Curriculumn

Our curriculum places a strong emphasis on nurturing creativity and imagination.  We recognise that the creative arts, including visual arts, music, drama and dance, are powerful vehicles for self-expression and innovation.  Through a rich and varied arts program, we aim to inspire our students to think beyond boundaries, question assumptions, and develop a strong sense of individuality.

The creative arts celebrate and embrace diversity.  Our curriculum promotes inclusivity by encouraging students to explore and appreciate various artistic traditions, cultural expressions, and perspectives.  Through exposure to different art forms, students gain a deeper understanding of the world's richness and complexity.

The creative arts require critical thinking and problem-solving skills.  Our curriculum provides opportunities for students to analyse, interpret, and respond to artistic works, fostering their ability to think independently and critically.  The creative arts also enable students to approach challenges with an open mind and innovative solutions.

Through the creative arts, students explore and express their emotions, promoting intelligence and well-being.  Our curriculum recognises the importance of developing resilience, empathy and self-awareness.  We encourage students to use artistic expression as a tool for processing their feelings and building emotional resilience.

The creative arts encourage effective communication and collaboration.  Our curriculum emphasises group projects, performances and exhibitions that require students to work together, building essential interpersonal skills.  Through these experiences, students learn the value of effective communication and teamwork.

Every student should be able to develop a lifelong appreciation for the creative arts.  Our curriculum offers a comprehensive arts education that exposes students to various artistic experiences.  We aim to instil a passion for the arts that will continue to enrich their lives long after they leave our school.

In a rapidly changing world, adaptability and creativity are essential skills.  Our curriculum equips students with the ability to adapt to new challenges, embrace change and think creatively in an ever-evolving landscape.  We prepare our students for the future by fostering a creative mindset to serve them in various aspects of their lives and careers.

We guide our students towards courses, qualifications and career opportunities that match their talents and personal learning style. Qualifications on offer include GCSE, UAL Level 2 and 3 Awards and Diplomas, BTEC Level 1 Awards and Functional Skills.

Our curriculum offers:

Core curriculum 

Accredited Core Subjects:

• GCSES: English Language and Maths
• Pearson- Functional Skills Entry Levels, Level 1, Level 
• iGCSE English and Maths

Accredited BTECs

• Work skills Level 1 and Level 2
• BTEC Business Introductory Level 1 and Level 2
• Applied Science GCSE delivered through Academy 21

Non-Accredited Subjects

• PSHE
• PE/Fitness
• Careers
• Wellbeing
• Phonics
• Emotional Literacy
• Educational Visits
• Cultural Capital Projects 
• Creative Curriculum

UAL Level 2 Award, Level 3 Diploma & Extended Diploma in Performing and Production Arts comprising: 

• Dance
• Drama
• Vocals 

UAL Level 2 Award, Level 3 Diploma & Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production and Technology comprising:

• Music Technology 
• Film
• Digital Arts 

Pastoral curriculum: 

• Work Experience
• PSHE
• Sports

Students on the Creative Media pathway study towards a UAL Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Creative Digital Media Production & Technologies.

At the ArtsXchange, this programme of study focusses on building hands-on production skills in Film, Photography, Digital Graphics and Music Technology. Each term, students are first introduced to new techniques through creative workshops, and then evidence their skills and understanding through the production of their own original creative products in response to an assignment brief. 

Alongside practical production skills development, the programme also introduces students to key areas of media knowledge needed for work within the creative industries, such as understanding audiences, communication & research skills for creative business, and legal and ethical considerations.

Units comprising the UAL Level 2 Diploma in Creative Digital Media Production & Technologies:

• Unit 1 Introduction to creative media methods and skills
• Unit 2 Introduction to production techniques in creative media
• Unit 3 Understanding an audience in creative media production
• Unit 4 Contextual research for creative media production
• Unit 5 Exploring audio production and technology
• Unit 6 Exploring visual production and technology
• Unit 7 Exploring interactive media production and technology
• Unit 8 Personal project and presentation in creative media production

GCSE Equivalency: 4 x GCSE (A-C / 1-9)

Pass ≡ (4x GCSE C -  4/5)
Merit ≡ (4 x GCSE B - 6)
Distinction ≡ (4 x GCSE A/A*  - 7/8-9)

Units comprising the UAL Level 3 Diploma / Extended Diploma in Creative Digital Media 

Production & Technologies:

• Unit 1 Introduction to media processes and technical skills
• Unit 2 Introduction to design and research skills in creative media production
• Unit 3 Introduction to professional practice in creative media production
• Unit 4 Critical and contextual awareness in creative media production
• Unit 5 Investigating audio production and technology
• Unit 6 Investigating visual production and technology
• Unit 7 Investigating interactive production and technology
• Unit 8 Developing a creative media Production project
• Unit 9 Characteristics and contexts in creative media production
• Unit 10 Engaging with an audience in creative media production
• Unit 11 Preparing for progression in creative media production
• Unit 12 Specialist study in creative media production

Units 1-8 comprise the Diploma and are typically studied in year 1, the addition of Units 9-12 is required to achieve the extended Diploma in year 2.

