You should have an interest in computers, technology, recording and music production as this makes up a large part of the course. You do not need to play an instrument or sing.

What extra-curricular activities are there?

• Musical performances
• School productions
• Supporting with lighting and sound for school shows
• Recording studios
• Trips to see live music
• Theatre trips
• Working with professionals
• Recording and editing

What opportunities does this qualification help you to have?

As well as learning musical skills and about the music industry the BTEC & GCSE course will allow you to build confidence and show your commitment by completing extended pieces of coursework. The BTEC lets you explore your interest in music and provides you with a range of versatile skills that are transferable across many professions. It will help you to develop teamwork and creativity, which are desirable skills in the job market. BTEC & GCSE music will show employers you have a wide range of interests and skills and demonstrate that you have shown dedication and commitment to learning.

College courses connected to this subject include  BTEC Music Level 3, Music A-Level, or Music Tech, and Performing Arts. This could lead to a degree in Music, Music Technology, Business and Management, Media or Sound Engineering.

Careers associated with BTEC & GCSE Music might be: Music studio engineer, Sound designer, Composer,Performer and Venue manager, Producer, Manager, Music Journalist, Music Teacher, Tour Manager, Marketing or Agent.

What opportunities does this qualification help you to have?

Both Music GCSE and Music BTEC would help you follow the courses/employment opportunities listed below in the future.

Or visit the BTEC Specification: https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/BTEC-firsts/music-2013-nqf.html

How will this course help you get employment?                                                                               

As well as learning musical skills and developing as a musician, the GCSE allows young people to build confidence and show their commitment by attending rehearsals and practising. The GCSE music course develops your appreciation for music and provides you with a range of versatile skills that are transferable across many professions. It helps young people develop teamwork and creativity. GCSE music will show employers you have a wide range of interests and skills and well as demonstrate that you have shown dedication and commitment to learning. GCSE music can help with confidence and performance skills needed in situations such as employment interview.

Who can you speak to for more information or if you have any questions?

Mr. M. Asher in 0Mu1 or Miss. A. Jewitt in 0Mu2 

Type of course: GCSE Music

Exam Board: AQA

How is the course assessed?

• Performance: (30%) Two performances lasting a total of 4 minutes. One solo performance and one ensemble performance.
• Solo performance - This can be a vocal singing or playing any musical instrument. You will be expected to play an instrument to grade 2 - 5 standard. Ensemble Performance - This again can be a vocal performance or playing any musical instrument. This will be played with at least one other live instrument.
• Composition: (30%) Two compositions, one composition to a brief set by the exam board and one free own choice composition. The total duration of both compositions should be 4 minutes.
• Brief composition - This is a composition set by the exam board. You will compose a piece of music using the elements of music to create a composition for a specific purpose.
• Free composition - this is your own choice of composition. You can compose in any style for any event or audience. You will use the elements of music to create a composition.
• Listening Exam: (40%) One exam lasting 1h 30 min. You will listen to music and answer a range of questions about the music that you will have studied throughout the course. This will be based on the areas of study. Western Classical Tradition, Popular Music, Traditional Music. This exam takes place at the end of Y11.

What topics/units will you study?

• Solo Performance
• Ensemble Performance
• Composition
• The Basics - Elements of Music
• Aos 1 - Western Classical Tradition 1650 - 1910
• Aos 2 - Popular Music
• Aos 3 - Traditional Music
• Aos 4 - Western Classical Music since 1910

What trip/activities will you be involved in?

• Musical performances, school productions and concerts
• Trips to see and perform live music and theatre trips

How to be successful:

• You must be able to play an instrument or sing (or dedicated to learning to play an instrument) contribution to home learning, as this is essential.
• Listen to and appreciate a wide variety of music in different genres. Practice your instrument regularly (this is ongoing homework) and attend lessons in music with specialist instrumental teachers.
• Attend lessons in music with specialist instrumental teachers
• Have an interest in music and want to learn the theory behind the notes
• Be creative and enjoy expressing yourself (expect to be asked to perform during lessons)
• Playing in an ensemble / Band attending an extra-curricular music club

 What extra-curricular activities are there?

• Musical performances
• School Bands
• School Choir
• Guitar / piano / drumming clubs
• Steel pans

What opportunities does this qualification help you to have?

• Vocational music courses
• A Level music
• BTEC Level 3 music awards
• A Level  music technology

What opportunities does this qualification help you to have?

As well as learning musical skills and about the music industry, the BTEC & GCSE course will allow you to build confidence and show your commitment by completing extended pieces of coursework. The BTEC lets you explore your interest in music and provides you with a range of versatile skills that are transferable across many professions. It will help you to develop teamwork and creativity, which are desirable skills in the job  market. BTEC & GCSE music will show employers you have a wide range of interests and skills and demonstrate that you have shown dedication and commitment to learning.

College courses connected to this subject include BTEC Music Level 3, Music A-Level, or Music Tech, and Performing Arts. This could lead to a degree in Music, Music Technology, Business and Management, Media or Sound Engineering.

