Art, Craft & Design

What does GCSE Art, Craft & Design offer me? You have the opportunity to explore a wide range of processes and media from printmaking and textiles to video and animation. You develop important analytical and practical skills as well as creative thinking, ICT and communication skills.

What does the course entail? We offer the AQA Art, Craft & Design syllabus. Coursework consists of a portfolio project which runs from September in Year 10 to Christmas in Year 11. This comprises of sketchbook and practical work including research, development, experimentation and realization of personal ideas (60%). For the final 10 hour timed examination there is an unlimited preparation time where students respond to the externally set task (40%).

Beyond GCSE Most A Level students achieve a grade 7 (or above) at GCSE. Art is a very vocational subject and many A Level Art students go on to do a Foundation course at college before applying to Art school for a degree course. Recent candidates have gone on to study Art at Central St Martins, London, Graphic Design at Glasgow School of Art and Architecture at Liverpool University.

Curriculum Enrichment The Art course of GCSE offers students the possibility to work with a range of visiting artists and designers, through the Vitreum Art Gallery and our resident printmaker’s scheme. There is usually one field trip for the course to either London or Yorkshire Sculpture Park.

Our students are challenged through learning new processes and techniques often with specialist practising artists working alongside students to make ceramics, photography and print. Students are also encouraged to take part in local and national competitions. The Art dept is available every lunchtime and there is also provision for after school activities again with visiting artists.

What does GCSE Computer Science offer me?

This is the Digital Age and computer systems have all but infiltrated every aspect of our lives. Computer Science will enable you to build upon and develop an understanding of how computer systems work, from the hardware to the programs that users interact with. You will learn about the principles and practices of computational thinking, and their application in the design and development of computer systems.

What does the course entail?

The department follows the OCR GCSE (9-1) in Computer Science (J277) specification. There are two components to this qualification:

Component 1: Computer systems

Assessment: written paper – 50% of total GCSE, 80 marks 1.1 Systems architecture 1.2 Memory and storage 1.3 Computer networks, connections and protocols 1.4 Network security 1.5 Systems software 1.6 Ethical, legal, cultural and environmental impacts of digital technology

Beyond GCSE

The skills gained in this qualification will be of enormous benefit in jobs requiring computational skills as technology continues to be the forefront of society. You can apply problem solving and logical thinking skills to succeed in your other subjects, as well as in the workplace of the future.

Curriculum enrichment

There will be an opportunity to complete a programming project independently beyond the theory activities of the course. You are encouraged to read the technology news to discover the latest developments and issues around the world.

The course will allow you to develop a solid base of understanding to theorise, design, develop and apply the software and hardware for the programs we use day in, day out. You will be given the opportunity to undertake programming tasks to solve problems using Python, a high-level textbased programming language.

Component 2: Computational thinking, algorithms and programming

Assessment: written paper – 50% of total GCSE, 80 marks 2.1 Algorithms 2.2 Programming fundamentals 2.3 Producing robust programs 2.4 Boolean logic 2.5 Programming languages and Integrated Development Environments

What does GCSE Drama offer me? “We must all do theatre to find out who we are and to discover who we

could become.’ Augusto Boal The challenges presented by GCSE drama are diverse – girls can opt to take the course as performers or designers (with a choice to specialise as a designer for set/stage, light, sound or costume/props). They study set plays, devise their own material and complete a written examination to show their knowledge of drama and the theatre. As part of the course, each half term girls are taken to a professional production to prepare them for the live theatre evaluation section of the examination. They also have the opportunity to take part in workshops delivered by visiting theatre companies and practitioners.

What does the course entail?

AQA GCSE Drama 18261 - Specification www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/drama/gcse/drama-8261 The subject content for GCSE Drama is divided into three components (in the practical components students may specialize in performing, lighting, sound, set, costume and/or puppets):

Some elements of the course are taught on a co-educational basis with MTBS. This gives the students more options when it comes to their scripted and devised performances, along with allowing them the opportunity to work alongside their GCSE counterparts.

