Performing Arts & Sports Faculty
Music
GCSE Music is designed to offer all pupils a valid and interesting course based on the three primary musical activities of PERFORMING, COMPOSING and APPRAISING. During the course pupils will be encouraged to develop their performing skills and will be given the opportunity to take part in a wide range of musical activities. They will also be encouraged to develop an appreciation and enjoyment of music of many different styles and to express themselves through the medium of sound in their creative work.
The skills acquired through the study of Music can be used as a basis for further study or for leisure time. Many of the skills sought by employers are the ones learned in Music, and are easily transferable to many walks of life:-
Music:
- Gives a good basic education, as it contains elements of Maths, Physics, History, Modern Languages, Literature, Art, Drama & Movement.
- Trains you to follow detailed directions.
- Trains the mind to think logically, analyse situations and solve problems.
- Has to be clear and precise, and therefore encourages accuracy.
- Gives lots of opportunities for decision making.
- Encourages you to be 'on time' and 'in time'
- Helps develop reliability and loyalty to others.
- Helps you to communicate and to work with others in a constructive way.
- Stretches the imagination and develops confidence.
- Encourages the use of I.T. through use of computers and sound synthesisers.
The GCSE Music course is based on 5 areas:
- Music in Wales
- Musical Structure
- Music for Special Occasions
- Music for Stage & Screen
- Music Evolution
Assessment
At the end of the course pupils will be examined in the following components:
Appraising (30%)... sAll questions in the Listening examination will be based on musical extracts heard on a C.D.,and related to the 5 Areas of Study.
Performing (30%)… A solo and ensemble piece will be performed for a visiting examiner.
Composing (40%)… A coursework folio of 2 compositions created during the course will be marked by the teacher and submitted for moderation. The pupil’s description/evaluation of these pieces will account for 1/5th of the total marks for this component. Compositions may be recorded, notated or produced using computer software.
GCSE Drama
GCSE Drama involves you studying a variety of new plays, learning new techniques, styles and genres. You will have a good knowledge of theatre history and understand drama terminology and expressions.
The course requires hard work, focus and commitment but most of all a love and passion for the subject. In GCSE Drama you will face work that involves:
- Greater concentration on what drama is, as well as just doing it.
- Much more emphasis on making and supporting individual judgements.
- Much more concentration on preparation and development of work rather than merely on the final product.
Your final grade in Drama will be based on two examinations:
- Your preparations for and performance in a play that includes scripted and unscripted material.
This will be marked by your teacher and an examiner and will count for 60% of you final mark. This will also include completing two pieces of coursework. - A written examination that will test your knowledge and understanding of the dramatic elements of the set plays that you have looked at in the course, and a live theatrical performance that you have seen.
This will a final exam in the summer and will count for 40% of your final grade.
The aim of the Department is to ensure all pupils achieve and work to their full potential. During the course we hope all pupils gain confidence in performance work and hopefully further their knowledge of the subject leading into A Level Theatre Studies or BTEC Performing Arts.
Many careers are available from this subject: Performance, Acting, Drama Therapy, Stage Management, Set/Costume/Lighting Designer, Teaching, Directing just to name a few.
Physical Education
The P.E. curriculum provides a balanced and varied physical activity programme and, where possible, gives equal opportunity to boys and girls.
At K.S. 3 pupils follow all major sports which include:- hockey, netball, rugby, football, basketball and athletics, together with:- gymnastics, swimming, badminton, lacrosse, volleyball, tennis, baseball, rounders, cricket and health related exercise.
At K.S. 4 the curriculum is broadened so pupils experience activities other than the major sports
The department feels that all pupils should be given the opportunity to experience a variety of sports. Our aim is to provide enjoyment, enthusiasm and opportunity for pupils to take part in physical education both in school and when they leave.
GCSE Physical Education
The above course is both practical and theory based. The weighting being 60% practical and 40% theory.
Suitable candidates need to be a regular participant in lessons, enthusiastic, committed and of average academic ability.
The Practical:
Each candidate must select four activities from at least two of the National Curriculum Areas of Activity (Games, Gymnastic Activities, Dance, Athletic Activities, Outdoor and Adventurous Activities and Swimming). Candidates will be assessed during the course and in the final practical assessment on their selected activities. Candidates will also be required to demonstrate their ability to analyse performance in their chosen activities. In combining the activities, candidates will be able to demonstrate their strengths.
The Theory:
The syllabus content for this paper is divided into three sections:
- Exercise and Training
- Safety Aspects and Risk Assessment in Physical Activity and Sport
- Applied Anatomy & Physiology
Career Opportunities
Leisure Industry, Sports Council, Teaching.