The Curriculum Explained

Year 11 2016-2017

Contents

Year 11 Curriculum .............................................................................................. 3 Year 11 Curriculum (Continued) .......................................................................... 4 English Language GCSE ........................................................................................ 5 English Literature GCSE ....................................................................................... 6 Mathematics GCSE .............................................................................................. 7 Science – GCSE Pathway ...................................................................................... 9 Languages – German GCSE ................................................................................ 11 Languages – Spanish GCSE ................................................................................ 12 Religious Studies (Philosophy and Ethics) GCSE ................................................. 13 Physical Education Core: non examination ........................................................ 14 OPTION SUBJECTS ............................................................................................. 15 Art GCSE ........................................................................................................... 16 Art Photography GCSE ....................................................................................... 17 Art Textiles GCSE ............................................................................................... 18 ASDAN Award – CoPE, within Study Support ..................................................... 19 Business Studies - GCSE ..................................................................................... 20 Citizenship GCSE ............................................................................................... 21 Dance GCSE ....................................................................................................... 22 Drama GCSE ...................................................................................................... 23 Food & Nutrition GCSE ...................................................................................... 24 Geography GCSE ............................................................................................... 25 Hairdressing VTC ............................................................................................... 26 Health and Social Care GCSE ............................................................................. 27 History GCSE ..................................................................................................... 28 Information & Communication Technology GCSE .............................................. 29 Italian GCSE ...................................................................................................... 30 Media Studies GCSE .......................................................................................... 31 Music GCSE ....................................................................................................... 32 Product Design - GCSE ....................................................................................... 34 Physical Education - GCSE.................................................................................. 35 Psychology GCSE ............................................................................................... 36 Sociology GCSE ................................................................................................. 37 Study Support Option ....................................................................................... 38 WorkSkills: BTEC ............................................................................................... 39 Learning Resource Centre (LRC) ......................................................................... 40

Year 11 Curriculum

The school operates a one week timetable and the day comprises of five one hour lessons. The curriculum is divided as follows:

Subject Number of lessons per week

English 4

Maths 4

Science 4

Religious Studies (Philosophy and Ethics) 1

Languages 3

Core Physical Education 1

Option A – History or Geography 2

Option B 2

Option C 2

Options D 2

For 2017 exams, the GCSE grades of A* - G are retained in some subjects and the new grades of 1-9 are used in Maths and English. ELECTRONIC LEARNING We ask that parents and students log on to Insight (Parent Portal) and Moodle (Virtual Learning Environment) on a very regular basis to check for homework tasks, learning resources and messages from teachers.

Year 11 Curriculum (Continued)

EQUIPMENT The school provides all the necessary textbooks, resource materials, equipment and stationery. However, we ask that all students equip themselves with:

A sensible, stout, waterproof bag in which to put everything, at least A4 size

A purple pen to respond to teacher’s marking

Pens

Coloured pencils

Compass

Calculator

Pencils and Ruler

Protractor

A dictionary, thesaurus and an atlas are basic reference sources and will obviously prove useful

Language dictionary. PERSONAL PLANNER The personal planner will indicate homework set. The homework timetable is designed to be balanced with two or three subjects every evening of about 45 minutes duration each. Plus three to four hours at weekends. We ask parents to sign the planner each week, so that problems, if any, can immediately be identified. (It is essential to have a quiet place at home where students can study and complete homework.

English Language GCSE

ORGANISATION OF LESSONS English is studied for four lessons per week. Within ‘English’ students in sets 1 to 5 cover two subject - English Language and English Literature and will gain two GCSE qualifications. Students are set by their ability. COURSE CONTENT All our groups will study the Eduqas (WJEC) syllabus under the new system. WJEC are a well respected exam board who have offered a personal touch to Lord Grey and our students. Students will study Language analysis, implicit and explicit meaning and analyse writers’ choices. When writing themselves they will be assessed on their use of vocabulary, structure, grammar and their written voice. MODE OF DELIVERY The focus of the lessons will be textual analysis, improvement of writing skills and the development of speaking and listening skills. The lessons will be made interesting and stimulating by using a range of techniques - video, role play, worksheets, debates, source analysis and display work. ASSESSMENT Assessment will be continuous, with exam practice at the centre of our assessment programme. Students will be tracked throughout their GCSE course, they will also be assessed for their Spoken Language skills however, this will appear as a separate qualification on their certificate.

English Literature GCSE

ORGANISATION OF COMBINED COURSE Sets 1-5 will study Literature. Thus all will do two GCSEs English – both Language and Literature. COURSE CONTENT

All our groups will study the Eduqas (WJEC) syllabus under the new system. WJEC are a well respected exam board who have offered a personal touch to Lord Grey and our students. Students will study language analysis, implicit and explicit meaning and analyse writers’ choices. When writing themselves they will be assessed on their use of vocabulary, structure, grammar and their written voice.

Paper One – Shakespeare and Poetry from 1789.

Paper Two – Post 1914 prose or drama and 19th Century prose and unseen poetry of 20th/21st centuries.

MODE OF DELIVERY

The focus of the lessons will be textual analysis, improvement of writing skills and the development of analysis. The lessons will be made interesting and stimulating by using a range of techniques - video, role play, worksheets, debates, source analysis and display work. ASSESSMENT

Assessment will be continuous, with exam practice at the centre of our assessment programme. Students will be tracked throughout their GCSE course; they will be assessed on the texts they have studied through thematic exploration and character analysis.

