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BTEC Performing Arts

Jun 7, 2023 | A-Levels & BTEC

Ask an Ackworth student about why they might do Drama, and they might say something like this…

Drama fosters creativity.

Drama allows for complex problem solving and critical thing.

Drama sharpens communication skills and breeds confidence.

Drama allows for cooperation, leadership, negotiation and interaction with others.

Drama is mongrel and inter-disciplinarity, strengthening you across the board.

Drama teaches management, self-management, workload organisation and time-budgeting.

Drama is a voyage of imaginative exploration.

Drama allows for emotional release.

Drama is about building the courage to risk yourself.

Drama is super-inclusive: you see yourself anew, and you appreciate the skills of others.

Drama opens your mind – it’s a live escape from reality.

Drama is story, and stories are important to how human beings live.

Drama is social justice: drama changes how we live our lives, and informs how our lives relate to others.

Drama is about understanding yourself and others.

Drama is fun!

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The subject is thriving at Ackworth. We offer the BTEC in Performing Arts in Sixth Form, a diverse qualification that offers both intellectually-enriching academic material as well as industry-specific vocational content.

At Ackworth, we encourage students to get involved with extra-curricular drama, whatever the nature of their interest happens to be. Opportunities exist for people to work backstage or with the technical elements of theatre as well as performance. During the course of the school year there will be one major school production, often in conjunction with the Music Department. The inter-House Drama Festival is held during the Spring term, in which each house produces a 20-30 minute piece of theatre. Towards the end of the Summer term, the younger students (1st-3rd form) take part in the Junior Production, and the open-access Cawood Slot results in increasingly sophisticated productions of the students’ own choice.

Additionally, students can take graded LAMDA examinations in Speech and Drama, and students flourish here, with students reaching Grade 8 and beyond. We go on four or more theatre trips a term, and our lives are better and our perspectives exploded for doing so.

Why study Drama at Ackworth School? The better question – why would you not?

Department Staff:

Ali Boucher (HOD Drama)

Oliver McCarthy-Bell (HOD Music)

Marie Gair (LAMDA Speech and Drama Teacher)

Exam board:

Syllabus code:

Module and course content:

BTEC Sport

Jun 7, 2023 | A-Levels & BTEC

This course develops many skills that are desirable both in Higher Education and in employment. We will encourage you to research topics, gather and synthesise information and present your findings in a clear and coherent way. You will develop the ability to work independently or as part of a group in both practical and theoretical situations. You will discover how to apply theoretical and practical techniques to analyse and improve your sporting performance and that of others, as well as improving general health and fitness.

By its very nature, the BTEC Sport course is ‘hands-on’ in its approach. It will provide you with a solid understanding in theory, before training you in the practical elements of working in the sports industry.

As part of the BTEC sport course you will study a combination of more theoretical modules such as Anatomy & Physiology and more practical modules such as Sports Leadership and Coaching for Performance. Most of the content for practical modules can be delivered on the pitch and in our Fitness Suite. Your assessments will vary; usually only Anatomy and Physiology is externally assessed by exam. Most of the course is coursework-based.

Pupils who have completed the BTEC National Extended Diploma in Sport have gone to university to study degrees in teaching, sports science, sports psychology, sports nutrition, coaching, sports therapy and leisure management. If you decide not to go to university, the BTEC course provides employment routes into a number of areas such as the such as sports technical clothing, sports technology, performance analysis, strength and conditioning or the sport and leisure industry and other health fields.

Department Staff:

Exam board: Pearson

Syllabus code: (603/0459/5)

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Module and course content:

There are 10 mandatory modules and 4 additional modules that have to be completed over two years. The mandatory modules are as follows: Anatomy and Physiology, Fitness Training and, Programming for Health, Sport and Wellbeing, Development and Provision of Sport and Physical Activity, Investigating Business in the Sport and Active Leisure Industry, Professional Development in the Sports Industry, Sports Leadership, Practical Sports Performance, Coaching for Performance, Research methods in sport, Skill acquisition in sport and the additional modules which have to be completed are selected from a list of 13 including; Sports Psychology, Research Project in Sport, Sports Injury Management and Sports Performance Management.

