Why Study Art & Design

If you have creative and artistic abilities, you will develop them in much greater depth, while extending your skills to a higher level.

It is an exciting practical skills-based course, working with a variety of media.

You will be working with people who share your interest and enthusiasm for the subject.  Producing original artwork will give you great personal satisfaction.

Course Content & Development of Expertise

In Art and Design you will improve your observation and objective drawing. Explore your own personal ideas imaginatively in visual and tactile studies. You will learn more about the work of other Artists, Craftsmen and Designers and understand the influence they have on your own work. You will use a variety of materials and techniques to express your ideas and learn how to modify and improve work as it progresses. You will use all your planning, research and development of ideas to produce a successful piece of artwork and gain more confidence in your knowledge about Art in our society and around the world. You will learn to work independently and creatively. Some of the skills you will gain are:

  • Observation drawing
  • Painting
  • Sculpture using various media including ceramics.
  • Mixed Media
  • Printmaking
  • Textiles

In Year 10, you will be guided through three major coursework projects. Each ‘Project’ will include: observational drawing, collecting other visual resources, photography, development of your own imaginative ideas, research into relevant artists and designers, practical experimentation, planning and modifying your ideas and producing a successful piece of Artwork. In Year 11, you will be expected to work more independently to develop your own ideas. Working through coursework projects before your final examination project. Towards the end of the course, you will be able to revisit previous work to improve it, select the best work and prepare it for final assessment. After school Workshops are arranged over two or three nights a week. There is also the possibility of working with Artists in Residence to enhance and develop your work.

You will need:

  • A sturdy folder, minimum size A1, to keep all your work safely from the start of the course. (Requested in the summer term).
  • Basic Art equipment to allow you to work creatively at home.
  • Sketchbooks and Work Journals.

Career Pathways

An essential qualification, if you are looking for a career in any Art, Design or Craft related field, you wish to study Art and Design in Further and Higher Education. It provides you with a creative way of ‘thinking’ and problem-solving. If you achieve a good grade, employers will be impressed with your ‘well rounded’ education. There is a wide range of career opportunities available from Architecture to Teaching.

Qualification Information

Optional Subject

Qualification: GCSE Art & Design

Awarding Body: AQA

Entry Tiers: One

Coursework: 60%

Final Exam: 40%

Assessment Structure

  • Regular End of Project Assessments and tutorials to set individual targets.
  • Continuous Assessment on all elements of Coursework from the start of Year 10.
  • A Mock Examination Project in Year 11.
  • Presentation of three major Coursework Projects for Assessment by the end of April in Year 11.
  • A ten-hour Practical Examination, Final Assignment to be completed by Easter in Year Eleven.
  • Exhibitions of work and external Moderation in June

Why Study Child Learning & Development

If you are interested in studying childcare at college this is the course for you. It will provide you with hands-on practical experience of looking after a baby as well as everything else that goes along with it. You will have the opportunity to work independently, in groups and gain vital knowledge from mums, mums-to-be and parents.

Course Content & Development of Expertise

Learners will develop an understanding of the development of a child from pre – conception to 5 years of age. We will look at various topics surrounding this area such as, Pre-conceptual care, antenatal care, health, safety and diet of the child, play, education and how to provide support for the parent and child.

You will learn a range of practical skills such as how to feed, change and care for a baby with the use of our Realcare electronic baby. You will also learn vital skills such as:

  • Practical parenting skills
  • Communication
  • Presentation
  • Life skills
  • Planning
  • Research

 You will learn information about the theory topics via PowerPoint presentations, practical work, videos, visiting speakers and through exam questions

Career Pathways

Colleges and employers look on the subject very favourably. You will learn vital information and practical skills that will enable you to pursue the next stage of your education or working life. This course is essential if you wish to study Childcare or Health and Social Care in your further education.

Qualification Information

Optional Subject

Qualification: OCR Cambridge Nationals Level 1 & 2 Certificate

Awarding Body: OCR

Entry Tiers: One tier

Assessment Structure

Unit 1 – RO19 – Understand the equipment and nutritional needs of children from birth to five years

You will carry out an in-depth research task on a topic of your choice, these include:

  • Pre-conceptual care
  • Antenatal care
  • Health, safety, diet and care of the child
  • Childhood illnesses
  • Support for the parent and child

This is internally assessed and is worth 25% of the final grade.

Unit 2 – R020 – Understand the development of a child from birth to five years

Learners will work with a child aged up to 5 years old over a period of 3 months. During this time the learner will:

  • carry out and evaluate appropriate research
  • use research to select, plan and justify play activities which will enable them to observe physical, intellectual and cognitive, emotional and social, communication and language development
  • carry out observations of a child to assess their development
  • record observations analyse and evaluate observations, recognising change and progression in development and comparing against developmental milestones.

This is internally assessed and is worth 25% of the final grade.

Unit 3 – R018 – Written exam -Health and well-being for child development

What is assessed?

