Our results are very much higher than those nationally, for both boys and girls.
Course: Applied GCSE in Performing Arts
Awarding Body: AQA
Length of Course: 2 years
The current year 11 students are following this course. It is a double award covering Dance, Drama and Music in the context of the performing arts industry. It has proved to be very popular with students and 75% of them already have achieved the first GCSE award in this subject.
Years 9 and 10 also follow this course as an option. At the end of two years and having achieved two GCSE awards, students can pick up GCSE Music in year 11, as a one year course.
Specification Summary
Unit 1 - Portfolio evidence – skills development, knowledge and
understanding. (Internal assessment – 70% of total marks)
Unit 2 - Showcase Performance.
In response to briefs set by AQA in a question paper issued in
November. (External assessment – 30% of total marks)
Unit 3 - Portfolio evidence – Working to a commission.
Commissions set by AQA in a question paper issued in
November. (Internal assessment – 70% of total marks)
Unit 4 - Final Performance / Designs for the chosen commission.
(External assessment – 30% of total marks)
This is a very practical course and students are expected to develop their individual skills as well as work in production teams to organise and deliver performances. Students have the opportunity to work on their own compositions as well as performing pieces by other composers.
Units 1 and 3 involve preparing a portfolio of evidence, showing their involvement in shows and presentations, their improvement in personal skills and research of the performing arts industry. Students will visit venues to talk to people working in the industry. They will gain knowledge of the various roles within the theatre, Health and Safety and what it is like to work to deadlines.
They will still be able to move on to the Arts subject of the International Baccalaureate or A level Music, so long as they can perform grade 5 standard pieces and have grade 4 in theory.
Alternatively, they will be able to follow A level in Performing Arts.
There is no written examination, but all units are moderated by the exam board.
Course: GCSE Music
Awarding Body: Edexcel
Length of Course: 1 year
Students are able to pick up this subject in year 11, having already gained 2 GCSE’s in performing arts.
There are three elements to this course; performance, composition and listening and appraising music. It is expected that students will have access to an instrument at home, in order to develop composition and performance pieces. The course covers a wide range of musical styles and genres.
Assessment:
2 compositions 30% internally marked then moderated
1 solo and 1 ensemble performance 30% internally marked then moderated
Listening & Appraising Exam 40% externally marked by the board.
Curriculum time and Homework
GCSE Music and GCSE Performing Arts have 3 x 50min. periods a week. Two homework tasks are set each week. Usually this is one practical task (developing compositions or preparing a piece for performance) and one written task. The nature of the performing arts course enables students to become independent learners. They are encouraged to set their own targets each week and keep records of their progress. The portfolios are testament to the amount of extra hours students spend beyond the allotted homework time.