Mathematics GCSE

ORGANISATION OF LESSONS Maths is a core subject which tries to enter ALL Year 11 students for their GCSE exam. X and Y are the two halves of the year group and classes are set from 1 to 5 (X1 or Y1 being the highest). All students will attend four lessons per week of Maths. COURSE CONTENT During Year 11 students will continue to study GCSE Mathematics from where they finished in Year 10. The course they will follow is the AQA Linear course (8300). Students will sit their GCSE examination in May and June 2017. Much of the content below will have been studied in Years 9 and 10. Year 11 builds on this. Depending on the tier of the student, the following topics will be studied in the order shown. Note that this is for the entire course and not just Year 11. HIGHER SCHEME (TARGET GRADES 9-4)

Angles, scale diagrams and bearings

Calculating with percentages

Basic number, factors and multiples

Statistical measures

Basic algebra review

Constructions and loci

Fractions and decimals

Probability

Coordinates and linear graphs

Volume

Rounding

Algebra: quadratics, rearranging formulae and identities

Collecting and representing data

Scatter graphs

Sequences

Numerical methods

Basic percentages

Equation of a circle

Perimeter and area

Further equations and graphs

circumference and area

Simultaneous equations

Real life graphs

Sketching graphs

Ratio and proportion

Direct and inverse proportion

Properties of polygons

Inequalities

Equations

Pythagoras' Theorem and basic trigonometry

Indices

Growth and decay

Surds

Vectors

Basic Probability

Transforming functions

Standard Form

Sine and cosine rules

Measures

Circle Theorems

Transformations

Gradients and Rate of change

Congruence and Similarity

Pre-calculus and Area under a curve

2D representations of 3D shapes

Algebraic fractions

FOUNDATION SCHEME (TARGET GRADES 5-1) Angles

Congruence and similarity

Scale drawings and bearings

2D representations of 3D shapes

Basic number

Calculating with percentages

Factors and multiples

Measures

Basic algebra

Statistical measures

Basic fractions

Constructions and loci

Coordinates and line graphs

Probability

Basic decimals

Volume

Rounding

Algebra: quadratics, rearranging formulae and identities

Collecting and representing data

Scatter graphs

Sequences

Inequalities

Basic percentages

Pythagoras' Theorem

Perimeter and area

Simultaneous equations

Circumference and area

Algebra and graphs (1)

real life graphs

Algebra and graphs (2)

Ratio and proportion

Sketching graphs

Properties of polygons

Direct and inverse proportion

Equations

Trigonometry

Indices

Solving quadratic equations

Standard Form

Quadratic graphs

Basic probability

Growth and decay

Transformations

Vectors MODE OF DELIVERY The lessons are both theoretical and practical. ASSESSMENT Maths is assessed through tier of entry, with specific grades available for each tier. Higher has target grades of 9 - 4 and Foundation has the target grades 5 - 1. Final assessment will be by 100% examination. All students will sit three one hour and thirty minute papers at either Higher or Foundation tier. One of the papers is a non-calculator paper; the other two are calculator papers.

Science – GCSE Pathway

ORGANISATION OF CLASSES All classes have four lessons per week in Science. Students have been allocated to groups according to their ability in Science. The majority of students will complete two Science GCSEs, Core and Additional Science. Some students will only complete core Science. Two classes will do Triple Science and achieve GCSEs in Science, Additional Science and Further Additional Science. Of the four lessons that students attend each week, one will be dedicated to each separate Science (Biology, Chemistry and Physics). The fourth lesson is dedicated to enhancing exam technique, practical skills, revision skills, mathematical content and improvements of controlled assessment. COURSE CONTENT The Science, Additional Science and Further Additional Science GCSEs form part of the OCR Gateway Science suite.

Science Year 9/10

Biology Chemistry Physics

B1 Understanding

Organisms

C1 Carbon

Chemistry

P1 Energy for the

Home

B2 Understanding

our Environment

C2 Chemical Resources

P2 Living for the

Future (energy

resources)

Additional Science

Year 10/11

Biology Chemistry Physics

B3 Living and

Growing

C3 Chemical Economics

P3 Forces for

Transport

B4 It’s a Green

World

C4 The Periodic

Table

P4 Radiation for

Life

Further Additional Science (Triple only)

Year 11

B5 The Living Body C5 How Much How fast

P5 Space for Reflection

B6 Beyond the Microscope

C6 Chemistry out There

P6 Electricity for Gadgets

MODE OF DELIVERY The Science course is designed to develop independent scientific learners - this is a structured course that develops thinking, practical and analytical skills, with the emphasis on experimental work wherever possible. As far as possible, students will have subject specialists for all Sciences. ASSESSMENT Students in sets 11x/sg4 and 11y/sg4 will sit two exams, and gain a single GCSE in Science. Students in sets 11x/st1 and 11y/st1 will sit six exams and gain GCSEs in Science, Additional Science and Further Additional Science. All other students will sit four exams and achieve two

GCSEs in Science and Additional Science. All controlled assessment for these qualifications was undertaken in Year 10. Where the work has not been completed, students will be given the opportunity to do this in Year 11. The exam structure for GCSE Science is:

The exam structure for GCSE Additional Science is:

The exam structure for the GCSE Further Additional Science is:

B5, C5, P5 B6, C6, P6 Controlled Assessment A

35% 75 min 40% 90 min 25%

Languages – German GCSE

ORGANISATION OF LESSONS Students studying GCSE German as a core subject will have three lessons per week. COURSE CONTENT German uses the Edexcel examination board. The course uses the core Edexcel textbook. Students will study four common topics in Years 10 and 11 which are covered in 9 units in the textbook:

Die Medien heute (Media today)

Ich habe Reiselust (Holidays)

Unser Schulleben (Life at school)

Kind, Freund, Būrger (Family and friends)

Gesundheit (Health)

Die Arbeitswelt (World of work)

Meine Umgebung (Local area)

Die Umwelt (The environment)

Die Freizeitstunden (Leisure time) MODE OF DELIVERY There is a mixture of practical and theoretical work based around the four key areas of speaking, reading, writing and listening. Students will complete controlled assessments in speaking and writing. ASSESSMENT The course is partially assessed through controlled assessment and students will take a variety of spoken and written tasks. From these we choose a selection of the student’s best work to be submitted. This means that she/he has a chance to obtain their best possible marks for Speaking and Writing and they will only have two terminal exams in Listening and Reading in the summer of 2017. Grades A*-G are available, when passed.

