If you are creative and imaginative, a GCSE in Art: Craft and Design will enable you to express yourself, and is also great preparation for the world of work.
Art & Design: Textiles specialism
Dance (Vocational)
Dance at Ryburn is one of our strengths. Our BTEC vocational course in Dance is an enjoyable and rewarding course for anyone with a passion for the subject.
HEAD OF DEPARTMENT:
Mrs S Attah
EXAMINATION BOARD:
PEARSON btec
LEVEL:
Level 2 TECH AWARD in Performing Arts - Dance Pathway
Website
Syllabus (PDF)
Course outline
The course is made up of 3 components with a mix of both theory and practical work, enabling the dancer to develop their technique, knowledge and understanding of Dance in the performing arts industry. Students study a variety of dance styles and explore set works as well as creating performances for different events. Staff have industry links and experience and, where possible, guest teachers deliver master-classes to enhance the student experience. Our dancers form a close knit and inclusive team, supporting each other to build skill, technique and confidence.
A love of dance and a willingness to try new styles and improve performance skills is required for this course.
“I love my dance lessons; it is such a special environment when you walk into the dance studio. You are made to feel really welcome, all the group gets on really well and we work hard in every lesson. I have learnt so many different dance styles and my dance technique and confidence have really developed.”
Watch our video for a flavour of what it’s like being a Dancer at Ryburn.
Assessment method
| Unit | % of Final Grade | Type of Assessment | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Component 1 | 30% | Internal | Exploring Performing Arts |
| Component 2 | 30% | Internal | Developing Skills and Techniques |
| Component 3 | 40% | External | Performing to a Brief |
The future
After completing a BTEC Level 2 Tech Award, learners can go on to study RSL Level 3 Diploma in Creative and Performing Arts (Dance), A-level Dance or BTEC Courses. They may also decide to audition for full time dance schools/courses. Dance is not just for people who want to become dancers! It develops fantastic transferable skills including leadership, creativity, planning, resilience, teamwork and confidence.
Explore more options
Drama
Taking a GCSE in Drama is perfect for those with a passion for performing. It also develops many key stills for life including confidence and self-expression.
Course outline
Students work to develop an understanding of dramatic form and history of drama through rehearsal and performance. The students begin with the study of influential drama practitioners, specifically focusing on Stanislavski, Brecht, Godber and Berkoff, then move on to understanding historical drama from Greek to Medieval, Elizabethan, Victorian and Contemporary plays. Building on this knowledge, the students then develop their imagination, artistic awareness and creative development to enable students to devise a highly sophisticated original piece of performance.
A willingness to experiment in practical performance through developing skills in class workshops is needed for this course. As well as motivation and commitment – theatre teaches students that success comes to those who are highly committed to the task at hand and who are willing to work together.
Watch our advert #Daretobedifferent
Please note: Drama cannot be studied alongside dance
Assessment method
| Unit | % of Final Grade | Type of Assessment | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 40% | Internal | Devised performance – externally moderated – performance of 5 – 20 minutes, report of approximately 1500 words |
| 2 | 20% | Exam | Text in performance, script based work – students work in designated groups to produce and perform a well-known play |
| 3 | 40% | Exam | Exam on set text, evaluation of performance from a text |
The future
The Drama GCSE is excellent preparation for A-level Performing Arts where students take a lead selective from the choice of Drama, Music and Dance. Drama gives you the creative discipline for all occupations and has a wide range of benefits that include self-expression, development of imagination, and fluency of speech, self-knowledge, self-discipline and self-confidence. Learning how to co-operate in groups, problem solving on social and moral dilemmas and helping students prepare for real life.
Explore more options
Film Studies
Follow your passions! A GCSE in Film Studies will enable you to gain many transferable skills, knowledge and explore creativity.
Course outline
Film is an important part of many people’s lives. Those who choose to study it characteristically bring with them a huge enthusiasm and excitement for film which constantly motivates them in their studies. They experience a powerful medium which inspires a range of responses from the emotional to the reflective as they are drawn into characters, their narratives and the issues films raise. The root of that power is the immersive audio-visual experience film offers – one which can exploit striking cinematography, composition and locations as well as powerful music and sound.