Year 1 contains 1 examined (externally assessed) module, and 5 internally assessed (coursework) modules. These modules cover many general principles and lay the foundation for many of the second-year modules. Building on the learning from year 1, the second-year modules open up more specific pathways that can be followed either in employment or at university.

Throughout the course you will be required to complete at least 15 hours of independent study time per week. You will also have the option of continuing to develop your ability as a Table Tennis or Football player in one of our academies alongside your studies.

You will be taught by staff with personal experience and subject specialism in their field who will advance your knowledge and skills. Alongside the classroom, your learning environment will also include our impressive fitness suite, extensive grounds and sports hall.

Your achievement in this subject is dependent upon excellent attendance, punctuality and effort. You will learn in a friendly atmosphere, using a variety of assessment methods including:

Exam
Practical assessments
Coursework assessments
Presentations
Time-constrained assessments
Homework tasks
Reports

A-Level Spanish

Jun 7, 2023 | A-Levels & BTEC

Buenos días!
Students opting to study Spanish in the Sixth Form will develop a greater depth of knowledge of language and culture and benefit from our small class sizes. An A-Level language is a highly sought after qualification due to the breadth of skills acquired throughout the course. Students build research, analytical, deductive, communicative and presentational skills.

Many of our A-level pupils have gone on to study languages at university with two students gaining places at Oxbridge in the last three years.

Technology plays a large part in the teaching and learning of languages at Ackworth School. Our students have access to many online resources such as This is Language and The Language Gym which are used in class and at home to improve all skills and provide constant access to authentic language at all levels.

At Ackworth, we believe that studying foreign languages is an essential part of the curriculum and we offer many opportunities for students to deepen their knowledge and increase their confidence with extra-curricular activities such as conversation club, extension sessions and trips and visits within the UK and to France.

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Department Staff:

Georgina Crowther, Daniel Roots, Annette Hull

Exam board: AQA

Syllabus code: 7692

Module and course content:

At A-Level, students cover twelve modules ranging from Cyberspace and Traditional Family Values to Regional Identity and Idols of the Hispanic world in L6 and Racism, Politics, Social Movements, Human Rights and Dictatorships in U6. Students also study one film and one novel in Spanish for which they are required to write analytical essays in the final exam. The speaking component consists of two parts: an unseen stimulus card covering of the topics from the course and an Independent Research Project which allows students to conduct their own research on a topic area of their choice.

A-Level PE

Jun 7, 2023 | A-Levels & BTEC

PE is a thriving and busy department, we offer a range of sports both in lessons and through our extensive extra curricula programme. We have fixtures weekdays and on Saturday mornings during term time.

For A-Level PE we opt to take the AQA examination board which comprises of both theoretical and practical content. This includes a coursework element as well which is based on analysis and evaluation of performance in sport. Students receive 9 lessons a week in lower 6 and 8 lessons a week in upper 6, as well as 2 lessons of core PE on a Wednesday afternoon.

We offer a variety of sports; including; Hockey, football, badminton, fitness, tag rugby, netball, swimming, gymnastics, basketball, tennis, rounders, cricket and athletics. There really is something for everyone. It is not solely about performance, we look at the holistic approach and stretch and challenge pupils not just in their physical capabilities but also their leadership, officiating and confidence. For us as a department we thrive on seeing our pupils progress and learn in a variety of ways. As a PE department we believe that each individual should be given the opportunity to develop to their full potential. We work closely with sports clubs to allow our pupils to join them and continue to play throughout their life at Ackworth School as well as after they leave here.

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Department Staff:

James Bower

Leah Huddlestone

Michael Dancer

Nicole Marshall

Exam board: AQA

Syllabus code: 7582

Module and course content:

The A Level PE course, is 70% theoretical knowledge and 30% practical knowledge. The theoretical content has two papers which are 2 hrs each.

Paper 1:

Applied Anatomy and physiology

Skill Acquisition

Sport and society

Paper 2:

Exercise physiology and biomechanics

Sports psychology

Sport and society and technology in sport.