Languages – Spanish GCSE

ORGANISATION OF LESSONS Students studying GCSE Spanish as a core subject will have three lessons per week. COURSE CONTENT Spanish uses the Edexcel examination board. The course uses the core Edexcel textbook. Students will study four common topics in Years 10 and 11 which are covered in 9 units in the textbook:

De vacaciones (Holidays)

De paseo por Sevilla (Holidays)

A clase (Life at school)

Perdidos (Daily routine)

Los trabajos (World of work)

Mi tiempo libre (Free time)

Viva mi barrio (Local area)

La salud (Health)

Nuestro planeta (The environment) MODE OF DELIVERY There is a mixture of practical and theoretical work based around the four key areas of speaking, reading, writing and listening. Students will complete controlled assessments in speaking and writing. ASSESSMENT The course is partially assessed through controlled assessment and students will take a variety of spoken and written tasks. From these we choose a selection of the student’s best work to be submitted. This means that she/he has a chance to obtain their best possible marks for Speaking and Writing and they will only have two terminal exams in Listening and Reading in the summer of 2017. Grades A*- G are available, when passed.

Religious Studies (Philosophy and Ethics) GCSE

ORGANISATION OF CLASSES Students in sets 1 and 2 are entered for the full GCSE qualification of Philosophy and Ethics and those in sets 3, 4 and 5 are entered for the short course GCSE of Ethics. Students will have one lesson per week over a three year period. It is a compulsory subject. COURSE CONTENT The course is taught from a Christian perspective. Students in sets 1 and 2 will study all eight Philosophy and Ethics units over the three years. Students in sets 3, 4 and 5 will study only the four Ethics units, as well as completing creative projects on these topics.

Ethics Units (All sets) Religion and Equality – Prejudice, racism, sexism, the treatment of other religions and forgiveness. Peace and Justice – War, pacifism, justice, aims of punishment, treatment of criminals and social justice and injustice. Human Relationships – Gender roles, marriage ceremonies, civil partnerships, divorce and re-marriage, sexual relationships and contraception. Medical Ethics – Abortion, fertility treatment and cloning, euthanasia, suicide, the use of animals in medical research.

Philosophy Units (Sets 1 and 2 only) Good and Evil – Concepts of good and evil, God and the Devil, the Fall, sin, redemption, natural and moral evil, and why there is suffering in the world. Religion and Science – Scientific and religious theories

about the origins of the universe and environmental issues. Belief about Deity – Belief about the nature of God, arguments for and against the existence of God, concept of miracles, understanding the Holy Trinity. End of Life – Concept of the soul, beliefs about heaven, hell, purgatory, salvation, redemption, the suffering of Christ and resurrection.

MODE OF DELIVERY Lessons are tailed to cater for a range of learning styles and abilities. Pupils will learn through various teaching techniques such as debates, role-play, videos, source analysis, stories, display work, group work, independent work and presentations. Students are encouraged to voice their own opinions and to reflect on other people’s views. ASSESSMENT Students studying the full course will sit four exam papers in Year 11 covering all eight topics listed above. Those taking the short course route will sit two exam papers covering only the Ethics topics. A* - G grades are available for all pupils.

Physical Education Core: non examination ORGANISATION OF CLASSES All classes study core PE for one lesson a week. (In addition students can study PE or Dance in their options.) PE is a compulsory subject throughout the main school as we believe in the importance of young people staying fit, healthy and active. COURSE CONTENT Pupils will tackle complex and demanding physical activities. They will get involved in a range of activities that develop personal fitness and promote an active, healthy lifestyle.

Pupils will be taught / encouraged to:

use and develop a variety of tactics and strategies to overcome opponents in team and individual games [for example, badminton, basketball, cricket, football, hockey, netball, rounders, rugby and tennis]

develop their technique and improve their performance in other competitive sports [for example, athletics and gymnastics], or other physical activities [for example, dance]

take part in further outdoor and adventurous activities in a range of environments which present intellectual and physical challenges and which encourage pupils to work in a team, building on trust and developing skills to solve problems, either individually or as a group

evaluate their performances compared to previous ones and demonstrate improvement across a range of physical activities to achieve their personal best

take part regularly in competitive sports and activities outside school through community links or sports clubs.

Students also have the chance to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme with emphasis on units being completed in their own time. This may incur a small cost and the hiring of equipment may be necessary. Some students may choose to complete leadership awards and qualifications through Sports Leaders UK and National Governing Bodies. Again, this may incur a small cost. MODE OF DELIVERY Each activity is studied for between four to eight weeks in blocks of work. ASSESSMENT There is no formal assessment. However a written assessment is given as part of the annual report to parents. Progress updates data is given on a regular basis.

