Performing Arts Faculty
Performing Arts within The Avon Valley School attracts many students due to our great reputation and numerous opportunities that we provide. In addition to these students outside our catchment area have the option to attend an auditioning process in order to attend the school through their aptitude within the arts. We believe that performing arts is fundamental within the school curriculum in order to enable young people the ability develop their talents and create a self -belief which enables to generate a more positive attitude to learning across the board.
We are a dedicated team who thrives on the success of our young people. The Performing Arts team will always go above and beyond to ensure our students strive towards excellence. Our variety of courses enables your child have the opportunity to enjoy performing arts to the full.
A brief overview of the topics covered by the faculty in Key Stage 3
Drama |
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Year 7 |
Year 8 |
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Music |
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Year 7 |
Year 8 |
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Dance |
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Year 7 |
Year 8 |
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Year 9 |
| The year 9 performing arts curriculum at The Avon Valley School is designed to enable students to build on their skills from year 7 and 8, and continue developing their knowledge and understanding of the performing arts and its different disciplines. The students study the Bronze Arts Award course. This course enables learners to develop a basic understanding of arts practice and some knowledge of arts provision in the community. Learners commit to taking part in creative activities and demonstrate a basic understanding of effective communication and an ability to convey information. Learners create a personal arts log or portfolio containing evidence of their experiences. The learners are assessed in the following areas: Art form knowledge and understanding, creativity and communication. |
Courses currently offered by the faculty in Key Stage 4
GCSE Drama |
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AQA GCSE in Drama Drama offers students the opportunity to creatively explore texts and ideas; to engage practically (as well as academically) and learn how to analyse and evaluate drama and theatre. |
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Course structure |
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Component 1: Understanding Drama (40% of qualification) What’s assessed *Knowledge and understanding of Drama and Theatre *Study of the of set texts (AVS) ‘Blood Brothers’. *Analysis and evaluation of the work of a live theatre production How it's assessed Written Paper, 1hr 45min. Open book – Blood Brothers Live Theatre review. Total 80 marks. |
Component 2: Devising Drama (40% of qualification) What’s assessed *Process of creating Drama through devising your own work. *Perform the devised piece to a live audience *Analysis and evaluation of the process and product of your work How it's assessed Practically & Written Devising longs 60 marks. Devised performance 20 marks. Total 80 marks |
Component 3: Texts in practice (20% of qualification) What’s assessed *Perform two extracts from a published text chosen by the centre How it's assessed Practically assessed. Both extracts are performed with 20 marks each. Total 40 marks . |
GCSE Music |
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Eduqas GCSE in Music This specification fosters candidates' musical sensitivity, creativity and aural perception through the acquisition of knowledge, skills and understanding and the exercise of the imagination. It promotes candidates' cultural development, involvement in and enjoyment of music as performers, composers and appraisers through the study of a wide range of music. |
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Course structure |
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Composing (30% of qualification) Total duration of compositions: 3 – 6 minutes. Two compositions, one of which must be in response to a brief set by WJEC Eduqas. Learners will choose one brief from a choice of four, each one linked to an area of study. The briefs will be released during the first week of September in the academic year in which the assessment is to be taken. The second composition is a free composition for which learners set their own brief. How it's assessed Non-exam assessment: internally assessed, externally moderated |
Performing (30% of qualification) Total duration of performances: 4 – 6 minutes. A minimum of two pieces, one of which must be an ensemble performance of at least one minute duration. The other piece(s) may be either solo and/or ensemble. One of the pieces performed must link to an area of study of the learner’s choice. How it's assessed Non-exam assessment: internally assessed, externally moderated |
Appraising (40% of qualification) There are eight questions in total, two on each of the four areas of study. Two of the eight questions will be based on prepared extracts set by the WJEC Eduqas. How it's assessed Written examination: 1 hour 15 minutes |
NCFE Level 2 in Music Technology |
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Level 2 technical award in music technology To be awarded the NCFE Level 2 Technical Award in Music Technology, learners are required to successfully complete 4 mandatory units. In addition, students will also be required to sit two examinations at the end of the course as with other GCSEs. With one of the best equipped music departments to be found anywhere in the state education system students are ideally placed to leave for further education and training with a considerable advantage over their peers. Our department including a newly upgraded studio is equipped with 52 brand new Apple iMac computers with leading music software including the industry standard Logic Pro X. |
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Course structure |
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Coursework: Unit 01 - Using a digital audio workstation. 30 guided learning hours. Unit 02 - Creating music. 30 guided learning hours. Unit 03 - Studio recording. 40 guided learning hours. Unit 04 - Sound creation. 40 guided learning hours. All units are mandatory and are subject to internal and external assessment. |
Written Examinations
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GCSE Dance |
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GCSE Dance (8236) GCSE Dance is a powerful and inspiring qualification that encourages students to develop their creative, physical, emotional and intellectual capacity, whatever their previous experience in the subject. |
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Course structure |
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Component 1: Performance and choreography Performance:
Choreography:
Internally marked and externally moderated 80 marks – 60% |
Component 2: Dance appreciation
Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes 80 marks – 40% |
GCSE Dance Anthology
http://www.rambert.org.uk/whats-on/a-linha-curva/
https://www.stopgapdance.com/artificial-things--the-film
https://www.jamescousinscompany.com/within-her-eyes
https://www.phoenixdancetheatre.co.uk/work/shadows/
Performing Arts Staff
Miss E Wheatley
Mr J Collins
Miss S Spraggett
sspraggett@avonvalleyschool.uk
Miss E Carpenter
ecarpenter@avonvalleyschool.uk
Mrs E Forrest
Mr M Good
Mr T Looby