Performing arts and media Overall provision in this area is satisfactory (grade 3) Strengths high pass rates on most courses much good teaching good support for students. Weaknesses low A* to C pass rates for GCSE media and GCSE drama poor punctuality and attendance a few lessons where students make unsatisfactory progress. Scope of provision There are 242 students in the curriculum area, with 148 of these studying media. The college offers GCE A-level courses in drama and theatre studies, film and television studies, media studies and music. AS-level courses are offered in drama, film and television studies, media studies, music technology, music history and theory and music. There are GCSE courses in media and theatre and dramatic arts. Students can study for music theory examinations at grade 3 and grade 5. Students are aged 16 to 18 and are studying full time. Achievement and standards In 2003, there were high pass rates for GCE A-level and AS-level drama and media studies and film and television studies. However, the number of students achieving high grades was below the national average. Pass rates at A* to C on GCSE media and GCSE drama are low. In 2003, pass rates for GCSE drama declined to significantly below the national average. Retention rates are at or above national averages, with the exception of film and television production, where the retention rate in 2003 declined to significantly below the national average. Most students on advanced courses achieve better grades than those predicted from their prior attainment at GCSE. Students on media and film studies courses frequently produce work of a high standard that demonstrates good ILT skills. Drama students’ practical work shows good understanding of texts and there is a high standard of performance. Attendance and punctuality are poor and lessons are disrupted by latecomers. A sample of retention and pass rates in performing arts and media, 2001 to 2003 Qualification Level Completion 2001 2002 2003 year: GCSE media No. of starts 2 36 35 46 % retention 83 86 78
Performing arts and media Overall provision in this area is satisfactory (grade 3) Strengths high pass rates on most courses much good teaching good support for students. Weaknesses low A* to C pass rates for GCSE media and GCSE drama poor punctuality and attendance a few lessons where students make unsatisfactory progress. Scope of provision There are 242 students in the curriculum area, with 148 of these studying media. The college offers GCE A-level courses in drama and theatre studies, film and television studies, media studies and music. AS-level courses are offered in drama, film and television studies, media studies, music technology, music history and theory and music. There are GCSE courses in media and theatre and dramatic arts. Students can study for music theory examinations at grade 3 and grade 5. Students are aged 16 to 18 and are studying full time. Achievement and standards In 2003, there were high pass rates for GCE A-level and AS-level drama and media studies and film and television studies. However, the number of students achieving high grades was below the national average. Pass rates at A* to C on GCSE media and GCSE drama are low. In 2003, pass rates for GCSE drama declined to significantly below the national average. Retention rates are at or above national averages, with the exception of film and television production, where the retention rate in 2003 declined to significantly below the national average. Most students on advanced courses achieve better grades than those predicted from their prior attainment at GCSE. Students on media and film studies courses frequently produce work of a high standard that demonstrates good ILT skills. Drama students’ practical work shows good understanding of texts and there is a high standard of performance. Attendance and punctuality are poor and lessons are disrupted by latecomers. A sample of retention and pass rates in performing arts and media, 2001 to 2003 Qualification Level Completion year: 2001 2002 2003 GCSE media 2 No. of starts 36 35 46 % retention 83 86 78