OPTION SUBJECTS

Art GCSE

ORGANISATION OF LESSONS Students who have been allocated Art as one of their options will have two lessons per week, for GCSE Art. COURSE CONTENT The course is about learning to express yourself more efficiently through visual means. In a visual and media orientated world we will provide students with the opportunities to communicate in direct and powerful non verbal ways. Students will learn to use and select primary and secondary source materials, record their observations, experiences and ideas. They will respond visually to artists and other cultures and be able to analyse and evaluate their own work and that of others demonstrating an understanding of context. Students will visually explore and develop different ideas, media and processes and learn to further modify and refine their work before creating a final piece. The course is separated into two areas. The first is personal portfolio, which is made up of two separate projects which culminate in two final pieces. Each final piece will relate to the personal portfolio project themes and the artists and cultures that were studied. The second area is the exam, although this is not a written test. The exam takes the form of a ten week project and final piece. The course is heavily weighted towards personal portfolio and it accounts for 60% of the final grade. The exam element of the course accounts for the remaining 40%. MODE OF DELIVERY Nearly all the lessons will have a practical task included in them. Students will draw and paint but will also explore ideas using lots of different techniques including: printing, casting, clay, collage, sculpture and Photoshop to name but a few. There will also be some theory based tasks. In these lessons students will look at the work of different artists and learn how to discuss their work and how they can use some of these ideas to help develop their own ideas. ASSESSMENT GCSE Art is assessed using the GCSE marking criteria layout by the Edexcel exam board. Students are awarded a pass grade of A* - G. Students will have to be self-motivated and prepared to produce a high quality of work from the beginning of the course as everything they do will be marked and will count towards 60% of their overall grade. The remaining 40% will be a timed 10 hour exam with ten weeks of preparation time based around a set theme.

Art Photography GCSE

ORGANISATION OF CLASSES Students who have been allocated Photography as one of their options will have two lessons per week. COURSE CONTENT The course is about learning to express yourself more efficiently through visual means. In a visual and media orientated world we will provide students with the opportunities to communicate in direct and powerful non verbal ways. Students will learn to use and select primary and secondary source materials, record their observations experiences and ideas. They will respond visually to artists and other cultures and be able to analyse and evaluate their own work and that of others, demonstrating an understanding of context. Pupils will visually explore and develop different ideas and processes. They will learn to further modify and refine their work before creating a final piece. The course is separated into two areas. The first is the personal portfolio which is made up of separate projects which culminate in final pieces. Each final piece will relate to the personal portfolio project themes and the artists and cultures that were studied. The second area is the exam, although this is not a written test. The exam takes the form of a ten week project and final piece. The course is heavily weighted towards personal portfolio and it accounts for 60% of the final grade. The exam element of the course accounts for the remaining 40%. MODE OF DELIVERY Nearly all the lessons will have a practical task included in them. Students will create a digital sketchbook allowing them to explore and manipulate multiple images. They will learn how to use techniques and processes to create personal images through the exploration of viewpoint, composition, focus, shutter speed and exposure. Pupils will also be taught how to effectively use Photoshop. There will also be some theory based tasks. In these lessons students will look at the work of different artists and learn how to discuss their work and how they can use some of these ideas to help develop their own ideas. ASSESSMENT GCSE Photography is assessed using the GCSE marking criteria as laid down by the Edexcel exam board. Students are awarded a pass grade of A* - G. Students will have to be self-motivated and prepared to produce a high quality of work from the beginning of the course as everything they do will be marked and will count towards 60% of their overall grade. The remaining 40% will be a timed 10 hour exam with ten weeks of preparation time based around a set theme.

Art Textiles GCSE

ORGANISATION OF LESSONS Students who have been allocated Art Textiles as one of their A, B or C options will have two lessons per week, for GCSE Textiles. COURSE CONTENT The course is about learning to express yourself more efficiently through visual means. In a visual and media orientated world we will provide students with the opportunities to communicate in direct and powerful no verbal ways. Students will learn to use and select primary and secondary source materials, record their observations experiences and ideas. They will respond visually to artists and other cultures and be able to analyse and evaluate their own work and that of others demonstrating an understanding of context. Students will visually explore and develop different ideas, media and processes and learn to further modify and refine their work before creating a final piece. The course is separated into two areas. The first is a personal portfolio which is made up of two separate projects which culminate in two final pieces. Each final piece will relate to the personal portfolio project themes and the artists and cultures that were studied. The second area is the exam, although this is not a written test. The exam takes the form of a ten week project and final piece. The course is heavily weighted towards the personal portfolio and it accounts for 60% of the final grade. The exam element of the course accounts for the remaining 40%. MODE OF DELIVERY Nearly all the lessons will have a practical task included in them. Students will draw and paint but will also explore ideas using lots of different techniques including: silk painting, batik, handmade felt, image transfer, printing, weaving, and stitch. There will also be some theory based tasks. In these lessons students will look at the work of different artists and learn how to discuss their work and how they can use some of these ideas to help develop their own ideas. ASSESSMENT GCSE Art Textiles is assessed using the GCSE marking criteria layout by the Edexcel exam board. Students are awarded a pass grade of A* - G. Students will have to be self-motivated and prepared to produce a high quality of work from the beginning of the course as everything they do will be marked and will count towards 60% of their overall grade. The remaining 40% will be a timed 10 hour exam with ten weeks of preparation time based around a set theme.