 Careers associated with BTEC & GCSE Music might be: Music studio engineer, Sound designer, Composer, Performer and Venue manager, Producer, Manager, Music Journalist, Music Teacher, Tour Manager,                 Marketing or Agent.

What opportunities does this qualification help you to have?

Both Music GCSE and Music BTEC would help you follow the courses/employment opportunities listed below in the future.

Or visit the BTEC Specification: https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/BTEC-firsts/music-2013-nqf.html

How will this course help you get employment?                                                                               

As well as learning musical skills and developing as a musician, the GCSE allows young people to build confidence and show your commitment by attending rehearsals and practising. The GCSE music course develops your appreciation for music and provides you with a range of versatile skills that are transferable across many professions. It helps young people develop teamwork and creativity. GCSE music will show employers you have a wide range of interests and skills and well as demonstrate that you have shown dedication and commitment to learning. GCSE music can help with confidence and performance skills needed in situations such as interviews.

Who can you speak to for more information or if you have any questions?

Mr. M. Asher in 0Mu1 or Miss. A. Jewitt in 0Mu2 

Exam Board: AQA

Type of course: GCSE

How is the course assessed?

• A practical which includes a performance worth 30% of GCSE (40 marks -15 marks for set phrases and 25 marks for duet/trio performance)
• Choreography 30% of GCSE (40 marks)
• Total component 60%
• Written examination of 1 hour 30 minutes (80 marks)
• Total component 40% of GCSE

What topics/units will you study?

• Performance and Technique
• Choreography
• Dance Application

How to be successful

• Attend theatre, dance or musical performances.
• Listen to and watch a wide range of different performances   
• Develop confidence and techniques of acting, dancing, singing and musicality

What extra-curricular activities are there

• School productions
• Trips to see live music/ dance / theatre performances
• Theatre trips
• Workshops

What opportunities does this qualification help you to have?

College courses connected to this subject include BTEC Performing Arts Level 3, Music A-Level, Theatre and Performing Arts. This could lead to a degree in Music, Theatre, Dance or other relevant subject. Careers associated with BTEC Music might be: Performer, Composer, Playwright, Choreographer, Venue manager, Producer, Manager, Performing Arts, Journalist, Music, Dance or Drama Teacher, Tour Manager.

How will this course help you to get a job?

As well as learning dance skills, the GCSE also offers the opportunity to build your confidence, show your commitment by attending rehearsals and practising to become a team worker/leader and having a creative approach to situations.

Who can I speak to for more information or if I have any questions?                                                               

Any member of staff in the dance department

 

Exam Board: AQA

Type of course:   GCSE

How is the course assessed?      

• 1 written examination 1 hour 45 minutes 40%
• 1 non-examination assessment — practical exploration of a stimulus and performance with portfolio 40% 1 performance of two extracts from a published play 20%

What topics / units will I study?

• Section A: Knowledge and understanding of drama and theatre including, theatre roles and responsibilities, area of the stage and stage configurations
• Section B: Study of Blood Brothers as the set play text
• Section C: Live Theatre Review: analysis and evaluation of a live theatre performance

How to be successful

• You should enjoy drama and theatre and have a passion for performance, whether performing or watching.
• Watch as much theatre as possible - whether online or in person
• Take part in extracurricular drama activities
• You should be willing to work hard and consistently in order to develop your practical skills.
• You must be able to work well in a group and contribute ideas, as this is part of the assessed criteria in units.

What extracurricular activities are there?

• Drama Performances
• School productions
• Supporting with lighting and sound for school shows
• Theatre trips
• Working with professionals and workshops

What opportunities does this qualification help you to have?

The skills you will develop throughout the course will not only equip you for courses within the arts but give you an array of life skills to deal with other opportunities that you may wish to pursue, e.g. confidence, cooperation, leadership, communication, thinking and idea development.

Some post-16 courses and Degrees that Drama is a fantastic gateway into include:

• English Literature/Language A-Level, Drama and Theatre Studies A-Level, Level 2 in Performing and Production Arts - Events Production, BTEC Extended Diploma in Performing Arts, Media Studies
• A-Level
• BA Hons Acting, BA Hons Drama and Theatre Studies, BA Hons English Literature, BA Hons Film and Media Studies

Who can I speak to for more information or if I have any questions?              

Mr Asher in 0Mu1, Miss Jewitt in 0Mu2 or Miss Siddiqui in 1Dr

Exam Board: AQA

Type of course: GCSE

How is the course assessed?

Components One and Two are Internally Assessed. This means that they are marked by your teacher.

Component Three is Externally Assessed by Pearson Examiners. 

Your assessments will take place in exam conditions during lessons – there is no ‘one-off’ exam paper in the traditional sense. The BTEC requires you to complete work consistently throughout Year 10 and Year 11. When required to work in groups you will be assessed based on your contribution and learning  journey.  

What topics/units will you study?

Component 1 – Exploring Music Products and Styles (30%) 

You will take your Component 1 exam in February of Year 10. You will research and learn to play five styles of music. You will practically explore the key features of different styles of music and music theory and apply your knowledge and understanding to developing your own creative work.

