Music

Music is a fun subject! You will work together with your classmates on exciting projects, and develop effective creative, social and project-management skills. Many of the topics will be exploring music you already like (including popular and film music). You will also expand your horizons by discovering new styles and genres. You do not have to read music notation to study music at GCSE level. Passion for the subject and enjoyment of practical music-making are essential!

What will I learn?

How will I be assessed?

Coursework: 60%

Performing (30%): portfolio (4 mins) of recordings (one solo, one ensemble)

Composing (30%): portfolio (4-6 mins) of two compositions (one free choice; one on a brief)

Appraising exam (40%): 2hr 15 listening exam, exploring the four Areas of Study

In performing, you will work on solo and ensemble performances. This can be in any style or genre, with accompaniment or a backing track if appropriate. In composing, you will learn how musical works are made; this will help you develop your own compositions. You will use professional-standard software to produce your coursework. In the appraising part of the course, you will explore four Areas of Study: Musical Forms and Devices, Music for Ensemble, Film Music and Popular Music. There is one classical set work and another one from popular music.

Photography

Photography is a great subject to choose if you enjoy being creative and want to explore a practical based GCSE. As a non-exam subject, over the two years you will develop a portfolio of coursework which requires an imaginative exploration of the world around you. You will explore how ideas, themes and feelings can inspire a response through a variety of photographic specialisms. Including a combination of studio and location photography, digital imagery, fine art photography and mix media techniques.

What will I learn?

How will I be assessed?

Component 1: A portfolio of project-based work produced throughout Years 10 and 11 (60%)

Component 2: Externally Set Assignment (40%). A projectbased investigation ending in 10 hours of unaided work under exam conditions.

The course is flexible and designed to stimulate personal creativity. You will explore a range of project based starting points and learn how to use your practical knowledge to create personal outcomes. Through independent investigation you will increase your artistic skill level and develop analytical communication fuelled by artist research and contextual understanding. Experimentation is the key to success, with the opportunity to explore a range of photographic techniques and processes. You will also develop a range of transferable skills such as self motivation, time management, creative thinking, problem solving, and improve your ability to develop, refine and present ideas.