CREATIVE ARTS

Creative Arts is an integral part of a KIS education, providing dynamic spaces where students experiment, explore, and express themselves through sound, movement, and film. By encouraging students to think outside the box, these subjects cultivate essential skills in teamwork, collaboration, and self-discovery. Ultimately, our Creative Arts program empowers students to become confident, expressive individuals and strong decision-makers.

Year Group

Year 7 and 8

Year 9

Year 10 and 11

Year 12 and 13

Subject
  • Drama
  • Music
  • Drama
  • Music
  • Media
  • Drama
  • Music
  • Media
  • Drama
  • Music
  • Media

Requirement

Compulsory

Compulsory

Optional

Optional

Drama is studied by all students from Year 7-9 with the option to select it as a GCSE and A Level qualification subject. 

Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9), students develop an understanding of the theatre, learning to work collaboratively and with a variety of topics. The following topics are chosen to enhance student subject knowledge and develop confidence with public speaking and self-expression:

Year 7:

  • Christmas pantomime (with a performance to the primary section)
  • Monologues (exploring individual expression and motive driven story telling)

Year 8:

  • Theatre and genre (including mime, horror and radio plays)
  • Physical theatre (using body language and music to create a story)

Year 9:

  • Stage Dynamics (exploring how audience interact with an actor on the stage)
  • William Shakespeare (an introduction to the bard and exploring rhythm and iambic pentameter)

In Year 10 and 11, students will complete the Cambridge iGCSE course 0411. This course is split into 60% coursework component and 40% written examination taken at the end of Year 11. At this stage, students applying a nuanced understanding of the theatre and explore meaning behind performance, using technical practitioners to help create impactful performances:

Component 1

  • Written examination completed at the end of year 11 and is 40% of overall grade.
  • Externally examined by Cambridge
  • Reflective in nature, the examination focuses on the student’s ability to consider personal practice and exploration of theatre presentation. Students are expected to explain their reasonings for performance decisions from coursework performances and an unseen text. 

Component 2

  • Coursework completed throughout the two years of study and is 60% of overall grade
  • Examined internally by teacher and moderated by Cambridge examiners
  • Performances submitted include: Group devising piece, scripted performance (extract from a play), an individual performance (monologue)

In Year 12 and 13, students will complete the Cambridge A Level course 9482. The course is split into four components across the two years. At this stage, students focus on mastering their skills and cultivating a passion for the theatre, both practical and theoretical. The course breakdown is as follows:

Year 12

Component 1:

  • Written examination completed at the end of year 12. 50% of AS Level and 25% of A Level.
  • Externally examined by Cambridge. 
  • Open-book examination involving two seen and one unseen text. 

Component 2: 

  • Coursework completed within the classroom. 50% of AS Level and 25% of A Level.
  • Internally examined and externally moderated by Cambridge. 
  • Two performances including a 10-15 minute devised piece and a 3 minute self-evaluation. Followed by a 10-25 minute scripted performance.

Year 13

Component 3: 

  • Theatre making and performance. 25% of A Level.
  • A 15-20 minute devised performance inspired by a theatre practitioner, tradition of style, followed by an 800 word analysis and evaluation
  • A 6-8 minute individual performance 
  • All performances are internally assessed and externally moderated by Cambridge.

Component 4: 

  • Theatre in context. 25% of A Level.
  • Candidates explore performance texts, a theatre genre, a theatre practitioner’s work or a performance style.
  • Students write a 2500-3000 research essay.
  • Externally assessed. 

Music is studied by all students from Year 7-9 and as an elective from Year 10 onwards. As a subject, students are exposed to a variety of musical genres, exploring style, artistic flair and emotional reactions of the audience. With a blend of practical and theoretical components, students are given the opportunity to use music theory to compose and perform independent pieces as well as experience performing well-known music.

