Assessment Components

Expressive Portfolio (40% of overall grade): An externally assessed practical portfolio showing investigation, development and a final expressive artwork. Pupils explore an expressive theme (such as portraiture, still life or landscape) and respond using a range of materials and techniques.

Design Portfolio (40% of overall grade): An externally assessed practical portfolio based on a design brief. Pupils investigate, develop and refine design ideas before presenting a final solution in fields such as graphic design, fashion/textiles, jewellery or product design.

Question Paper (20% of overall grade): An external written exam assessing knowledge and understanding of both expressive art and design. Pupils analyse artworks and design pieces, and answer questions on artists and designers they have studied.

Assessment Components

Expressive Portfolio (36% of overall grade):
An externally assessed practical portfolio demonstrating investigation, development and a final expressive artwork. Pupils respond to an expressive theme through drawings, media experiments and personal creative decisions.

Design Portfolio (36% of overall grade):
An externally assessed practical portfolio based on a design brief. Pupils research, develop and refine design ideas before presenting a final solution in areas such as graphics, fashion/textiles, jewellery or product design.

Question Paper (28% of overall grade):
An external written exam assessing analytical and evaluative skills in both expressive art and design. Pupils analyse unseen artworks or design work and answer questions on artists and designers they have studied.

Assessment Components

Practical Enquiry (50% of overall grade):
A substantial practical body of work developed from a self-directed theme or design brief. Pupils investigate, experiment, refine and resolve ideas into a series of high-quality final outcomes. Externally assessed.

Reflective Portfolio (50% of overall grade):
A critical and analytical written portfolio demonstrating reflection on the development of their work. Pupils document their creative process, evaluate their decisions, discuss influences and analyse visual impact. Externally assessed.

Assessment Components

Question Paper (40% of overall grade):
An external exam assessing understanding of drama terminology, performance concepts and staging. Pupils answer questions on creating and presenting drama, analysing characters, rehearsal processes and performance conventions.

Performance (60% of overall grade):
An externally assessed practical performance. Pupils take on an acting role within a scripted extract and are assessed on voice, movement, characterisation and interaction with others. Marks are awarded for preparation, rehearsal and final performance.

Assessment Components

Question Paper (40% of overall grade):
An external exam covering drama skills, production roles and performance analysis. Pupils demonstrate understanding of directing, design concepts, characterisation, rehearsal methods and performance impact through both textual and practical analysis.

Performance (60% of overall grade):
An externally assessed performance of an acting role in a selected script. Pupils prepare a directorial overview, develop characterisation and perform an extract showing control of voice, movement, interaction and emotional depth.

Assessment Components

Project–Dissertation (40% of overall grade):
An externally assessed written investigation into a chosen drama practitioner, style, movement or theme. Pupils analyse influences, theatrical techniques and impact, demonstrating critical thinking and research skills.

Practical Examination (60% of overall grade):
An externally assessed practical performance. Pupils specialise in one area:

• Acting,

• Directing, or

• Design (set, lighting, sound, props or costume).

Students present a prepared extract and are assessed on artistic interpretation, creative decision-making and the realisation of their chosen specialism.

Assessment Components

Question Paper: Understanding Music (40% of overall grade): An external exam assessing knowledge of musical concepts, styles and literacy. Pupils identify concepts in recorded excerpts and answer questions on notation, rhythm, melody, harmony and forms.

Performance (60% of overall grade): An externally assessed practical performance on one or two instruments (or instrument and voice). Pupils perform a programme totalling 6 minutes, demonstrating technical accuracy, musicality and stylistic awareness.

Assessment Components

Question Paper: Understanding Music (35% of overall grade): An external exam assessing a wider range and depth of musical concepts, genres and literacy. Pupils analyse excerpts, identify features, and apply notational understanding at a more advanced level.

Performance (65% of overall grade): An externally assessed performance on one or two instruments (or instrument and voice). Pupils present a programme of 12 minutes, showing secure technique, expression and stylistic control.

Assessment Components

Question Paper: Understanding and Analysing Music (35% of overall grade):
An external exam focused on advanced musical literacy, harmonic understanding, stylistic analysis and genre-specific features. Pupils demonstrate sophisticated listening and analytical skills.

Performance (65% of overall grade):
An externally assessed performance on one instrument or voice. Pupils present a recital of 15 minutes, demonstrating a high level of technical command, stylistic interpretation and expressive control.

Assessment Components

Assignment (70% of overall grade): An externally assessed practical project in which pupils plan, create and produce a piece of audio. This includes microphone techniques, editing, effects processing, multitrack recording, and creative use of music technology. Pupils also complete documentation showing planning, development and evaluation.

Question Paper (30% of overall grade): An external exam assessing knowledge of music technology concepts, listening skills, equipment, processes, microphone types, studio practice, and musical/technological terminology. Pupils identify features in recorded excerpts and demonstrate understanding of studio techniques.

Assessment Components

Assignment (70% of overall grade): An externally assessed practical assignment where pupils design and produce a multitrack audio project. This involves detailed planning, recording, editing, mixing, and applying appropriate effects and processes. Supporting documentation evaluates choices and reflects on technical and creative decisions.

Question Paper (30% of overall grade): An external exam assessing more advanced knowledge of audio production, technological concepts, sound design and professional workflows. Pupils identify features in excerpts, describe processes and demonstrate secure literacy in music technology terminology.

Assessment Components

Question Paper (28% of overall grade): An external exam assessing knowledge and understanding of photographic practice, camera techniques, image-making processes, composition, lighting, and the work of photographers. Pupils analyse images, identify technical decisions and explain their visual impact.

Practical Assignment (72% of overall grade): An externally assessed photography project where pupils plan, shoot and present a cohesive photographic portfolio based on a chosen theme. They demonstrate technical control (exposure, focus, lighting, composition), creative intentions and effective editing. Supporting documentation includes research, planning, development and evaluation of their final images.