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How to complete your Y8 options form

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Why are there options in Y8?

You have already completed the National Curriculum in all four Arts subjects by the end of Y8: Art, Music, Drama, Dance

You are choosing TWO subjects from the FOUR Arts that you presently take. This doesn’t affect any other subjects.

This allows you to specialise in these subjects.

It allows you to consider if you want to progress with one of these for GCSE

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What if I decide not to take the subject at GCSE?

This option is ONLY for Y9 (not Y10 and 11). You will choose GCSE options in Y9.

You may decide not to continue with this subject, and choose others to take in Y10 and Y11.

You may decide that you now want to take one of the Arts that you didn’t take in Y9. This is also fine, as long as you show enthusiasm for the subject.

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How do I decide which subjects to take?

Look at the following slides. Also, consider which subjects you have enjoyed so far.

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Dance

Dance in Year 9 is an exciting practical option. It is a wholly practical option that is open to boys as well as girls. The lessons are tailored to who is in the room. Because we study ‘Contemporary Dance’ you will be able to blend together movement and meaning – that is, embed the dance with your own style and ideas. Among the modules studied are:

  • Contemporary Dance: Shadows
  • In the summer term - ‘Dance Off’

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Drama

  • Script based Drama includes study of ‘Blood Brothers’ and ‘The Crucible’
  • Improvised Drama Module – later in the year.
  • Stage Fighting Module.
  • Watching a full scale production of ‘Frankenstein’.

YEAR 9 DRAMA IS ABOUT GETTING UP AND PERFORMING IN PAIRS AND GROUPS. AN OPTION FOR THOSE WHO ENJOY PERFORMANCE OR WANT TO INCREASE THEIR SELF-CONFIDENCE IN FRONT OF OTHERS.

HOMEWORK WILL BE RESEARCHING PLAYS AND LEARNING LINES

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Art

  • Themes explored in Year 9: Still Life composition. Cubism. Mask making. Portrait drawing. Figurative drawing.
  • Materials and techniques used in Year 9: Drawing. Painting. Cardboard relief sculpture. Grid drawing systems. ICT.
  • If you intend to do any creative subjects at GCSE such as Art or Photography you would benefit from opting for Art in Year 9.

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Music

Topic 1: Cover songs in bands

Topic 2: Remix - Hip Hop, House, Drum ‘n’ Bass!

Topic 3: Songwriting

Topic 4: Indian Bhangra

Topic 5: Creating Film music

Topic 6: Calypso - the music of the Caribbean

  • Perform the music you want to in bands!
  • Learn more about using industry standard technology!
  • Create original tracks!

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How do I complete my option form?

An option form will be emailed to each Y8 student.

Use this to write your name and tutor group, as well as your school email.

Choose 3 subjects

We will give you at least one subject from your top two. We will try to give you both of your top two.

Where there is too much demand, and not enough teaching staff, we will contact you where we need to use your third choice.

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Fill in:

Email address used at SCHOOL

First name, Last name

Tutor group

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Choose your first and second choice.

We will try to arrange both of these choices

We usually manage to get everyone’s first choice

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If we can’t get your second choice, then we will allocate you your third choice.

This sometimes happens if too many students want one particular subject.

We will contact you before July if this is the case.

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Deadline

Please submit the Google form with your choices on by FRIDAY 3rd APRIL.

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Kind regards,

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Mr Phillips

Deputy Head - Curriculum and Assessment