The WJEC Eduqas specification in GCSE Film Studies aims to develop knowledge and understanding of:
the ways in which meanings and responses are generated through film
a contrasting, culturally diverse range of films from different national contexts
film as an aesthetic medium
how films reflect the social, cultural and political contexts in which they are made
the relationship between film and film technology over time
The course suits those with an interest in and enjoyment of film and a degree of creativity in order to explore the creative possibilities of film and film products.. You’ll develop the ability to be critical and investigative in your approach to film and an analytical approach that should seek to discover patterns of similarity and difference, ways in which films represent people, ways in which film technologies shape film productions across a range of films.
Assessment method
| Unit | % of Final Grade | Type of Assessment | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 - 2 | 70% | Exam | Exploring Films |
| 3 | 30% | Internal | Controlled Assessment |
The future
An introduction to Film Studies at this level opens up options both academic and vocational. Academically it is an ideal grounding for both A-level Film Studies and other Media based courses. Vocationally students will find out about many areas of employment within this nationally important area of the economy. It could be the ‘jumping off point’ for any of the thousands of technical careers in this area or the inspiration to start building a student’s own portfolio and film making career.
Explore more options
Music (Vocational)
Follow your passions. Spend time doing what you love whilst gaining practical and transferable skills through a vocational qualification in Music.
HEAD OF DEPARTMENT:
Mr M Grimes
EXAMINATION BOARD:
Edexcel
LEVEL:
Edexcel Level 1/2 Technical Award
WEBSITE
Course outline
Students will study the music industry and how to create a music product (such as a CD, video or concert). They will also have the option of learning how to use a recording studio, or using music technology to create their own music, using software such as Garage Band and Logic Pro. They may follow a performance module which can include traditional performance techniques or modern DJ performance styles
Students must be able to play an instrument, sing or at least be willing to learn one.
If you play an instrument or sing and have taken ABRSM exams you could also take a GCSE in Music. You should have achieved Grade 5 by the beginning of Year 11. Sessions will take place at lunch and after school. Entry for this is at the discretion of the Head of Department.
Assessment method
| Unit | % of Final Grade | Type of Assessment | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 40% | Exam | External Assessment |
| 2-3 | 60% | Internal | Students create a portfolio of evidence linked to various scenarios and tasks |
The future
To progress on to BTEC Level 3 in Music Performance, you would need a Merit at BTEC Music. The course also opens opportunities for employment within the music and entertainment industry in junior roles; venues/ box offices, concert support, administrative roles, radio and television.
Explore more options
Photography
If you are creative and imaginative, a GCSE in Photography will enable you to express yourself but is also good preparation for the world of work.
Course outline
If you are creative and imaginative and have a passion for taking photographs a GCSE in Photography, will enable you to express yourself and prepare for the world of work. Photographic skills are transferable to many sectors. Alongside a range of practical arts and digital skills, the course will develop good observational, analytical, research skills including the ability to solve problems creatively and work well both independently and in groups
Students explore the processes of digital photography, digital and manual image manipulation, animation and film. They develop observation and creativity skills and experience a wide range of techniques such in camera skills, Photoshop, Graphic design and mixed media. Through careful analysis of Photography and culture, students are given a vital opportunity to express themselves in a personal and meaningful way.
The course is a project based course that introduces students to how photography works in the outside world. If students like photography (or art) of any kind or have good ideas and want to find a way of using them then this course offers a variety of ways to express those ideas.
Assessment method
| Unit | % of Final Grade | Type of Assessment | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 60% | Internal | Portfolio of work consisting of digital and camera based workshops, use of camera, light, lens and photo-shop through two projects. |
| 2 | 40% | Exam | Externally set assignment consisting of supporting work and a 10 hour exam |
The future
Photography courses can lead to real jobs and careers. Individualised teaching ensures students can tailor their work towards personal interest or career aspirations. The creative industries are some of the UK’s most successful, varied and fastest growing sectors, they provide millions of fulfilling job opportunities such as Sports and Music photography, Illustrator, Animator, Computer game designer, Graphic designer, Teacher, Web designer. Any career requiring creativity of approach and imaginative strategies would benefit from experiences gained on a Photography course.