  • Contraception
  • Pre conceptual care
  • Reproduction
  • Ante natal care
  • Preparing for the baby
  • Birth
  • Postnatal care
  • Medical professionals
  • Needs of the child
  • Childhood illnesses
  • Safety

How it is assessed?

  • Written exam: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • 80 marks
  • 50% of final grade

Questions

A mix of, short answer and extended questions.

All results are awarded on the following scale: 

  • Distinction* at Level 2
  • Distinction at Level 2
  • Merit at Level 2
  • Pass at Level 2
  • Distinction at Level 1
  • Merit at Level 1
  • Pass at Level 1

Why Study Hospitality & Catering?

This qualification is designed for students with an interest in hospitality & catering. It will provide students with experience of using different cooking techniques and methods to enable them to use these within further education or apprenticeships. It will give them a basic understanding of the skills required for a career in food.

Course Content & Development of Expertise

Students will study the food and cookery sector incorporating knowledge, technical and practical skills.

The majority of the topics will be taught through planning, preparation and making activities. Students will be expected to transfer skills learnt from theory lessons and demonstrations into their practical sessions. The practical sessions and demonstrations will with be evaluated in order to complete evidence of knowledge and skills learned to add to their portfolio of work.

You will learn about the following 5 topics:

  • planning
  • research skills
  • communication
  • problem solving skills
  • health and safety

Career Pathways

This course will allow you to explore your interests in the hospitality and catering industry.

Qualification Information

Optional Subject

Qualification: Vocational Level 2 Hospitality & Catering

Awarding Body: WJEC EDUQAS

Entry Tiers: One Tier

Assessment Structure

Requirements: Internally & Externally Moderated Portfolio of Evidence and Externally Set and Marked Assignments

To be awarded the Eduqas Level 2 Certificate in Hospitality & Catering, learners are required to successfully complete four mandatory units.

Unit 1
The Hospitality and Catering Industry

Unit 2
Hospitality and Catering in Action

All results are awarded on the scale from Level 2 Distinction* to Level 2 Pass

Why Study Design Technology?

GCSE Design and Technology will prepare you to participate confidently and successfully in an increasingly technological world. You will gain awareness and learn from wider influences on Design and Technology including historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic factors. 

You will have the opportunity to work creatively when designing and making and apply technical and practical expertise and you will have an interest in the wider role of technology in society, how designers use influences to be creative and be confident in using both modern and traditional equipment.

Course Content & Development of Expertise

Technology areas have now merged into one GCSE course where students learn aspects of most subjects; Resistant Materials OR Textiles. Although students will access information on all areas, the main focus for practical work will be on Resistant Materials or Textiles.

You will develop knowledge of the 6 core principles below across the suite of subjects in technology and will further your knowledge and expertise in at least one of the technology subject areas.

You will be required to learn about 6 core principles and use this knowledge In order to make effective design choices.

The core technical knowledge will consist of the following topics:

  • new and emerging technologies
  • energy generation and storage
  • developments in new materials
  • systems approach to designing
  • mechanical devices
  • materials and their working properties.

In addition to the core technical principles, you will develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the following specialist technical principles: Textiles OR Resistant Materials

  • selection of materials or components
  • forces and stresses
  • ecological and social footprint
  • sources and origins
  • using and working with materials
  • stock forms, types and sizes
  • scales of production
  • specialist techniques and processes
  • surface treatments and finishes

You will need to demonstrate and apply knowledge and understanding of designing and making principles in relation to the following areas in at least one area of study:

  • investigation, primary and secondary data
  • environmental, social and economic challenge
  • the work of others
  • design strategies
  • communication of design ideas
  • prototype development
  • selection of materials and components
  • tolerances
  • material management
  • specialist tools and equipment
  • specialisttechniques and processes

The use of ICT will be an integral part of the course. Computer-aided Design has to be included in the design folder. Computer-Aided Manufacturing will be included in the practical work and students will develop skills in modelling and making in multiple materials including, wood, metals, plastics and card.

The skills developed in the course naturally lead onto the A-Level Design and Technology. There are opportunities to embark on a diverse array of Post 16 studies and careers, these include, engineering, architecture, fashion, biomedical, video gaming platforms, product /industrial design, graphic design, illustration, advertising and interior design.

You will learn about this subject through a range of practical and theoretical projects throughout Year 10, building skills and abilities in producing imaginative designs and prototypes using a range of different media/materials and processes to given scenarios.

Career Pathways

Employers and colleges recognise this subject as a route into trades and engineering with routes into education and employment post 16 including; A levels, vocational level 2/3/4 courses, graduate and post-graduate courses in: 3D Design, Engineering, Product/Industrial Design, Architecture, Sustainability, Jewellery, Graphic Design, Textiles, Interior Design, Illustration and a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design. Trades such as plumbing and carpentry. The skills and understanding learned and developed in this course will help with all types of career where problem solving, creativity and innovation are valued.

