Welcome to Astrea Academy Sheffield Inspiring Beyond Measure
Performing Arts
Staff
Curriculum
Key Stage 3
We cover a broad Performing Arts at key stage 3 to give pupils the best foundation possible to succeed in their GCSEs and beyond.
Half Term 1
Y7
Introduction to Drama (Drama)
Bridging the Gap (Music)
Y8
Time Travel (Drama)
The Blues (Music)
Y9 (For 2020/21 will be following the Music pathway)
Half Term 2
Y7
Introduction to Drama (Drama)
Instruments of the Orchestra (Music)
Y8
Bullying (Drama)
Programme Music (Music)
Y9 (For 2020/21 will be following the Music pathway)
Half Term 3
Y7
Physical Theatre (Drama)
Musical Cycles (Music)
Y8
Melodrama (Drama)
Hooks and Riffs (Music)
Y9 (For 2020/21 will be following the Music pathway)
Half Term 4
Y7
Advanced Skills (Drama)
Stomp! (Music)
Y8
Soaps (Drama)
Ukulele Skills (Music)
Y9 (For 2020/21 will be following the Music pathway)
Half Term 5
Y7
Ernie’s Incredible Illucinations (Drama)
Early Music (Music)
Y8
Our Day Out (Drama)
Music and Space (Music)
Y9 (For 2020/21 will be following the Music pathway)
Half Term 6
Y7
Ernie’s Incredible Illucinations (Drama)
Rock Band (Music)
Y8
Our Day Out (Drama)
EDM/ Modern Minimalism (Music)
Y9 (For 2020/21 will be following the Music pathway)
Key Stage 4
Music Exam Board – OCT J536
This qualification is linear. Linear means that students undertake all non-exam assessment (NEA) in the certification year and sit the written exam at the end of the course in year 11.
There are five areas of study:
- Area of study 1: My Music
- Area of study 2: The Concerto Through Time
- Area of study 3: Rhythms of the World
- Area of study 4: Film Music
- Area of study 5: Conventions of Pop
Component 01/02: Integrated portfolio
(Marked by teachers but moderated by OCR)
What is assessed
Students develop their understanding of performance and composition through exploration of their own instrument within styles and genres of their choosing.
They demonstrate their playing skills and abilities by practising and performing a piece musically, accurately and with appropriate interpretation. In the composition element of this component, they demonstrate knowledge of composition techniques, use of musical elements and resources, including specific instrumental and technology techniques.
How is it assessed
- One solo performance on chosen instrument/voice.
- One free choice composition
- Maximum mark 60
30% of GCSE
Component 03/04: Practical Component
(Marked by teachers but moderated by OCR)
What is assessed
Students develop their skills and understanding of performance and composition. The focus of the performance aspect of this component is on the demands of performing with an ensemble.
Students are also required to compose a piece of music appropriate for one of the areas of study in response to a set brief.
How is it assessed
- One ensemble performance on chosen instrument/voice.
- One composition set to a brief by the exam board.
- Maximum mark 60
30% of GCSE
Component 5: Listening and Appraising
(Marked by OCR)
What is assessed
This component focuses on areas of study 2, 3, 4, and 5.
Students demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of musical elements, contexts and language.
How is it assessed
- One 1hr 30 minute exam.
- Maximum mark 80
40% of GCSE
This qualification is linear. Linear means that students undertake all non-exam assessment (NEA) in the certification year and sit the written exam at the end of the course in year 11.
The subject content details the knowledge, understanding and skills that students are expected to develop throughout the course of study.
The subject content for GCSE Drama is divided into three components:
- Understanding drama.
- Devising drama.
- Texts in practice.
Component 1
Understanding Drama.
(Marked by teachers but moderated by AQA)
What is assessed
- Knowledge and understanding of drama and theatre
- Study of one set play from a choice of six
- Analysis and evaluation of the work of live theatre makers
How is it assessed
- Written exam: 1 hour and 45 minutes
- Open book
- 80 marks
- 40% of GCSE
Component 2
Devising Drama.
(Marked by teachers but moderated by AQA)
What is assessed
- Process of creating devised drama
- Performance of devised drama (students may contribute as performer or designer)
- Analysis and evaluation of own work
How is it assessed
- Devising log (60 marks)
- Devised performance (20 marks)
- 80 marks in total
- 40% of GCSE
Component 3
Texts in Practice.
(Marked by AQA)
What is assessed
- Performance of two extracts from one play (students may contribute as performer or designer)
Free choice of play but it must contrast with the set play chosen for Component 1
How is it assessed
Performance of Extract 1 (20 marks) and Extract 2 (20 marks)
- 40 marks in total
- 20% of GCSE
Home Learning
- Revising from their knowledge organiser.
- Creating a graphic score composition.
- Writing a critique of a piece of music.
- Learning lines for a performance.
Plus, other tasks relating to the Scheme of Learning being taught.
How can you help?
- Make sure your child is reading every night. Reading for pleasure is fundamental to academic success in every subject.
- Please encourage your child to listen to music in their own time.
- Please encourage discussion about the culture of performance. This could be a favourite actor/actress, musician or dancer.
- Test your child on their script work; allow them to test out different accents and intonation with their voices!
