Options choices - The Da Vinci Studio School of Creative Enterprise

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Da Vinci Hall, Broadway, Letchworth, SG6 3NX
Year 10 Options Booklet
2014-15
GLH = guided learning hours
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Da Vinci Hall, Broadway, Letchworth, SG6 3NX
Options choices for Year 10s
In addition to studying the core GCSEs of maths, English language, English literature, double science
and business studies, you will be able to choose a further GCSE and two BTECs to study during Years
10 and 11. This process consists of five steps.
Step 1 – Decide on your GCSE choice
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Read through the GCSE information in this booklet
Discuss your GCSE options with your coaches and your parents
Tick one GCSE option below
GCSE choice
History GCSE
Product Design GCSE
Drama GCSE
Tick your choice
Step 2 – Decide on your BTEC choices
-
Read through the BTEC information in this booklet
Discuss your BTEC options with your coaches and your parents
Tick two BTEC options below
BTEC choice
Digital Media BTEC
Art and Design Crafts BTEC
Production Arts BTEC
Tick your choice
Step 3 – Decide on Music Technology BTEC option
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Read through the Music Technology BTEC information in this booklet
Discuss this Music Technology BTEC option with your coaches and your parents
Tick the Music Technology box below if you would like to take this as an additional qualification
Music Technology BTEC choice
Music Technology BTEC
Tick your choice
Step 4 – Enter your details below
Your name
Your class
Step 5 – Return this form to the school office
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Return this form to Nicole or Leah in the school office by Monday 15th September 2014
Don’t worry - you have two weeks after this to let us know if you change your mind!
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Da Vinci Hall, Broadway, Letchworth, SG6 3NX
GCSE choices
History
(GCSE History A – Schools History Project J415 – Exam Board OCR)
Students study the development of medicine through time, dating from prehistoric to modern day.
Students also undertake a depth study on Germany 1919 to 1945. This focuses on the reasons for the
development of totalitarianism under the Nazis and considers the impact on and the reactions of different
groups in German society. Method of study: Students’ methods of study will include analysing a range
of historical source evidence; discussion of concepts; presentations and debate; enrichment
opportunities (visits and speakers). Assessment structure: The assessment structure includes Paper 1
(45%) which is a written exam lasting 2 hours (consisting of a compulsory source-based question and a
structured question chosen from a choice of 2); Paper 2 (30%) which is a written exam paper lasting 1
hour and 30 minutes, consisting of 6 compulsory questions to investigate an historical issue; Paper 3
(25%) which is a controlled assessment task of 2,000 words based on the Israeli/Palestinian conflict.
Opportunities beyond Year 11: History is a highly regarded qualification for virtually any field of work;
the subject is especially suitable for anyone considering law, journalism, writing or teaching; history
combines well with many subjects and offers students the opportunity to reflect, analyse and develop
skills of evaluation.
Product Design GCSE
(GCSE Design and technology: Product Design 500/4481/3 – Exam Board AQA 4555)
3D Product Design is a practical subject which develops an understanding and appreciation of good
design within the manufactured environment. The course requires the students to apply their knowledge
to create varied, interesting and exciting three dimension products. Designing and making is focused
within contexts that are relevant to society today such as social and environmental issues, along with
sustainability and emerging new technologies. This GCSE builds upon the work studied across all
Design and Technology subjects studied at KS3. Method of study: This subject centres learning
around designing and practical work. Students will work creatively and imaginatively to design improved
and exciting products. Drawing upon inspirational and iconic design pieces, the students will apply their
knowledge and concept of fashion, style and proportion to their own designs. Students must develop
excellent skills in management and organisation using all the equipment in the workshop and ICT within
the design studio. Students are new challenged to produce prototypes or working models using a range
of traditional, new and smart materials. Supporting work documenting the progress and development of
their products will be evidenced in a design folder. Assessment structure: Unit 1: written paper – 2
hour paper/40% of total mark. Candidates answer all questions in two sections (120 marks). Unit 2:
Design and making practice – approximately 45 hours/60% of total mark. Consists of a single design
and make activity selected from a range of broad set tasks (90 marks). Opportunities beyond Year 11:
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Da Vinci Hall, Broadway, Letchworth, SG6 3NX
Product Design can be followed through to AS and A2 at the Da Vinci Studio School. This in turn can
pave the way for a design foundation course at college, a practical, hands-on BA degree or a more
scientific BSc degree. The management of time and resources, the ability to work independently with
commitment and motivation, to overcome problems, and to react positiviely to criticism are just some of
the personal and employability skills that will be developed through the experience of Product Design.