Qualification Information

Optional Subject

Qualification: GCSE Resistant Materials

Awarding Body: AQA

Entry Tiers: One tier

Assessment Structure

The course is split into two sections; the NEA (non-exam assessment) is worth 50% of the overall grade and the formal examination makes up the other 50% of the overall grade.

WRITTEN PAPER (50%)

What is assessed?

  • Core technical principles
  • Specialist technical principles either textiles OR resistant materials
  • Designing and making principles

How it is assessed?

  • Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • 100 marks/50% of GCSE

Questions

  • Several short answer questions (2-5 marks) and one extended response to assess a more in depth knowledge of technical principles.

NON-EXAM ASSESSMENT (50%)

What is assessed?

Practical application of:

  • Core technical principles
  • Specialist technical principles (Textiles or Resistant Materials)
  • Designing and making principles

How it is assessed?

  • Non-exam assessment (NEA) approximately 30–35 hours
  • 100 marks/50% of GCSE

What should students produce?

  • Major design and make task

Assessment criteria to include the following:

  • investigating
  • designing
  • making
  • testing and evaluating

Why Study Design Technology?

GCSE Design and Technology will prepare you to participate confidently and successfully in an increasingly technological world. You will gain awareness and learn from wider influences on Design and Technology including historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic factors. 

You will have the opportunity to work creatively when designing and making and apply technical and practical expertise and you will have an interest in the wider role of technology in society, how designers use influences to be creative and be confident in using both modern and traditional equipment.

Course Content & Development of Expertise

Technology areas have now merged into one GCSE course where students learn aspects of most subjects; Resistant Materials OR Textiles. Although students will access information on all areas, the main focus for practical work will be on Resistant Materials or Textiles.

You will develop knowledge of the 6 core principles below across the suite of subjects in technology and will further your knowledge and expertise in at least one of the technology subject areas.

You will be required to learn about 6 core principles and use this knowledge In order to make effective design choices.

The core technical knowledge will consist of the following topics:

  • new and emerging technologies
  • energy generation and storage
  • developments in new materials
  • systems approach to designing
  • mechanical devices
  • materials and their working properties.

In addition to the core technical principles, you will develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the following specialist technical principles: Textiles OR Resistant Materials

  • selection of materials or components
  • forces and stresses
  • ecological and social footprint
  • sources and origins
  • using and working with materials
  • stock forms, types and sizes
  • scales of production
  • specialist techniques and processes
  • surface treatments and finishes

You will need to demonstrate and apply knowledge and understanding of designing and making principles in relation to the following areas in at least one area of study:

  • investigation, primary and secondary data
  • environmental, social and economic challenge
  • the work of others
  • design strategies
  • communication of design ideas
  • prototype development
  • selection of materials and components
  • tolerances
  • material management
  • specialist tools and equipment
  • specialisttechniques and processes

The use of ICT will be an integral part of the course. Computer-aided Design has to be included in the design folder. Computer-Aided Manufacturing will be included in the practical work and students will develop skills in modelling and making in multiple materials including, wood, metals, plastics and card.

The skills developed in the course naturally lead onto the A-Level Design and Technology. There are opportunities to embark on a diverse array of Post 16 studies and careers, these include, engineering, architecture, fashion, biomedical, video gaming platforms, product /industrial design, graphic design, illustration, advertising and interior design.

You will learn about this subject through a range of practical and theoretical projects throughout Year 10, building skills and abilities in producing imaginative designs and prototypes using a range of different media/materials and processes to given scenarios.

Career Pathways

Employers and colleges recognise this subject as a route into trades and engineering with routes into education and employment post 16 including; A levels, vocational level 2/3/4 courses, graduate and post-graduate courses in: 3D Design, Engineering, Product/Industrial Design, Architecture, Sustainability, Jewellery, Graphic Design, Textiles, Interior Design, Illustration and a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design. Trades such as plumbing and carpentry. The skills and understanding learned and developed in this course will help with all types of career where problem solving, creativity and innovation are valued.

Qualification Information

Optional Subject

Qualification: GCSE Textiles

Awarding Body: Pearson Edexcel

Entry Tiers: One tier

Assessment Structure

The course is split into two sections; the NEA (non-exam assessment) is worth 50% of the overall grade and the formal examination makes up the other 50% of the overall grade.

WRITTEN PAPER (50%)

What is assessed?

  • Core technical principles
  • Specialist technical principles either textiles OR resistant materials
  • Designing and making principles

How it is assessed?

  • Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • 100 marks/50% of GCSE

Questions

  • Several short answer questions (2-5 marks) and one extended response to assess a more in depth knowledge of technical principles.

NON-EXAM ASSESSMENT (50%)

What is assessed?

Practical application of:

  • Core technical principles
  • Specialist technical principles (Textiles or Resistant Materials)
  • Designing and making principles

How it is assessed?

  • Non-exam assessment (NEA) approximately 30–35 hours
  • 100 marks/50% of GCSE

What should students produce?

  • Major design and make task

Assessment criteria to include the following:

  • investigating
  • designing
  • making
  • testing and evaluating