employment in the creative industries. In addition, the specification provides a coherent, satisfying and worthwhile course of study for pupils who do not progress to further study in this subject. How will I be examined? The same four assessment objectives apply across both components which are internally marked and externally moderated. Each assessment objective is equally weighted.
There are no entry requirements or set time limit for completing Gold Arts Award. It will take young people around 90 hours to complete, working with their adviser and independently. Employers, universities and colleges know that Arts Award is a qualification that shows young people’s level of commitment and progress in the arts and in developing new skills. Gold Arts Award is the highest recognition of young people’s abilities as a creative arts leader. At gold level, they work as an arts practitioner while broadening their horizons within the arts world. Working at this level will extend creativity, communication, planning, teamwork and leadership skills, and will support progression through any education, training or career pathway. Ms L A Salway Head of Arts Award Biology What is the subject about? Biology is the study of life and living processes. It is therefore relevant to all and has a particular part to play in making young people aware of their environment, of personal health issues and of their own physiologies. It is a wide ranging subject with a strong numerate and analytical basis. There is no doubt that advances in biotechnology, medical research and the use of environmental resources will affect all our lives. The specification is divided into topics, each covering different key concepts of biology. Teaching of practical skills is integrated with the theoretical topics and they are assessed through the written papers. The practical endorsement will also support the development of practical skills. What are my opportunities for project work or coursework? There is no formally assessed project work or coursework. Teaching of practical skills is integrated with the theoretical topics and are assessed through the written papers. Practical activities are embedded within the learning outcomes of the course to encourage practical activities in the classroom, enhancing the understanding of biological theory and practical skills. Pupils will produce a portfolio of practical work which will demonstrate their aptitude in this important aspect of the biological sciences. The quality of this portfolio will determine whether a pupil passes or fails the practical endorsement. Why might I choose to study biology at A-level? Biology A-level could be the opening to an exciting range of biology careers or work and study in other sciences. The origins of living things and how they work is fundamental to the world we live in and, whether your interest is in the animal world, marine life, humans or plant life, the study of biology is the core of further knowledge and discovery. You will develop analytical, evaluative and observational skills that will be of great value in a wide range of university courses. How will I be examined? We will follow the AQA Specification (7402). The content is split into three, two-hour papers: • Paper 1 (35 per cent of A-level) This covers biological molecules, cells, how organisms exchange substances with their environment, genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms and relevant practical skills
Pupils must demonstrate their ability to:
AO1
Develop ideas through sustained and focused investigations informed by contextual and other sources, demonstrating analytical and critical understanding. Explore and select appropriate resources, media, materials, techniques and processes, reviewing and refining ideas as work develops. Record ideas, observations and insights relevant to intentions, reflecting critically on work and progress. Present a personal and meaningful response that realises intentions and, where appropriate, makes connections between visual and other elements.
AO2
AO3
AO4
Ms E Z Greenwood Head of Art
Arts Gold Award The Gold Arts Award is well established at the College and gives pupils the opportunity to take an exciting, innovative and creative qualification. Arts Award supports young people in all areas of creative arts and offers an inspiring arts journey. Each path can take a different direction – from fashion to film-making, from dance to design, from photography to poetry. Whichever route they choose to follow, pupils are supported to develop their own ideas and to see them through with the help of an adviser and creative mentors and organisations. Gold Arts Award is the highest level at Level 3 on the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF), and develops young people’s creativity, communication, planning, teamwork and leadership skills. The award is also recognised on the UCAS Tariff (16 points). Pupils applying to university who are working towards or have achieved a Gold Arts Award will be able to include it as they would do other subjects when completing their UCAS application form. Young people need to plan their work with an adviser and keep a record by creating their own Arts Award portfolio. Pupils can pick their own style of portfolio – this could be a diary, video, website blog – or something different altogether.
Gold has two units:
• Unit 1: personal arts development • Unit 2: arts projects leadership
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