ASDAN Award – CoPE, within Study Support

ORGANISATION OF CLASSES Two lessons per week as this is an optional subject. It is a guided option. COURSE CONTENT Students who have chosen ASDAN Award within Study Support as their option will do a Certificate of Personal Effectiveness (CoPE) qualification. This is a portfolio qualification built up by working through allocated booklet tasks. The CoPE Student Book comprises 12 modules, each of which is divided into three sections. Each section should take 10 hours, which is worth one credit. Students will need 12 credits to gain the Certificate of Personal Effectiveness. For CoPE Level 1, challenges can come from Section A, B or C; for CoPE Level 2, at least six of the credits must be chosen from the longer challenges of Sections B and C. The module titles are:

Communication Citizenship and Community Sport and Leisure Independent Living The Environment Vocational and Diploma Preparation Health and Fitness Work Related Learning and Enterprise Science and Technology International Links Expressive Arts Beliefs and Values

By building a Portfolio of Evidence as they complete various challenges, students must demonstrate competence at Level 1 or 2 in the following skills:

Introduction to Working with Others, Introduction to Improving own Learning and Performance, Introduction to Problem Solving, Planning and Carrying out a Piece of Research, Communication through Discussion, Planning and Giving an Oral Presentation.

MODE OF DELIVERY The course has some written work but lots of practical activities too. ASSESSMENT Level 2 is equivalent to a GCSE grade B when passed; Level 1 is equivalent to a GCSE grade E when passed.

Business Studies - GCSE

ORGANISATION OF CLASSES Students who have been allocated GCSE Business Studies as one of their options will have two lessons per week. COURSE CONTENT In Year 11 students will have already completed their controlled assessment unit on Marketing and Enterprise. Students will have started to study the Production, Finance and the External Business Environment unit towards the end of Year 10 and this will be picked up again in Year 11. Students will be given a pre-release case study upon which their final examination (worth 50% of their final grade) will be based. MODE OF DELIVERY Business Studies lessons are made relevant and interesting through a range of techniques, video, presentations, workshops, display work, competitions and visits. ASSESSMENT This scheme of assessment is un-tiered, covering all of the ability range with grades from A* to G. This course is assessed through two examinations; one data response paper and a pre-release case study paper (worth 25% and 50% respectively) and through one piece of coursework completed in controlled conditions, worth 25%. The controlled assessment has an investigative element to it and is likely to be based around a new business idea that you could consider developing. PROGRESSION We offer a vocational Level 3 course and a traditional A-Level in Business course within our 6th Form that students can go on to study once they have completed their GCSEs.

Citizenship GCSE ORGANISATION OF LESSONS

Citizenship is an optional subject at GCSE. Students have two lessons a week over three years to complete the course, leading to a full GCSE. COURSE CONTENT Unit 1 – Rights and Responsibilities – Getting Started as an Active Citizen Exam Unit 2 - Identity, Democracy and Justice Understanding our Role as Citizens Coursework Unit 3 - Rights and Responsibilities – Extending our Knowledge and Understanding Exam Unit 4 - Identity, Democracy and Justice Leading the Way as an Active Citizen Coursework Students will be expected to demonstrate how they can become active citizens by making a positive contribution to society as well as following the syllabus and gaining knowledge of current affairs and topical events.

MODE OF DELIVERY Lessons are tailed to cater for a range of learning styles and abilities. Pupils will learn through various teaching techniques such as debates, role-play, videos, source analysis, stories, display work, group work, independent work and presentations. Students are encouraged to voice their own opinions and to reflect on other people’s views. ASSESSMENT Students will be expected to complete two controlled assessments over the whole course which will account for 60% of their final mark, 30% each. In addition to completing the two controlled assessments (60%), students will sit two exam papers amounting to 40% of the total available marks. These exams are based on content from Units 1 and 3. End of unit tests will take place in lessons to help pupils prepare for their Unit 1 and 3 exams. Pupils can gain A*-G grades in this subject.

Dance GCSE

ORGANISATION OF LESSONS Students will participate in two hours of dance per week. They will be a mixture of practical and theory lessons. Students will begin working on exam pieces from September. The practical examination usually takes place by external examination in April and the written paper takes place in June. COURSE CONTENT The course is split into two main components; Component One; Performance & Choreography 60% PERFORMANCE; - Students will learn teacher taught phrases which will create a set solo performance which will be assessed externally. - Along with the teacher, students will create and perform a duet or a trio which is assessed externally. Both performance pieces will see the students marked on their technical ability and their expressive skills. CHOREOGRAPHY; - Students will create either a solo or a group choreography that explores a stimulus which is provided by AQA. The students will adopt the role of ‘choreographer’ and submit a creative interpretation of their chosen stimulus. This unit is assessed externally. Component Two; Dance Appreciation 40% - This is a 1.5 hour written paper which assesses the student’s ability to: - Show knowledge and understanding of choreographic processes. - Show knowledge and understanding of performance skills. - Critically appreciate their own work. - Critically appreciate each other’s work. MODE OF DELIVERY Students will participate in a mixture of practical workshops and theory lessons which will help them to understand how to create interesting choreography, develop their technique and learn how to talk critically about dance. They will continue to look at set studies and consider how to take and develop given motifs. ASSESSMENT GCSE criteria, grades A* - G, when passed.

Drama GCSE

ORGANISATION OF LESSONS Students who have been allocated Drama as one of their options will have two lessons per week. COURSE CONTENT GCSE Drama is an exciting, inspiring and practical course which promotes involvement in and enjoyment of drama as performers and/or designers. Additionally it provides opportunities to attend live theatre performances and to develop skills as informed and thoughtful audience members. In Year 11, students will complete the remaining components in order to achieve their GCSE. Students will participate in the performance of an extract from a play text and demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of drama, including their ability to interpret texts for performance, in a written examination. THEME AND TOPICS:

Component 2: Performing from a Text Students are required to participate in a performance from a text. They must work in groups of between two and four actors to realise two 10 minute key extracts. The performance is externally assessed by a visiting examiner.