Component 2 – Music Skills Development (30%)

You will specialise in at least two of: Music Performance, Creating Music, Music Production. You will learn how musicians share their work and collaborate with others, and develop your skills as a musician in using blogs, Youtube, Soundcloud etc to share your work and skills development with others.

Component 3 – Responding to a Music Brief (40%)

You will develop and present an original creation based on a piece from a given list and a style from a choice of four. For example, you might re-write a song by Oasis as a House Music track, using the key features of House Music. You will then present this as a solo or group performance, an audio recording or a Digital Audio Workstation project. You will also consider how your skills and interests make you suitable for the specific music sector opportunity.

How to be successful:

• You should enjoy music and have an interest in this subject.
• Listen to a wide range of music.
• Attend gigs and concerts.
• Take part in extra-curricular music activities
• You should be willing to work hard and consistently, as this is part of the assessed criteria to pass units.
• You must be able to work well in a group and contribute ideas, as this is part of the assessed criteria in units.
• You should have an interest in computers, technology, recording and music production as this makes up a large part of the course. You do not need to play an instrument or sing.

What extra-curricular activities are there?

• Musical performances
• School productions
• Supporting with lighting and sound for school shows
• Recording studios
• Trips to see live music
• Theatre trips
• Working with professionals
• Recording and editing

What opportunities does this qualification help you to have?

As well as learning musical skills and about the music industry the BTEC will allow you to build confidence and show your commitment by completing extended pieces of coursework. The BTEC lets you explore your interest in music and provides you with a range of versatile skills that are transferable across many professions. It will help you to develop teamwork and creativity, which are desirable skills in the job market. BTEC music will show employers you have a wide range of interests and skills and demonstrate that you have shown dedication and commitment to learning.

College courses connected to this subject include  BTEC Music Level 3, Music A-Level, or Music Tech, and Performing Arts. This could lead to a degree in Music, Music Technology, Business and Management, Media or Sound Engineering.

Careers associated with BTEC Music might be: Music studio engineer, Sound designer, Composer, Performer and Venue manager, Producer, Manager, Music Journalist, Music Teacher, Tour Manager, Marketing or Agent.

What opportunities does this qualification help you to have?

Both Music and Music BTEC would help you follow the courses/employment opportunities listed below in the future. Or visit the BTEC Specification: https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/BTEC-firsts/music-2013-nqf.html

How will this course help you get a employment? 

As well as learning musical skills and developing as a musician the GCSE allows young people to build confidence and show your commitment by attending rehearsals and practicing. The GCSE music course develops your appreciation for music and provides you with a range of versatile skills that are transferable across many professions. It helps young people develop teamwork and creativity. GCSE music will show employers you have a wide range of interests and skills and well as demonstration that you have shown dedication and commitment to learning. GCSE music can help confidence and performance skills needed in situations such as employment interview.

Who can you speak to for more information or if you have any questions?

Mr. M. Asher in 0Mu1 or Miss. A. Jewitt in 0Mu2 or you can visit the BTEC Specification: https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/btec-tech-awards/music-practice-2022.ht

Exam Board: Edexcel

Type of course: BTEC Level 1 / Level 2 Tech Award in Performing Arts

How is the course assessed?

The course is broken into 3 components

• Exploring and Performing Arts
• Developing skills and techniques in Performing Arts
• Responding to a brief

Components 1 and 2 are assessed through an internal assessment.  There is one external assessment.  Component 3 provides the main synoptic assessment for the qualification.  Component 3 provides the main synoptic assessment for the qualification, it builds directly on Components 1 & 2 and enables learning to be brought together and related to a real life situation.

The BTEC requires you to complete work consistently throughout Y10 and Y11.  You will be required to keep a portfolio of work for each assessment as evidence.  You will be assessed on your quality of engagement and teamwork and final performance.

What topics/units will you study?

• Exploring Performing Arts
• Developing skills and techniques
• Working as part of a group to contribute to a workshop performance

How to be successful

• Attend theatre, dance or musical performances
• Listen to and watch a wide range of different performances                             
• Develop confidence and techniques of acting, dancing, singing and musicality       

What extra-curricular activities are there?                                                                                                                               

• School productions
• Trips to see live music/ dance / theatre performances
• Theatre trips
• Workshops

What opportunities does this qualification help you to have?

College courses connected to this subject include BTEC Performing Arts Level 3, Music A-Level, Theatre and Performing Arts. This could lead to a degree in Music, Theatre, Dance or other relevant subject.

Careers associated with BTEC Music might be: Performer, Composer, Playwright, Choreographer, Venue manager, Producer, Manager, Performing Arts Journalist, Music, Dance or Drama Teacher, Tour Manager, Marketing or Agent.

How will this course help you to get a job?

As well as learning dance skills, the GCSE also offers the opportunity to build your confidence, show your commitment by attending rehearsals and practising to become a team worker/leader and having a creative approach to situations.

Who can I speak to for more information or if I have any questions?

Mr. M. Asher in 0Mu1, Miss. .A. Jewitt in 0Mu2 or Miss. S. Siddiqui/Miss Wells in 1Dr2

Please note: you can not choose a music or dance course if you want to do Performing Arts as the courses overlap in content.