Extended Diploma A Level Equivalency: 3 x A Level (A-C)

Students on the Performing Arts pathway study towards a UAL Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Performing and production Arts.

At the ArtsXchange this programme of study focusses on building hands-on performance and production skills in Acting, Dance and Vocals. Each term students are first introduced to new techniques through creative workshops, and then evidence their skills and understanding through production of their own original performance pieces in response to an assignment brief. 

Alongside practical performance and production skills development, the programme also introduces students to key areas of knowledge needed for work within the performing and production arts, such as understanding audiences and the cultural context for their work, communication and research skills for performing arts professionals, and health, safety and legal considerations.

Units comprising the UAL Level 2 Diploma in Performing & Production Arts

• Unit 1 Introduction to performance
• Unit 2 Introduction to production
• Unit 3 Communicating with an audience
• Unit 4 Staging a performance
• Unit 5 Contextual research for performance and production
• Unit 6 Performance skills and practice
• Unit 7 Production skills and practice
• Unit 8 Personal project and presentation
• Unit 9 Producing and performing to an audience

GCSE Equivalency: 4 x GCSE (A-C / 1-9)

Pass ≡ (4x GCSE C -  4/5)
Merit ≡ (4 x GCSE B - 6)
Distinction ≡ (4 x GCSE A/A*  - 7/8-9)

Units comprising the UAL Level 3 Diploma & Extended Diploma in Performing & Production Arts

• Unit 1 Principles of performance
• Unit 2 Engaging with an audience
• Unit 3 Introduction to professional practice
• Unit 4 Critical and contextual awareness
• Unit 5 Production skills and context
• Unit 6 Performance skills and context
• Unit 7 Preparation for specialist study
• Unit 8 Collaborative performance project
• Unit 9 Developing performance and production skills
• Unit 10 Preparing for progression
• Unit 11 Exploration of specialist study and context
• Unit 12 Extended project

Units 1-8 comprise the Diploma and are typically studied in year 1, the addition of Units 9-12 is required to achieve the extended Diploma in year 2.

Extended Diploma A Level Equivalency: 3 x A Level (A-C)

The intent of the English curriculum at ArtsXchange is to provide a high-quality education that enables students to develop strong literacy skills, broaden their understanding of literature and language, and foster a lifelong appreciation for reading and writing. We aim to create a nurturing and inclusive learning environment that supports the emotional well-being of our students while also challenging and stretching their abilities in English. 

Due to the context of the young people who attend the college, we aspire to nurture our students' confidence, self-esteem, and resilience to engage meaningfully with the English curriculum. We believe that English is a powerful and transformative vehicle to learn the skills needed in everyday life. This is why we emphasise the practical applications of English; fostering students' ability to communicate effectively, critically analyse information, and present their own ideas confidently through written and verbal means. 

Through the inclusion of specialised GCSE and Functional Skills English pathways, teachers are able to meet the diverse learning needs of the ArtsXchange students, and ensure they can access and engage with the curriculum in meaningful ways. Both the Functional Skills and GCSE pathways ensure students develop excellent literacy skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing, and demonstrate a deep understanding of complex texts, articulate their ideas confidently, and express themselves fluently.  

The English curriculum is underpinned by the whole school curriculum intent, empowering our students to be creative, compassionate, and adaptable individuals who are well-prepared to face the challenges and opportunities of the future. It is our intention for all students to be equipped with the necessary English skills and literacy competencies to not only demonstrate outstanding progress and attainment, but successfully pursue further education, training, or employment opportunities.

Units comprising the GCSE English Language

• AO1: (i) identify and interpret explicit and implicit information and ideas o (ii) select and synthesise evidence from different texts
• AO2: Explain, comment on and analyse how writers use language and structure to achieve effects and influence readers, using relevant subject terminology to support their views
• AO3: Compare writers’ ideas and perspectives, as well as how these are conveyed, across two or more texts
• AO4: Evaluate texts critically and support this with appropriate textual references
• AO5: Communicate clearly, effectively and imaginatively, selecting and adapting tone, style and register for different forms, purposes and audiences. Organise information and ideas, using structural and grammatical features to support coherence and cohesion of texts 
• AO6: Candidates must use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures for clarity, purpose and effect, with accurate spelling and punctuation. (This requirement must constitute 20% of the marks for each specification as a whole.)
• AO7: Demonstrate presentation skills in a formal setting
• AO8: Listen and respond appropriately to spoken language, including to questions and feedback on presentations
•  AO9: Use spoken Standard English effectively in speeches and presentations

Units comprising Functional Skills English

• Listen, understand and make relevant contributions to discussions with others in a range of contexts;
• Apply their understanding of language to adapt delivery and content to suit audience and purpose; 
• Read a range of different text types confidently and fluently, applying their knowledge and understanding of texts to their own writing;
• Write texts of varying complexity, with accuracy, effectiveness, and correct spelling, punctuation and grammar; and understand the situations when, and audiences for which, planning, drafting and using formal language are important, and when they are less important.