Career options in the design world are incredibly wide and varied, from designing creative iconic objects
of desire, advertising campaigns or exciting new architecture and everything in between. Subjects
complementing this subject include art and design and physics.
Drama GCSE
(GCSE GCSE in Drama 500/4578/7 – Exam Board Edexcel)
Edexcel GCSE Drama is split into three units two of which are internally graded and externally
moderated by the exam board. Each of these two units is worth up to 30% of the final GCSE grade.
Unit 1 is Drama Exploration through a linked series of workshops under a common theme EG Crime and
Punishment, War, The Family etc. Students are assessed over 6 hours of practical work. They are then
required to submit a written response detailing their experiences and learning within the unit. This unit
encourages and promotes the use of issue-based drama as a vehicle for personal growth and world
understanding whilst subtly developing the students’ drama skills as they strive to express complex
themes and issues in a dramatic and creative way. Unit 2 is once again called Drama exploration but
this time it requires students to explore a published play through 6 hours of practical exploration. By
exploring a written text students are schooled in the traditional acting skills of character interpretation,
stagecraft, acting techniques and so on whilst also being expected to develop an understanding of the
themes that exist within the play. Again they are then required to submit a written response detailing their
experiences and learning within the unit. Also within this unit students are taken to a live theatre
production which proceeds reflective analysis of the performance which leads into a written review of the
production which requires critical evaluation of the effectiveness of the production choices made by the
director. Unit 3 is the externally moderated portion of the course and carries the remaining 40% of the
overall GCSE grade. Students are required to stage a fully realised and rehearsed performance to a live
audience at which they will be assessed by an external examiner. There is no written portion within this
unit and student will be expected to attend a significant amount of rehearsals both in lessons and out-ofhours prior to the public performance. The play can be an existing published text, a play devised by the
students or a variety of combinations. Students the opportunity to explore and confront serious issues
from within the safety of a drama environment which in turn promotes the development of the drama
skills required to present the findings and conclusions of their explorations. The very nature of the
course requires that key skills such as time-management, independent study and team work are fully
utilised. At the same time the written elements of the course promote ICT skills and support literacy and
the reflective nature of the writing encourages empathy, critical analysis and self-review.
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Da Vinci Hall, Broadway, Letchworth, SG6 3NX
BTEC choices
Digital Media BTEC
(BTEC – First Award in Creative Digital Media Production, Exam Board Edexcel,
Qualification number 600/6831/0)
Students study the creation and development of digital media products through the design and
implementation of practical projects that are based on real case studies. Students also study the social,
cultural and business contexts of digital media and how they influence the emerging global and local
trends in the media landscape. Methods of study: Analysing a wide range of digital media products;
discussion of concepts; presentations and debate; processes of production. Assessment structure:
Units of study are assessed as specific projects undertaken by students during the course. For example,
creative a website. One unit is assessed by a written exam lasting 1 hour and consisting of compulsory
questions. Unit 1: Digital Media Sectors and Audiences: 30 GLH is an externally set assessment, exam
1 hour. Unit 2: Planning and Pitching a Digital Media Product: 30 GLH. Unit 5: Digital Publishing
Production. Unit 6: Website Production.
Opportunities beyond Year 11: the knowledge,
understanding and skills learnt in studying a BTEC First will: aid progression to further study –
specifically the Edexcel BTEC Level 3 in Creative Media Production (QCF); prepare learners to enter the
workplace in due course – in moving image production, audio production, publishing, website production
or digital games production.
Art and Design BTEC
(BTEC Exam Board Excel, Qualification number 600/4781/1)
This innovative qualification offers learners access to ‘real-life’ aspects of the creative arts practices.
