GCSE – The Arts

If you’re passionate about performance and creativity, this course puts you centre stage. At the heart of the course is practical exploration and performance, giving you the chance to bring a wide range of plays and practitioner styles to life through dynamic, hands-on workshops. You’ll have the opportunity to shine in two assessed performances, one devised and one scripted, where you’ll showcase your talent and creativity. But it’s not just about performing. You’ll also develop your ability to analyse and evaluate theatre, both on the page and on stage, building strong written and critical thinking skills. Plus, with exciting theatre trips and workshops led by visiting industry professionals, you’ll gain real-world insight and inspiration straight from the heart of the industry. If you’re ready to challenge yourself, build confidence, and experience the thrill of live performance, this course is your stage.

AQA

GCSE Dance is an exciting, dynamic course that provides students with the opportunity to study dance both practically and theoretically. The course encourages students to develop their creative, physical, and intellectual capacity whilst learning to critically appreciate and analyse an anthology of professional works, influential practitioners, and choreographers. Students will have the opportunity to choreograph, perform, appreciate dance as an art form and develop their critical thinking skills. Students will study a range of dance styles including contemporary dance, jazz and hip hop which acknowledge many aspects of current dance repertoire. GCSE Dance students will have the chance to attend theatre trips and take part in workshops with professional dance artists.

AQA

English Language (Edexcel)

Fundamental to every individual’s progress in their further studies and careers, the course covers a range of literature, media texts, and scripts of planned and spontaneous speech. The course also develops students’ ability to write for different purposes, perfecting their literacy.

English Literature (CIE)

The GCSE English Literature course strengthens skills in writing and analysis and sees students study a broad range of literary texts including Shakespeare, nineteenth-century fiction, and post–1914 drama, fiction, and poetry.

Fine Art at Fine Arts College is an exciting next step in a student’s artistic journey, offering greater independence and creative freedom. The course is divided into two key components:

• Component 1: Personal Portfolio (60%) – A collection of coursework that allows students to develop their own ideas and artistic voice.
• Component 2: Externally Set Assignment (40%) – A project set by the exam board, culminating in a final 10-hour practical exam over two days.

This course not only strengthens students’ creative and analytical skills but also builds confidence in self-expression. Art complements other subjects by encouraging critical thinking and problem-solving while providing a valuable creative outlet. Whether as a passion or a career path, studying Fine Art broadens students’ skills and opens up new opportunities for the future.

Eduqas

GCSE Music is an exciting and dynamic course that allows you to develop your musical skills and deepen your understanding of a wide range of styles. You will explore performance, composition, music history, and aural skills while engaging with four diverse areas of study: Popular Music, World Music, Western Classical Music (1600–1899), and Western Classical Music from 1900 to the present day.

As a performer, you will have the opportunity to showcase your talents on your chosen instrument or voice, ideally at Grade 3 standard or above. In composition, you will use professional music software to create two original compositions over the two years, refining your creativity and technical skills in different styles.

Eduqas

GCSE Photography is an exciting and creative course that allows students to explore the world through a lens, developing technical skills alongside artistic expression. The course is assessed through two key components:

• Component 1: Personal Portfolio (60%) – A collection of coursework where students experiment with photographic techniques, develop ideas, and create meaningful work based on a chosen theme.
• Component 2: Externally Set Assignment (40%) – A project set by AQA, culminating in a 10-hour practical exam over two days, where students produce a final piece in response to a given brief.

Throughout the course, students will gain skills in composition, lighting, digital editing, and critical analysis, helping them build confidence in both technical and creative aspects of photography. This subject complements a range of other disciplines by encouraging visual storytelling, problem-solving, and independent thinking. Whether pursuing photography professionally or using it as a creative outlet, this course provides valuable skills that enhance students’ artistic and analytical abilities.

AQA