Component 3: Interpreting Theatre This component is a written examination of 1 hour 30 minutes. Students need to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of how drama and theatre is developed and performed through the study of a performance text and through responding to live theatre. The exam consists of two sections: Section A: Students will study one complete play text and consider how the text is constructed and how performances create meaning. Section B: Students are required to analyse and evaluate one piece of live theatre viewed during the course. Students must consider the role of the actor, designer, director and the reaction and response from the audience.

MODE OF DELIVERY There is a strong emphasis on practical exploration for both components. For Component 2, students will rehearse for their performance in groups. After school and lunch time rehearsals are mandatory, as groups can only access higher grades through thorough rehearsal and commitment to the process of creating drama. Communication and co-operation will be vital to the students’ progression. For Component 3, the text will be practically explored and students will be expected to analyse and evaluate the characteristics of the text and how meaning is interpreted and communicated through performance conventions, performance space, technical elements and the actor’s vocal and physical interpretation of character. ASSESSMENT Component 2 is externally assessed by a visiting examiner and is worth 20% of the qualification. Component 3 is a written examination worth 40% of the qualification. Component 1, worth 40%, is completed in Year 10. Upon completion, students will receive a GCSE grade from A*-G.

Food & Nutrition GCSE ORGANISATION OF LESSONS Students who have been allocated Food Technology as one of their options will have two lessons per week. COURSE CONTENT The main focus of study will be:

1. The function and properties of food 2. The nutritional properties of food 3. Combining ingredients 4. Acids and Alkalis 5. Standard components in food processing 6. Equipment in the kitchen 7. Food safety and hygiene 8. Additives 9. Food production 10. Labelling and packaging.

MODE OF DELIVERY Students will follow the syllabus through a series of design and make tasks. They will develop techniques and skills that will be of use through the short and long course. Answering a task will require weekly practical work including evaluations, modifications and developments using seasonal foods. The course requires candidates to consider vegetarians, organic and Fair-Trade foods with the constant use of ICT as a main part of this subject. ASSESSMENT Students follow the AQA syllabus in Food Technology. Students complete one controlled assessment tasks. Research skills are developed and practical work is constantly undertaken to adapt and amend initial ideas in order to answer a task developed by the exam board. GCSE Food Technology is assessed using the criteria of pass grades A*-G. These grades are achieved from coursework as well as a written examination. 60% controlled assessment- where students undertake a task written by the Exam Board and develop and change an existing product to reach a further 40% External examination set by the exam board.

Geography GCSE

ORGANISATION OF LESSONS Students who have studied GCSE Geography in Year 10 will continue into Year 11. The allocation is two lessons per week. It is a constrained option. COURSE CONTENT Students are now in their final year of their three year course in Geography and study Theme 3: Uneven Development and Sustainable Environments. This covers:

Employment structures

World independence

International trade and aid

The location of economic activities

Multinational companies

Globalisation

The effects of economic activity on the environment. MODE OF DELIVERY Geography is studied through a range of practical and theoretical lessons and involves the use of ICT and video. ASSESSMENT Students will sit their final GCSE exam at the end of Year 11. There are two papers to sit, combined with one piece of controlled assessment to make up the final grade. Grades are A* to G. Entry is through tiered papers offering Higher A* to D and Foundation C to G.

Hairdressing VTC Level 2 Certificate in Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy Level 1 Diploma in Hairdressing Examination Board: VTC ORGANISATION OF LESSONS This subject is open to all students with an interest and enjoyment of Hair and Beauty. Student’s timetables will be split into theory and practical lessons. Practical lessons are taught in our modern hair studio where students will learn a variety of techniques and be graded at a Pass/Fail. Theory work will be graded at Pass, Merit and Distinction and is equivalent to one GCSE Grade A*- C. COURSE CONTENT To gain a Level 1 Extended Certificate in Hair and Beauty Skills, students will be assessed on their practical skills and will cover the following units;

Health and safety

Blow-drying hair

Shampoo and hair treatments

Plaiting hair

Temporary colour

Final catwalk image. To gain a Level 2 in Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy, students will follow the VTCT syllabus which has four units to complete over the three years; Unit 1: Understanding the hair and beauty sector – This is a written exam which students will sit in year 10. They will answer questions relating to the business and industry of hair and beauty. Unit 2: Hair and beauty research project – Students will plan, prepare and carry out a research project into a topic of their choice which relates to the hair and beauty industry. Unit 3: Marketing hair and beauty products – Students will carry out research into the industry and write a project based on their findings of how salons market their products and services to grow their business. Unit 4: Hair and beauty science – Students will learn the anatomy of the skin and hair then produce a project based on hair and beauty product formulations. MODE OF DELIVERY Practical and theoretic. ASSESSMENT Continuous assessment. PROGRESSION Students can progress onto a full NVQ Level 2 where they specialise in either Hair or Beauty. This will be the perfect start to further studies within Hairdressing or a career in the Hair and Beauty industry. Students require an essential items kit that must be brought to every practical lesson. TO FIND OUT MORE Please visit: www.vtct.org.uk

Health and Social Care GCSE ORGANISATION OF CLASSES Students who have been allocated GCSE Health and Social Care as one of their options will have two lessons per week. COURSE CONTENT Students learn by completing projects, examination papers and assignments that are based on realistic workplace situations, activities and demands. There are two units to complete and these will include: Unit 1: Health, Social Care and Children’s Services. This unit will enable candidates to gain knowledge and understanding of the main health, social care and children's service provision available to meet individuals' needs. Candidates will learn about:

The care needs of individuals;

The types of care services;

The ways of obtaining care services and the barriers to access;

The main work roles and skills of people who provide health, social care and children's services;

The principles of care. Unit 2: Human Growth and Development. To provide effective care, workers within health, social care and children's services need to know about the different ways that people grow and develop during their lives. This unit will allow candidates to gain knowledge and understanding of the process of human growth and development and the different factors that can affect individuals. Candidates will learn about:

Human growth and development;

The factors affecting growth and development;

The development of self concept;

Life changes and sources of support.

