George Stephenson High School • <strong>Longbenton</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>College</strong> • Seaton Burn <strong>College</strong>AS Drama and Theatre StudiesAS Media StudiesQualification and exam board: AS/A2 GCE, AQAWhat will I learn?YEAR 1:You will study one text from a practical viewpoint as well as analysing live theatreproductions. You will study a range of acting theories, theatrical terms and berequired to perform an extract from a chosen script with an accompanyingportfolio.YEAR 2:You will study two further set plays looking at aspects of acting, direction anddesign. You will be required to devise a presentationfor assessment in a chosen performance style, with an accompanying portfolio.How will I be assessed?At AS there is one unit exam of 90 minutes and a practical performance assessedby a visiting examiner. At A2 unit 3 is 2 hours and as with AS, thepractical performance is assessed by a visiting examiner. AS/A2 portfolios are alsoassessed.Further informationStudents will be expected to visit the theatre regularly, read a wide range oftexts and plays and also be involved in the performance opportunities offered inschool and beyond.Qualification and exam board: AS/A2 GCE, AQAWhat will I learn?YEAR 1:Students at AS level will explore the key concepts of media studies,AUDIENCE, REPRESENTATION, INSTITUTION and LANGUAGE. They will then beable to effectively analyse and investigate a range of different media texts such asTV opening sequences, film trailers, advertisements, music videos, video games,print advertising and websites. In preparation for the exam, students will producetheir own case study on either films or TV programmes and complete tasks whichrequire them to look at the way these texts have been marketed and promotedusing different media platforms (print, e-media and broadcast texts). Courseworkis a choice of three briefs which gives students the opportunity to produceproductions such as their ownmusic programme, film trailer and/ or website.YEAR 2:Students at A2 level look at WHY the media produce certain texts and explorecurrent debates around issues like size zero,video gaming, social networking,‘hoodies’ and perception of youth. They are required to produce two case studies(this year topics are representation and the impact of new media) which will thenbe used to answer questions in the exam. In addition to this students producea critical investigation on a media subject of their choice – this year titles haveincluded; Twilight and its influence on the horror genre, The depiction of the Iraqwar in film and Why has the film industry felt it necessary to produce remakesof classic films? And a linked production which will take the form of a film trailer,magazine feature or website.How will I be assessed?AS – Coursework and a 2 hour exam (2 sections)A2 – Coursework and a 21/4 hour exam (2 sections)Further informationAQA AS / A2 media studies student guides –Series editor: Julia Burton pub:Nelson Thornes Mediaedu, IMDB, Mediaknowitall – are allreally useful websites12
George Stephenson High School • <strong>Longbenton</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>College</strong> • Seaton Burn <strong>College</strong>ASMusicQualification and exam board: AS/A2 GCE, AQAWhat will I learn?YEAR 1:You will study three aspects of music. The first aspect is Influences on Musicwhich involves listening and analysis and the history of music. The second isCreating Musical Ideas which involves composing or arranging a piece. Thethird is Interpreting Musical Ideas where you will prepare a solo and ensembleperformance.YEAR 2:You will continue to study three aspects of music in greater depth. The first isMusic in Context, which involves listening and analysis and history of music. Thesecond is Developing Musical Ideas in which you compose or arrange a pieceand the third is Musical Performance where you will prepare solo recital on aninstrument of your choice.How will I be assessed?Each of the three aspects is examined. Influences of music is a 1 hour 45 minutewritten exam taken in June. Creating Musical Ideas is a 20 hour controlledassessment prepared in lesson time during the course. Interpreting Musical Ideasis a performance recorded in school on a recital evening.Further informationThe ability to practise and rehearse independently is essential. All students areexpected to take instrumental lessons on at least one instrument throughout thecourse.13
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