Students will have the opportunity to work with a range of materials to produce useful, well-designed
artefacts. The BTEC specification in Art and Design encourages students to be inspired, moved and
changed by following a broad, coherent, satisfying and worthwhile course of study and gain an insight
into related sectors, such as backstage production processes. This subject prepares students to make
informed decisions about further learning opportunities and career choices. Method of study: During
the study of the subject, students completing Units 1, 2, 4 and 5 will gain a BTEC Level 2 First Award in
Art and Design. These units will be delivered through a combination of theoretical and practical study of
the topics with Unit 2 as the externally set assignment. The school curriculum, which is heavily based on
project-based learning, will supplement the understanding of the topics and allow the students to apply
their knowledge. Industrial visits will further augment and cement the learning. Assessment structure:
A study of the subject requires learners to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
Unit 1: introduction to specialist pathways in Art and Design: 30 GLH. Unit 2: Creative Project in Art and
Design: externally set assignment) 30 GLH. Unit 4: Communicating ideas in 3D: 30. Unit 5: Developing
an Art and Design portfolio: 30 GLH.
Production Arts BTEC
(BTEC – Level 2 First Award in Performing Arts (Production), Exam Board OCR,
Qualification number 600/4785/9)
This is a vocationally related qualification that takes an engaging, practical and inspiring approach to
learning and assessment. Backstage arts cover a wide range of disciplines, and these skills can be
transferred to other areas of interest outside of technical and design. Three themes are covered
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Da Vinci Hall, Broadway, Letchworth, SG6 3NX
throughout this course: Preparation for work, Technical, and Design. Method of study: During the study
of the subject, students will be completing the units below. These will be delivered through a
combination of theoretical and practical study of the topics. The practical elements will be based around
live project briefs set by clients and industry. The school curriculum, which is heavily based on projectbased learning, will supplement the understanding of the topics and allow the students to apply their
knowledge. Industrial visits will further augment and cement the learning. Assessment structure:
Mandatory units are: Unit 1: Individual showcase: 30 GLH Externally-set and assessed task. Unit 2:
Preparation, performance and production: 30 GLH Centre assessed with video evidence and
journal/blog. Specialised unit Unit 7: Production skills for performance: GOGLH Centre assessed
with video evidence and journal/blog. Opportunities beyond Year 11: Students gaining this
qualification will have access to a range of further education and career opportunities. Students will
learn and use a variety of skills throughout the course, including lighting, sound, set construction and
theatre design. These skills are in great demand, and are recognised and highly valued by employers
and colleges. If students wish to continue studying in a vocational context, students may consider a
vocational Level 3 Extended Diploma in Production Arts, and then continue studies in higher education,
on a BTEC higher national or degree, either full-time or part-time whilst working.
Music Technology BTEC
(BTEC - Level 2 First Award in Music Exam Board Edexcel)
This subject inspires and enthuses learners to consider a career in the music industry, rather than to
participate in music only recreationally. It gives learners the opportunity to gain a broad knowledge and
understanding of, and develop skills in, the music industry, eg. the live sound industry, solo or group
professional performance, or music promotion and publishing. It supports progression to a more
specialised level 3 vocational or academic music course or an apprenticeship, and it gives learners the
potential opportunity to enter employment within a wide range of junior job roles across the music
industry. For example runner, roadie (backline technical support), stage crew, venue staff, music
promotion, and retail and sales roles. This qualification has been developed to provide an engaging and
stimulating introduction to the world of music. It includes two core units that form the fundamental
knowledge and understanding of music principles, followed by a selection of five optional specialist of
units from which a further two are chosen.
The core units recognise the importance of knowledge
about music for anyone wanting to be successful in the industry. There is an increasing focus on the
role of the individual, where there is a need for personal business and entrepreneurship skills, coupled
with music skills and aptitudes. The core also provides opportunities for the development of music skills
through the development of a music product. Unit 1: The music industry – which provides an overview
of the industry, particularly focusing on the shape of the modern industry and covering the emergence of
the role of the self-employed producer, performer and promoter. Unit 2: Managing a music product
which covers essential aspects for progression. This unit looks at the development of a music product.
As well as providing a vehicle for demonstrating skills and learning, it also introduces the role of planning
and promotion in the management of a music product. Learners can base their work on a live concert,
event, a CD or online product, providing opportunities for both music performers and technologists. The
optional specialist units offered within this qualification build on the core units and provide learners with
an opportunity to develop a wider understanding of the music industry.
This qualification will be taught on Thursday and Friday afternoons from 16:15 to 17:15 and will
count as an enrichment session.

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