The course content from both units will be revised in Year 11 lessons in preparation for the written exam at the end of Year 11. MODE OF DELIVERY This course will be delivered through taught lessons, group discussions, research and individual study. Students will spend time learning by doing and also time in an IT suite. Students will have 1/2 termly assessments with a key focus on literacy and understanding the key terms of the course. ASSESSMENT Unit 1 is a controlled assessment and is worth 60% of the final grade. Unit 2 is entirely exam based and is worth 40% of the final grade. GCSE grades A* - G are available from the qualification.

History GCSE

ORGANISATION OF LESSONS Students who have been allocated History as one of their options will have two lessons per week. They follow the AQA specification B course entitled “The Modern World 1900 – 1939.” COURSE CONTENT Controlled Assessment (September - October) This is based on life in Britain during WW1 and WW2. The exact topic will vary and is set by the exam board each year. This will account for 25% of the overall grade. Preparation for this will be carried out as a class, but the write up is under timed conditions. Controlled assessment begins in the summer term of Year 10 and continues until October half term in Year 11. USA 1917—1941 Unit 3 (October - March)

1920s America - immigration, mass production, stocks and shares, Ku Klux Klan, gangsters, women, prohibition.

Race relations in America in the 1950s and 1960s. Including race riots, freedom rides and marches, and the role of Martin Luther King.

Revision (March - June)

Class revision through spider diagrams, posters, flash cards, notes, diagrams, quizzes, competitions and exam questions.

MODE OF DELIVERY The lessons will be made interesting and stimulating by using a range of techniques – video, role play, worksheets, debates, source analysis, extended writing and exam questions. ASSESSMENT Students will sit both exam papers One and Two in June of Year 11. This will test students on units 1, 2 and 3 and account for 75% of the total grade. This leads to a GCSE, grades A*-G, when passed.

Information & Communication Technology GCSE ORGANISATION OF CLASSES Examination Board: Edexcel Students will study for an .Edexcel GCSE in ICT which will be two lessons a week, over three years. COURSE CONTENT What will I be doing? Unit 1 – Living in Digital World Students explore how digital technology impacts on the lives of individuals, organisations and society. Students learn about current and emerging digital technologies and the issues raised by their use in a range of contexts (learning and earning, leisure, shopping and money management, health and well-being, on the move). They develop awareness of the risks that are inherent in using ICT and the features of safe, secure and responsible practice. Unit 2 – Using Digital Tools This is a practical unit. Students broaden and enhance their ICT skills and capability. They work with a range of digital tools and techniques to produce effective ICT solutions in a range of contexts. Students learn to reflect critically on their own and others’ use of ICT and to adopt safe, secure and responsible practice. They put into practice what they learned about digital technology in Unit 1. In Year 11 students will be taught the theory units for this course. Unit 1 – My Phone Unit 2 – Shop and Drop Unit 3 – My Time Unit 4 – Anytime Anywhere Unit 5 – My Space MODE OF DELIVERY This is a practical course using computers. ASSESSMENT All students will follow the single award course in which they will gain one GCSE on GCSE criteria. To complete the course all students will have to cover and compete the following units: Unit 1 – Living in Digital World. This is externally assessed through a 90 minutes exam. This unit is worth 40% of the overall grade. Unit 2 – Using Digital Tools. A coursework unit which will be completed through 40 hours of controlled assessment time. This unit is worth 60% of the overall grade. TO FIND OUT MORE - Please visit: www.edexcel.com

Italian GCSE

ORGANISATION OF LESSONS Students studying GCSE will have two lessons per week. COURSE CONTENT Italian uses the Edexcel examination board. During the course you will study 9 units.

Le vacanze (Holidays)

Buon viaggio (Tourism)

A scuola (Life at school)

La vita quotidiana (Daily life)

Il lavoro (World of work)

Il tempo libero (Free time)

Casa mia (House and local area)

Sei in forma (Health)

Il nostro ambiente (The environment) MODE OF DELIVERY There is a mixture of practical and theoretical work based around the four key areas of Speaking, Reading, Writing and Listening. Students will complete controlled assessments in Speaking and Writing. ASSESSMENT The course is partially assessed through controlled assessment and students will take a variety of spoken and written tasks. From these we choose a selection of the student’s best work to be submitted. This means that she/he has a chance to obtain their best possible marks for Speaking and Writing and they will only have two terminal exams in Listening and Reading in the summer of 2017. Grades A*-G are available, when passed.

Media Studies GCSE

ORGANISATION OF CLASSES Students who have been allocated Media Studies as one of their options will have two lessons per week. COURSE CONTENT In Year 11 students will have completed their coursework and will focus on exam work. They will:

Develop their knowledge and understanding of print, broadcast and new media technologies

Investigate the meaning and social contexts of media products and their impact on audiences

Develop their understanding of the media industry and media coverage

Understand that there is a particular focus on convergent media this year. MODE OF DELIVERY A mixture of analytical, theoretical and practical lessons to meet the requirements of the WJEC syllabus. ASSESSMENT In Year 11, students will study for the remainder of their GCSE which is assessed through a written examination. The exam features the following two components: Section A Thinking about the media - Investigating Four questions relating to stimulus material chosen from a topic set by WJEC. For the 2017 examinations, this will be Newspapers. This section will require students to answer questions relating to the unseen text and case studies focussed on in lessons. Students will need to show their understanding of genre, audiences, representation and institutions in relation to film trailers. Section B Thinking about the media - Planning A series of creative tasks demonstrating planning and creative skills and knowledge of the convergent nature of the contemporary media. For the 2017 examinations, this section will be focussed on Radio News. Students will be required to complete a written creative task on Radio News and answer questions about it in relation to genre, audiences, representation, marketing and industry. Exam Board: WJEC. 60% coursework. 40% examination. Grades A* - G available, GCSE.