Year 7:

  • Students are introduced to the footprint of musical skills.
  • Two Composition projects throughout the year
  • Development of  group performance (percussion instruments, vocals, or Xylophone exploration) 

Year 8:

  • Further development of music theory, performance and composition.
  • Exploration of a wider range of musical styles/genres and techniques.
  • Two composition projects throughout the year 
  • Film music ensemble (create and perform music for a short video clip)

Year 9:

  • Focuses on practical music-making and creative application.
  • Completion of two major composition projects throughout the year using Digital Audio Workstations. 
  • Hands-on experience with BandLab, GarageBand, and Cakewalk Sonar.
  • Practice in translating musical ideas into both traditional sheet music notation and MIDI.
  • Bridging musical inspiration and technical production.

Year 10 and 11, students will complete the Cambridge IGCSE Music course (0410). The course develops student listening, performing and composing skills through the study of the wide range of musical styles and cultures. Students are assessed through three components: Listening (40%), performing (30%) and composition (30%):

Component 1: Listening 

  • Written examination completed at the end of Year 11 and worth 40% of the overall grade.
  • Externally assessed by Cambridge.
  • Student analyse and evaluate music from a variety of styles, cultures and historical periods using appropriate musical terminology 

Component 2: Performing 

  • Coursework completed throughout Years 10 and 11 and worth 30% of the overall grade. 
  • Assessed internally by the teacher and externally moderated by Cambridge. 
  • Performances submitted may include both solo and ensemble performances.
  • Students demonstrate technical control, musical accuracy and expressive interpretation. 

Component 3: Composition 

  • Coursework completed throughout Years 10 and 11 and worth 30% of the overall grade.
  • Assessed internally by the teacher and externally moderated by Cambridge.
  • Students create original compositions in response to set and /or individual briefs.
  • Composition demonstrates creativity, musical understanding and effective use of musical elements.

Students complete two compulsory components that establish core skills in critical listening, musicology, and practical application.

Component 1: Listening

  • Written examination completed at the end of Year 12, worth 60% of the AS Level (30% of the total A Level grade). 
  • Externally assessed by Cambridge.
  • Students study specific set works alongside un-set music from various historical eras and traditions.
  • Focuses on detailed score analysis, compositional techniques, contextual background, and comparative listening using appropriate technical vocabulary.

Component 2: Practical Music

  • Coursework completed throughout Year 12, worth 40% of the AS Level (20% of the total A Level grade).
  • Assessed internally by the teacher and externally moderated by Cambridge.
  • Performing: Students perform a solo or ensemble program demonstrating advanced technical proficiency, stylistic accuracy, and artistic expression.
  • Composing: Students create an original piece accompanied by a written reflection detailing their creative decisions and development.

Building on the AS Level, Year 13 allows students to specialise according to their musical strengths by selecting two options from Components 3, 4, and 5 (each worth 25% of the total A Level grade).

Component 3: Music Investigation (Extended Essay)

  • Coursework completed during Year 13.
  • Externally assessed by Cambridge.
  • Students conduct independent research and submit an in-depth written investigation on a musical topic of their choice.
  • Focuses on analytical research, critical thinking, evaluation of sources, and clear musicological presentation.

Component 4: Performing (Advanced)

  • Coursework completed during Year 13.
  • Externally assessed by Cambridge.
  • Students prepare and submit an extended performance recital (solo, ensemble, or both).
  • Demonstrates high-level technical mastery, sustained performance stamina, stylistic versatility, and deep musicality.

Component 5: Composing (Advanced)

  • Coursework completed during Year 13.
  • Externally assessed by Cambridge.
  • Students submit a portfolio of original compositions created in response to self-directed or set briefs, along with detailed audio recordings and written commentary.
  • Demonstrates sophisticated manipulation of musical elements, structural cohesion, and stylistic control.

In our rapidly evolving digital world, Media Studies is a vital and dynamic subject. This course immerses students in the worlds of filmmaking, television production, content creation, and journalism. At KIS, students begin their Media journey in Year 9, building a robust foundation for future GCSE and A-Level success. Throughout the program, students discover how deliberate choices in camera angles, thematic lighting, and sound design come together to craft compelling, high-impact stories that captivate audiences.