Component 1 What’s assessed Understanding Drama 80 Marks 40% of GCSE

• 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 Component 2 What’s assessed Devising Drama (practical) 80 marks 40% of GCSE

• Process of creating devised drama • Performance of devised drama (students may contribute as performer or designer) • Creation of a devising log to analyse and evaluate this process

Component 3 What’s assessed Texts in practice (practical) 50 marks 20% of GCSE • Performance of two extracts from one play (students may contribute as performers or designers) [Free choice of play but it must contrast with the set play chosen for Component 1]

Beyond GCSE

Despite studies in Drama and the Creative Arts leading to increased self-esteem, confidence and communication skills, it has been a long-held misconception that there are few viable career options available for the future. This is not the case. ‘The creative industries, for nearly a decade are the fastest-growing part of the economy. UK’s creative industries contribute almost £90 bn net to GDP. It accounts for one in 11 jobs, a rate rising more quickly than all other parts of the economy. These jobs are also among the least likely to be lost to automation.’ (‘Creative Industries are Key to UK Economy’ The Guardian 1st January 2019).

Curriculum enrichment

In order to stretch and challenge drama pupils, workshops are arranged regularly with industry professionals and specialists. Students attend drama technical, costume and puppetry workshops at LIPA, devising sessions with award winning physical theatre company, Frantic Assembly and pre-performance workshops at the Liverpool Everyman and Unity theatre’s. Girls also have the opportunity to take LAMDA’s acting course alongside their GCSE studies. Depending on numbers and timetable, it may be possible to offer Drama GCSE as a 10th GCSE option.

What does GCSE Design and Technology offer me?

“Design and Technology is a phenomenally important subject.

Logical, creative and practical, it’s the only opportunity students have to apply what they learn in Maths and Science.” Sir James Dyson Founder and Chairman of Dyson and Patron to the D&T Association

Everything in this world is designed and the future requires designing too.

This exciting new course will allow you to develop your design and critical thinking skills. You will be supported to be innovative and inventive as and use your skills to design and make new and better solutions to real life problems – on your own and with others - using the materials you choose.

By studying this course you will:

Develop skills for life. Our aim is to prepare you to become critical and creative designers, engineers and consumers of the future. You will follow iterative design processes that are used in industry. These will allow you develop a range of skills and personal qualities including independence, team working, problem solving, resilience, resourcefulness, risk taking and entrepreneurship.

The specification has no material bias; you will develop your skills through working with any appropriate materials including, where and when appropriate, the use of ICT.

This course is an exciting opportunity for you to gain a greater understanding of design in the real world and will provide opportunities for further study in the fields of design, engineering and architecture.

What does the course entail?

Assessment GCSE (9-1)

Principals of Design and Technology (01) 100 Marks 50% of Total Written Exam 2 hours

Iterative Design Challenge (02, 03) 100 Marks 50% of Total Non-Exam Assessment

During this course you will develop your ‘core’ knowledge of Design and Technology principles and demonstrate your broad understanding of these across the subject. You will also develop an ‘in-depth’ knowledge of at least one main material category. Half of your final GCSE marks come from a practical design challenge. As part of this component you will: • explore the context to identify the needs and requirements; • develop solutions to meet those needs; • evaluate your solutions; • produce a chronological portfolio detailing your design journey; • produce a final prototype.

Beyond GCSE

Given its breadth and depth Design and Technology this GCSE opens the door to a wide range of careers in the creative, engineering and manufacturing industries. There are a wide range of degree courses that are directly related to this subject. This course is also excellent preparation for careers in many other fields including medicine, law and IT. Whatever career you choose, the knowledge and skills you learn, particularly those concerned with rapidly developing technologies, will be extremely valuable.

Curriculum enrichment

During the course visits to relevant exhibitions and conferences will take place. The department has a range of books and other physical resources that are have been curated to support pupils’ learning. GCSE pupils are also invited to attend our lunchtime revision clinic.

What does GCSE Music Offer me?

“Music is food for our soul,” and the GCSE Music course deepens your appreciation and understanding of this art form. The study of music provides a unique academic experience, as it involves both theoretical and practical elements, and has been shown to enhance general performance in other subjects at GCSE.

