Option Subjects

Our current Year 11 are studying: CIE IGCSE 0445 Design & Technology

Art And Design

John Lyon’s Fine Art syllabus enables pupils and teachers to focus on the development of traditional drawing and painting skills alongside more contemporary disciplines including graphics, animation, print, ceramics, photography and 3D work.

Knowledge and understanding of art, craft and design are developed through research, the development of ideas and making activities work from first-hand experience and, where appropriate, secondary source materials. We encourage personal exploration and experimentation with both ideas and media supported by visits to London art galleries.

All art pupils receive excellent access to the School’s studios and art facilities at lunchtime and after school.

Are there any special requirements?

Pupils who opt for Art should anticipate that it is an extremely demanding course requiring a high level of commitment of more than 3 hours’ work per week beyond the lesson time. Most of the marks for GCSE come from coursework created over the two years. Pupils should have good drawing skills and be able to express themselves visually in a variety of ways. Combining the high level of commitment with a talent for the subject, pupils with at least a grade 6 in the end of year 9 are typically able to cope well with the subject for GCSE.

What could I do with Art?

Art can lead to many different careers including architecture, advertising, film directing, set design, art therapy, graphic design, art history, animation, illustration, engineering and many others. It is also valued in dentistry and medicine because it demonstrates dexterity, creative thinking, a capacity for independent research and many other relevant skills.

Many universities value Art as a subject because of the wide variety of disciplines and skill art students gain over the length of their course. Beyond GCSE, creativity is a personal asset that is becoming more valuable and increasingly sought-after by employers.

Our current Year 11 are studying:

AQA GCSE 8202 Art and Design (Fine Art)

DRAMA

In an increasingly competitive world, speech and communication skills are more valuable than ever. Through studying Drama, pupils gain a greater sense of self-confidence and an increased capacity to express and communicate effectively their opinions and beliefs. Theatre helps pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and emotional development as they explore Drama’s profound impact and influence on our culture and society.

Studying Drama is not only for students who have a particular interest in theatre but also for those who wish to take a subject that will develop “soft” skills vital to career development, including communication, presentation, leadership and collaboration.

Are there any special requirements?

Pupils must enjoy working with others and be prepared to rehearse extensively and independently. A model Drama pupil will have a keen interest in the world around them and should have fostered an appreciation for various forms of literature and the spoken word. They should also be actively involved in School Drama productions. Pupils considering Drama should be achieving consistent marks of 7 and above in assessments. Pupils should also be prepared to develop approaches to writing about Drama by analysing and evaluating how theatre is made from the perspective of a performer, director, and designer.

What could I do with Drama?

For pupils who are interested in any creative industry, law, a career in drama, theatre or media, or any career that requires effective communication, the GCSE Drama course will provide an excellent grounding. Pupils will develop the confidence required to work effectively as a team, and think creatively and innovatively, which 21st century industries are seeking. We offer the A-Level course in Drama and Theatre Studies for those pupils who wish to take the subject further.

Our current Year 11 are studying: CIE IGCSE 0994 Drama

Music

GCSE Music develops skills in performing, composing, listening to and analysing music. It covers the study of a wide variety of musical styles including classical music, world music and popular music.

Pupils will learn to use technology in both the arranging and composition of music and in editing recorded music.

Are there any special requirements?

Pupils must be able to sing or play an instrument to the minimum level of Grade 3 or equivalent. Pupils should make arrangements to have one-to-one music lessons on an instrument of their choice throughout the course. The School offers tuition in all main instruments. In addition, they should have confidence in reading staff notation.

Throughout the GCSE course, pupils must commit to one-to-one music lessons in at least one study, with the aim of reaching Grade 5 by the end of the course.

Grade 5 Theory is not a prerequisite. However, pupils who have not studied theory up to this level will be required to attend the weekly theory class, which will aid skills in analysis and composing.

What could I do with Music?

Naturally, GCSE Music is a good preparation for further musical study and a solid foundation for the A-Levels in Music and Music Technology. Nevertheless, as a creative subject pupils will learn transferable skills including collaborative working, teamwork, problem-solving, leadership, project management and planning which are all required by employers. Of course, many pupils choose to study GCSE Music purely out of enjoyment for the subject.

Increasingly, employers look for creative thinkers to lead in many different career paths, and having a GCSE in Music will be a great advantage to a pupil in the future. More importantly, top universities like Oxford and Cambridge look for students who play a musical instrument in their selection process, regardless of chosen discipline. Naturally, others may wish to choose a career where music is useful to have had experience or where they will need to use some of the skills developed during this course.