A-Level Music

Jun 7, 2023 | A-Levels & BTEC

“The Music department is an alternate universe where pupils are often unrecognisable from who they are outside of it. The shy become confident. The agitated become calm. The lonely become included. The quiet become heard. And the lost become found. Music reveals the real child”.
(Vaughan Fleischfresser)

This beautiful quote summarises the ethos we hold in the music department at Ackworth School. We want to allow every child to unlock their musical potential, and to nurture and celebrate the talent that a great number of our students have.

The spacious Music centre boasts a recital hall, two classrooms, iMac suite and a large number of practice rooms, equipped for music-making. Our status as an All-Steinway School means that we have a number of superior grand and upright pianos, upon which students learn, compose and perform.

A Level Music (AQA) is very specialised, with a focus on Western classical music, popular music and musical theatre. Students study several pieces of music, developing their analytical skills and ability to write fluently and discursively about music. In addition, students will prepare and perform a small recital on their chosen instrument, and compose a portfolio of compositions.

At Ackworth, the extra-curricular contribution of music is just as important as the academic, with a very busy programme of ensembles, events, concerts and visits throughout the year, including collaboration with the drama department. Our ensembles regularly perform both in and out of school, and at annual events, such as the Christmas Concert and Open Day, which allow us to showcase our talented students. We also have a team of eight visiting music teachers that deliver lessons on a wide range of instruments, across the age range.

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Department Staff:

Oliver McCarthy-Bell (Director of Music)

Alison Wise (Teacher of Music, Coram House)

Chris Bacon (Visiting music teacher – brass)

Carol Clegg (Visiting music teacher – drums and percussion)

Clare Herriott (Visiting music teacher – viola and cello)

Helen Issitt (Visiting music teacher – piano)

Elyse Mellor (Visiting music teacher – woodwind)

Rae Strong (Head of Strings, visiting music teacher – violin, piano, recorder and theory)

Jeff Swift (Visiting music teacher – guitar)

Eleanor Younger (Visiting music teacher – voice)

Exam board: AQA

Syllabus code: 7272

Module and course content:

Component 1 – Appraising Music (40%)

In this component you have the opportunity to study and develop your understanding of different musical styles, that can be tailored to your interests. Alongside the compulsory Western Classical Tradition, possible areas of study include Music for Theatre, Popular Music, Jazz, and Contemporary Classical music. This unit is assessed by an exam at the end of the course and comprises three sections:

Section A – Listening questions based on the three areas of study covered
Section B – An analysis section based on the Classical set works, including short answers and extended writing
Section C – An essay question on one of the optional areas of study

Component 2 – Performance (35%)

You will prepare and perform a 10-12 minute recital on an instrument of your choosing (as a soloist and/or ensemble), which is internally recorded and marked by the Awarding Body.

Component 3 – Composition (25%)

You will compose two separate pieces, one of which is a free composition, which can be written in any style/genre, and the other is a response to an external brief, loosely linked to the areas of study. Again, this is written internally and sent to the Awarding Body to be marked.

Pupil quotes:

“Music at Ackworth is a department that everyone loves to be a part whether it is academic or extra-curricular participation. As a subject, the department is well-equipped to ensure what you are being taught is to a high standard, such as pianos, various instruments and iMacs to complete composition. The number of extra-curricular groups the department music offers is much greater than any other department with various ensembles, both vocal and instrumental, all of which perform in many of the concerts held at Ackworth.

“Music allows students from different year groups to work together, and gives people great confidence in order to perform to a large number of people. The staff are amazing as well, not just in their music ability, but by being so kind and caring to every student, creating a community feel between everyone there.”

Lucy, Upper Sixth

“The music community at Ackworth is something I have always been a part of, and have particularly come to appreciate in recent years. I have been having clarinet lessons since Coram House, and this experience has not only been valuable in terms of being able to take part in concerts, with Senior Orchestra and Ackworth Ensemble, but also in terms of increasing my confidence in other aspects of school life, and laying a foundation for extra-curricular life at university.

“Moreover, Choir and Chamber Choir, for me, have the perfect balance of enjoyment and discipline, feeling like a down-time from the school day, whilst also having a high standard of performances. I especially appreciate the opportunity to go on trips (such as to Jersey or London) and perform in different venues as part of a community of people who share a love for music.”

Emily, Upper Sixth