Year 9:

  • Focuses on practical real-world skills and theoretical foundations through content creation, journalism, and filmmaking.
  • Hands-on experience with industry-standard tools and platforms, including DaVinci Resolve and GarageBand.
  • Practical application in core production techniques such as sound recording, camera work, and video editing.
  • Exploration of audience engagement strategies, personal branding, and effective media messaging.
  • Pre-production planning, production, and post-production execution for creating a short narrative film.
  • Bridging creative media concepts and technical content production.

Year 10 and 11:

Years 10 and 11, students will complete the AQA GCSE Media Studies course (8572). The course develops student critical analysis, practical production, and understanding of theoretical frameworks across nine media forms through three components: Exploring the Media (40%), Understanding Media Forms (30%), and Creating a Media Product (30%):

Component 1: Exploring the Media

  • Written examination completed at the end of Year 11 and worth 40% of the overall grade (1 hour 30 minutes).
  • Externally assessed by AQA.
  • Students analyse media language, representation, audiences, and institutions across media forms such as newspapers, magazines, advertising, and video games using core theoretical framework concepts.

Component 2: Understanding Media Forms and Products

  • Written examination completed at the end of Year 11 and worth 30% of the overall grade (1 hour 30 minutes).
  • Externally assessed by AQA.
  • Students respond to questions based on an in-depth study of specified Close Study Products (CSPs), evaluating media language, representation, and industry contexts across Television and Music media forms.

Component 3: Creating a Media Product

  • Non-Exam Assessment (coursework) completed during Years 10 and 11 and worth 30% of the overall grade.
  • Assessed internally by the teacher and externally moderated by AQA.
  • Students work individually to produce a practical media product (such as a video sequence, print magazine, or digital package) in response to an annually set brief.
  • Students demonstrate technical control in camera work, sound recording, editing, and layout to engage a target audience, accompanied by a written intent statement.

Students complete two compulsory components that establish core skills in practical production, analytical evaluation, and creative media application.

Component 1: Foundation Portfolio

  • Coursework completed throughout Year 12, worth 50% of the AS Level (25% of the total A Level grade).
  • Assessed internally by the teacher and externally moderated by Cambridge.
  • Practical Creation: Students work individually or in groups to produce a media product (a film opening or magazine project) using industry-standard tools like DaVinci Resolve and GarageBand.
  • Critical Reflection: Students complete a structured reflection evaluating their process, technical decisions, audience targeting, and representation choices.

Component 2: Media Concepts

  • Written examination completed at the end of Year 12, worth 50% of the AS Level (25% of the total A Level grade).
  • Externally assessed by Cambridge.
  • Section A (Media Textual Analysis): Students analyse an unseen moving-image extract, focusing on camera work, editing, sound, and mise-en-scène to create meaning.
  • Section B (Media Institutions and Audiences): Students demonstrate understanding of media production, distribution, technologies, and audience engagement across contemporary media industries.

Students complete two further compulsory components at A Level that build on the AS Level foundation to master advanced practical production and media theory.

Component 3: Advanced Portfolio

  • Coursework completed throughout Year 13, worth 50% of the A Level (25% of the total A Level grade).
  • Assessed internally by the teacher and externally moderated by Cambridge.
  • Practical Creation: Students work individually or in groups to create a multi-platform media campaign (e.g., a short film with promotional materials, or a major print/online package) using industry-standard tools like DaVinci Resolve and GarageBand.
  • Critical Reflection: Students produce a detailed critical evaluation analysing their production choices, branding consistency, audience engagement strategies, and application of media concepts.

Component 4: Media Perspectives

  • Written examination completed at the end of Year 13, worth 50% of the A Level (25% of the total A Level grade).
  • Externally assessed by Cambridge.
  • Section A (Media Debates): Students explore contemporary media issues and theoretical perspectives (such as media regulation, postmodernism, news online, or identity representation).
  • Section B (Media Ecology): Students analyse the impact of digital media technologies, convergence, globalisation, and changing audience dynamics across media industries.

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