Year 11 GCSE Product Design students have completed their controlled assessment projects. They have designed and manufactured MP3 docking stations and small storage units. Their work shows the influence of design styles from the past. They have produced some excellent practical work, shown here in this range of photographs. Well done!

The exhibition covered 2 years of GCSE work. The work consists of a mixture of sculptural, textile, mixed media, oil painting and drawing pieces. As well as the work exhibited all pupils had sketchbooks/journals which led to the final piece being created. All who have seen the exhibition have comment on the level of technical ability reflected in the pieces as well of the diversity of form and medium.

I really like looking at the sketchbooks and journals that the students produce which show how they take inspiration from different artists and develop their own ideas, culminating in a finished piece. I would like to express my thanks to the students who produced the work, and the creative input from Mr Hopkins and Mrs Humpleby and Mrs Marwood in putting together such a brilliant exhibition.

Richard Crane

Headteacher

All the pupils are looking forward to the trip which involves pupils from Year 7 to 12.

Evaluation is integrated into all areas of project work and students are encouraged to discuss their own work and that of others.

Molly Northcote, a current Year 11 reflects on her course…

Artwork

‘It’s all getting a bit hectic with several deadlines due in shortly, however I enjoy the freedom of Art and the work is a pleasure. Lessons are relaxed; and because you’re surrounded by other students, you have frequent advice, compliments and constructive criticism of your work – which is a great way to develop your work. There is no right or wrong piece of artwork, which gives you the chance to express yourself in different ways. I concentrate on pencil and water colour portraits but there is no limitation to what you can achieve using your creativity! Outside of school I keep a small sketchbook with me so I never miss a chance to quickly sketch down everyday occurrences, which could be as insignificant as someone engrossed in reading on a train. The love for portrait drawing drew me to one of my final pieces; which was completed with many worn down graphite pencils by the time I’d finished. I would recommend taking art as a GCSE to anyone!’

Molly Northcote Year 11

( Right click this link to download the video )

• Unit 1 – Coursework
• Unit 2 – Coursework
• Unit 3 – Exam
• Unit 4 – Coursework
• Unit 5 – Coursework
• Unit 6 – Exam

What does the course involve?

The AS/A2 level course builds upon the three strands covered at GCSE:

• Listening (40%), Performing (30%) and Composing (30%). The course is flexible enough to suit a variety of musical tastes and it is possible to create your own path though composition and performance work. In terms of performance there are no limits and you may perform in any style on any instrument. However, a minimum of Grade 4 or equivalent is expected at this level. Performances must include solo work, an ensemble piece and the performance of a composition.
• The Composition unit involves two main strands: Compositional techniques exercises and a composition. Techniques exercises are chosen by the teacher from a selection of topics including Serialism, Bach Chorale and many others. The composition is chosen by the student, similarly from a variety of topics, amongst which are Variations, Popular Song, Romantic Miniatures, Club Dance and Hip Hop, Music Theatre and Film and Television.
• The Listening and understanding of music is achieved through the in depth study of two musical areas. Once again, these are chosen by the teacher and may, for example, involve set works in both Secular Vocal Music and Popular Music and Jazz (there are nine different options). Extensive listening work also forms a significant part of this unit.

What qualifications do I need?

It is highly desirable for you to have studied music at GCSE, although it is not absolutely essential. As long as you are a competent musician, with a sound grasp of music theory and various musical forms and styles, the AS/A2 level course could also be suitable for you. A very important quality for all those wishing to embark on this course, however, is a genuine interest in ALL musical styles, forms and periods. It is expected that you will engage in listening to music on a regular basis and that you will be involved in a number of extra-curricular musical opportunities. A minimum of Grade 4 or equivalent has already been mentioned in terms of performance work.

Equipment

The facilities of the School music centre will be available to you, including practice rooms, acoustic and electronic instruments, recording facilities and computer-based composing, sequencing and notation software.

Assessment

40% Listening, 30% Composing, 30% Performing – Internal and External.

Future Prospects

Approximately half of students who study music at AS/A2 continue their music studies at University. Other music students have used their talents for recreation rather than employment. Musical qualifications are highly regarded by prospective employers and further education establishments as evidence of commitment and ability.

• Unit 1: ELLA1 – Integrated Analysis and Text Production
• Unit 2: ELLA2 – Analysing Speech and its Representations
• Unit 3 – Comparative Analysis and Text Adaptation
• Unit 4 – Comparative Analysis Through Independent Study

What does the course involve?