AQA GCSE Music offers pupils the opportunity to experience and examine a wide variety of musical styles, including pop, jazz, world and Western Classical. Diverse options within the course allow girls to explore areas of their own interest and encourage them to align these and their individual skills with syllabus topics and their associated musical elements. Girls analyse set works, compose their own music, perform, and complete a written exam to show their knowledge and understanding of music from around the world. GCSE music students also have the opportunity to work with professional industry specialists through masterclasses, workshops and concerts.

The skills acquired in GCSE music are valued by universities and employers, who see creative subjects as assets. Increasingly, they are looking for young people who, through the study of creative subjects like music, have developed creative thinking, emotional intelligence, adaptability, communication and tenacity.

Depending on numbers and timetable, it may be possible to offer Music GCSE as a 10th GCSE option.

What does the course entail?

There are 3 components:

•Component 1: Understanding music (40%) - a listening and written exam •Component 2: Performing music (30%) - solo and ensemble •Component 3: Composition (30%) - to a brief and a free composition. Go to this link to read the GCSE specification: www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/music/gcse/music-8271

Beyond GCSE Music is admired and respected amongst higher education institutions and in the work place. In an increasingly competitive academic environment, music can give you that edge and provide balance to your course options. Music can be a gateway into areas such as broadcasting, publishing, law, politics and the Civil Service. Rather than limiting your options, music opens doors to a wide range of careers. In recent years, MTS music students have gone on to Oxbridge, music conservatories and other Russell Group universities to study music, law, medicine, business studies and engineering.

Curriculum enrichment To provide enrichment and challenge, music pupils regularly engage with musicians and other industry professionals through masterclasses, performances and workshops. Composers, performers and recording artists provide girls with opportunities to expand their knowledge of this huge industry. In addition, girls are encouraged to get involved in the School’s musical theatre productions, choral or instrumental ensembles, concerts, recording sessions and tours. There are opportunities to take ABRSM/Trinity/LCM examinations to further develop practical musicianship beyond the classroom and gain extra UCAS points.

Physical Education

What does GCSE Physical Education offer me?

For the Physical Education enthusiast the OCR GCSE PE Course

Offers an exciting opportunity to take your sporting knowledge and performance onto to higher levels and gain an academic qualification in Physical Education.

It also requires the students to underpin their practical performances with theoretical knowledge of the anatomical, physiological and psychological demands of physical activity and how these factors affect physical competence. The PE students will also learn how to use methods of practice to improve their performance in physical activity and the importance of being physically active as part of a balanced, healthy lifestyle.

Playing for a school or club team or weekly involvement in a sports activity is a must for a GCSE PE student as 40% of their marks will come from Component 3 where there is a performance assessment in three activities and an analysis and evaluation written assignment. GCSE PE students should also be competent in science.

What does the course entail? The GCSE PE Course comprises 3 components as detailed below, spread over two years.

Component 1: Physical Factors Affecting Performance Anatomy and physiology Physical Training

Component 2: Socio-Cultural Issues and Sports Psychology Sports Psychology Socio-cultural Influences Health, Fitness and Wellbeing

Component 3: Performance within Physical Education

Performance practical in Three Activities — one team and one individual sport and one other Analysis and Evaluation of a Performance (AEP)

Curriculum enrichment

In PE we offer many extracurricular opportunities which challenge our students. Our top athletes have the chance to perform at a high level in a number of sports, reaching regional and national finals. They also have further opportunities to be sporting ambassadors for the school on our international sports tours and through observing elite sport performances. Students are given the chance to take part in leadership roles within the department running and managing events staged at school or within the local community. Our players enhance their understanding of the many core and advanced skills and tactics used in different sport through participating at an increasingly more competitive level. The department constantly encourages our girls to strive for the very best they can achieve and our students are taught through a variety of differentiated methods, including practical sessions to ensure all students can access the content.

Merchant Taylors’ Girls’ School Liverpool Road Crosby Liverpool L23 5SP

Call: 0151 924 3140

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