Students should be able to use these functional skills autonomously, applying them to a range of formal and informal contexts, in the workplace and in real life. A key aspect of developing knowledge and skills in English, at Level 1 and Level 2, is to be able to communicate with confidence, effectiveness and with an increasing level of independence.

View the Maths Curriculum.

At ArtsXchange, our curriculum intends to cultivate a vibrant and inclusive educational experience that harnesses the power of Information Technology (IT) within the realm of the creative arts. Focusing on Digital Media, Music Technology, Photography, Filmmaking, and Production Arts, our unique approach empowers students with the technical skills and digital fluency essential for success in today's evolving creative landscape.

Our curriculum is meticulously crafted to achieve the following distinctive goals:

1. Integrated IT Proficiency:

We seamlessly integrate IT skills into the core of creative disciplines, recognising the pivotal role of technology in enhancing artistic expression. Students will master digital tools and techniques specific to their chosen creative paths.

2. Technical Skill Development:

Through specialised courses in Digital Media, Music Technology, Photography, Filmmaking, and Production Arts, students will hone their technical expertise, ensuring they are adept at using cutting-edge software and hardware relevant to their artistic pursuits.

3. Digital Media Literacy:

Our curriculum strongly emphasises digital media literacy, ensuring that students create compelling content and understand the technological nuances that drive innovation in fields such as digital storytelling, graphic design, and multimedia production.

4. Music Technology Innovation:

In Music Technology, students will explore the intersection of audio production, performance and technology, gaining hands-on experience with digital audio workstations, electronic instruments, and sound design techniques.

5. Photography and Digital Imaging:

Through the lens of Photography, students will master digital imaging technologies, learn the art of photo editing and manipulation, and apply digital techniques to enhance visual storytelling.

6. Digital Filmmaking and Production Arts:

Our curriculum integrates IT skills seamlessly into Filmmaking and Production Arts, empowering students to understand and leverage digital technologies in scriptwriting, character and voice design, cinematography, post-production, and the design and realisation of performance environments.

7. Computational Thinking in the Arts:

Students will develop computational thinking skills, allowing them to approach creative problem-solving with a digital mindset, enhancing their ability to innovate and push the boundaries of traditional artistic expression.

8. Digital Ethics and Professionalism:

Recognising the importance of ethical and professional considerations, our curriculum addresses digital ethics in the creative arts, preparing students to navigate the evolving landscape responsibly.

By bridging the gap between the creative arts and IT, our curriculum at ArtsXchange ensures that students are proficient artists, technologically adept, and poised to lead in the dynamic intersection of creativity and information technology.

View the PHSE Curriculum.

A young person’s career is their pathway through learning and work. We have a programme of activities to help them make choices that are right for them and to be able to manage their careers throughout their lives. We provide our students with access to career information and guidance.

Objectives

The careers programme is designed to meet the needs of students at The College. It is differentiated and personalised to ensure progression through activities that are appropriate to students’ stages of career learning, planning and development.

Students are entitled to careers education and guidance that meets professional standards of practice and is person-centred, impartial and confidential. It will be integrated into students’ experience of the whole curriculum and based on a partnership with students and their parents or carers. The programme will promote equality of opportunity, inclusion and anti-racism.

Careers Curriculum

The careers programme includes careers education sessions, career guidance activities (group work and individual interviews), information and research activities, work-related learning, work experience opportunities and individual learning planning/portfolio activities. Other focused events, e.g. a Higher Education Fair, are provided from time to time. Work experience preparation and follow-up take place in appropriate parts of the curriculum.

Students are actively involved in the planning, delivery and evaluation of activities.

An annual Partnership Agreement is negotiated between the school and the local Connexions Service which identifies the contributions to the programme that each will make.

All students have the opportunity with our Careers Advisor, Marlene, for a careers interview and to have a Screenshot. Marlene is in school on Thursdays and is available to offer support, guidance and advice to all students regarding their next steps. If you would like to speak with Marlene to discuss your young person’s next destination options, please contact her, or the school office to make an appointment.

For further information about our careers programme, please contact our Careers Leader, Sharon Murphy by calling the College on 020 4568 4747 or emailing Sharon.Murphy@theartsxchange.com.

Careers Policy
Careers Learning Outcomes and Framework