If you like to be creative, if you are imaginative and analytical, and you find discussion-based work mentally stimulating, you should study this subject.

You will be expected to read and prepare in advance of the sessions so that class time can be spent on active tasks such as discussions and drama activities. As a follow up to lessons you will write analytical essays and creative writing responses. There will also be opportunities to visit theatres, cinema and universities to attend relevant lectures.

Depending on the levels of interest, three courses will be offered, all comprising four units of study, two at AS and two at A2:

We intend to offer two courses both comprising four units of study, two at AS and two at A2:

• AQA English Language and Literature: The focus here is to look closely at the way text is constructed and analyse how style and language is used to convey meaning. Students will study and compare a variety of set texts and produce their own writing.
• AQA English Literature A: The focus here is study how literature relates to, informs and comments on the wider world. At AS Level, a broad topic, such as World War One Literature, is taken and texts of different genres are closely studied and compared. At A2 Level, the topic taken is Love through the Ages and in Unit 4 students analyse three texts of their own choice, one of which must be a Shakespeare play.
• AQA English Language: The focus here is to increase your abilities in written and spoken English, and deepen your understanding of it. You will write for a variety of audiences and purposes as well as exploring speech and conversation.

What qualifications do I need?

It is essential that you gained at least a Grade C at GCSE in both English subjects.

Resources

All texts studied on the course are provided for students, though many prefer to buy their own. The library has a special, senior fiction section which has an expanding selection of books, and also an increasing range of Language resources.

Assessment

The total ‘A’ Level mark for the course is made up as follows:

AQA English Language and Literature:

• Three written examinations – 80%
• Coursework Unit – 20%

AQA English Literature A:

• Two written examinations – 60%
• Coursework – 40%

You can resit any of the modules once. Some exams are ‘open book’ which means that you can take the text in with you.

General Comments

Students must be prepared to read widely and, wherever possible, broaden their exposure to literature by attending live performances, listening to radio broadcasts and visiting the cinema.

Future Prospects

A’ Level English opens up many possibilities at post-18 because of the analytical, writing and oral skills you have gained. Successful English students typically embark on a variety of career paths, most popular are those linked to law, media, drama, journalism and education.

What does the course involve?

• How does an actor play and breathe life into his role?
• How does a director give life to the ideas in the play?
• How do you interpret an ordinary script into a stunning visual performance?

On this course, we will learn to do all of the above and more. You will be shown the wonderful diversity in theatre and will learn to analyse, interpret and create imaginative, stylish and effective theatre, whilst increasingly becoming a competent theatre practitioner. While this A level is rigorously academic, it is essentially practical and offers a unique approach to learning.

What qualifications do I need?

You need to be really enthusiastic about acting and theatre: watching it, doing it, talking about it and writing about it. Team-work is an essential element to the course. Students need to be very reliable in their attendance and punctuality, they need to like working creatively in teams and enjoy sharing and experimenting with ideas. There needs to be a willingness and independence in taking direction and developing both practical and academic skills. If you love drama and theatre and are able to commit your time and energy to your work, you will have a wonderful time on this course!

Assessment

AS Units

• Unit 1 - Exploration of drama and theatre Internally assessed evaluation & performance
• Unit 2 - Theatre text in performance Externally assessed performance

A2 Units

• Unit 3 – Exploration of dramatic performance Internally assessed research and performance
• Unit 4 – Theatre text in context Written examination

General Comments

The AS year is essentially about taking a play from the page to performance. You will begin by exploring two contrasting plays and learning about one recognised theatre practitioner. The approach is mostly practical with a high level of analysis. Through written and practical coursework assessment, you will demonstrate your understanding, practical skills and ideas. We will also visit the theatre to review plays and here you will learn to critique all aspects of the production with skill.

At the beginning of the A2 year, you will embark on an exciting project where you will draw on all of your experience, research and ideas to develop an original piece of theatre. You will be assessed on your rehearsal process, your performance and on a detailed written evaluation you will write. For your written exam, you have the wonderful opportunity to explore a play from the point of view of a Director. You will develop your own production ideas. Within the bounds of relevance, you are free to be as imaginative and daring as you wish. You will also write a critique of a historic play you have seen, drawing comparisons with the plays original performance context.

Future Prospects

Drama & Theatre Studies is accepted by universities. It is excellent preparation for a degree in Drama or Drama School training, however, the skills developed through this course are relevant to many different academic and professional areas. It combines very well with other Arts, Humanities and English.

This will be updated daily while we are in France.

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