Music GCSE

ORGANISATION OF LESSONS Students will continue to have two lessons per week plus their instrumental lesson on their chosen instrument. Students are also required to undertake performances both as a soloist and in groups which may need to be recorded outside of lesson time. COURSE CONTENT Students will continue to study a range of pieces of music from different time periods and parts of the world. They develop their analytical skills and get the opportunity to develop practical music skills through compositions and performances. They will gain a cultural understanding of the different musical heritages of the music they perform and listen to and how the building blocks of music influence all music genres. Students analyse the different genres of music, Baroque, Classical, Romantic and 20th Century to understand the cultural and spiritual contexts of the music. Some pieces, especially in the 20th Century may also challenge their moral judgements of what is acceptable music. Once more social skills are put to the test during assessment of their ability to rehearse both individual and as a group to demonstrate mastery of their own part within an ensemble. In Year 11, students will initially focus on Unit 2 compositions while preparing final performance pieces with their instrumental teachers. Performance assessments will take place prior to Christmas alongside their mock exam with any final entries being recorded by February half-term. After Christmas they will then ensure that their full focus is in Unit 1 exam preparation. All four units will require the student to have a strong understanding of the five “Areas of Study”. Rhythm & Metre Harmony & Tonality Texture & Melody Timbre & Dynamics Structure & Form Unit 1: Listening to and Appraising Music. Students respond to questions based on short excerpts drawing on music from all five areas of study listed above. These will be explored through: The Western Classical Tradition; Popular Music of the 20th & 21st centuries; and World Music. (20% Exam) Unit 2: Composing and Appraising Music. Students are required to compose one piece of music using World Music as their influence while also exploring two or more of the five “Areas of Study”. (20% Controlled Assessment). Unit 3: Performing Music. Throughout the year, you will be asked to perform both solo and ensemble pieces. All of which will be recorded and assessed in alignment with the marking criteria providing a library of performances from which to select the best recording for submission to the exam board. (40%) Unit 4: Composing Music. Students are required to compose one piece of music which explores two or more of the five “Areas of Study”. This may be in any style or genre of the students’ choosing. (20% Controlled Assessment).

HOMEWORK Students are expected to attend their instrumental lessons without fail and practise for at least 45 minutes four or five times a week. They are also expected, in return for their free instrumental lesson, to attend at least one extra curricular music group and perform at department concerts throughout the year. They should be prepared to use the department out of lesson time. MODE OF DELIVERY There will be a mixture of practical and theoretical lessons revolving around listening, composing and performing. ASSESSMENT Exam board AQA. Grades A* - G available, when passed.

Product Design GCSE

ORGANISATION OF LESSONS Students who have opted for Design and Technology will have two lessons per week of Product Design. COURSE CONTENT At the start of Year 11 students will be introduced to the topics for their controlled assessment, which are set by the exam board. Using their prior knowledge and understanding from Year 9 and 10, students will design and make a product in order to meet a given brief. Students are required to present their research, ideas and development in a 20 page (A3) portfolio. Students will be provided with the opportunity to use a range of machines and equipment available within the department. Students will be encouraged to use the laser cutter, 3D printer and other industrial machines in order to help the development and manufacture their product, aiming to product a high quality end product. During the year students will also be investigating into well known designers and their products, developing a greater understanding of sustainability and environmental issues and understanding the importance of materials and their properties, all in preparation for their exam. MODE OF DELIVERY All Technology lessons comprise of a mixture of practical and theoretical lessons. All departments are well equipped and students will be given the opportunity to develop both practical and design skills. ASSESSMENT GCSE Design and Technology is assessed using the GCSE criteria of pass grades A* to G. In all Technology subjects there is a 60% coursework requirement (controlled assessment project) and 40% examination requirement. The exam board set the final themes for the controlled assessment projects.

Physical Education GCSE

ORGANISATION OF LESSONS Students who have been allocated GCSE Physical Education as one of their options will have two lessons per week. COURSE CONTENT There are two units to complete and these will include: Unit 1: The Theory of Physical Education This unit is delivered through theory and practical based theory lessons and will be assessed in a written examination at the end of the course and is worth 40% of the final grade. Topics covered include:

Healthy;

active lifestyles;

Your healthy active body;

Your personal health and wellbeing;

A healthy active lifestyle;

Your cardiovascular/respiratory/muscular and skeletal system. Unit 2: Performance in Physical Education This unit is delivered through practical lessons covering a wide variety of sports. Students will be assessed in four sports at the end of the course through an external assessment as either player or participant, official and/or leader. Students will also be assessed on their analysis of performance and on their planning, performing and monitoring of a six week Personal Exercise Plan (PEP). This unit is worth 60% of the final grade. There is also the option for students to be assessed in sports which they participate in outside of school which may not be on the school curriculum. MODE OF DELIVERY This course will be delivered through taught lessons, group discussions, research and individual study. Students will spend time learning by doing and also time in an IT suite. Students will have half termly assessments with a key focus on literacy and understanding the key terms of the course. ASSESSMENT GCSE grades A* - G are available.

Psychology GCSE

ORGANISATION OF LESSONS Psychology is studied for two lessons per week. Within Psychology students cover six topic areas – social, biological, developmental, cognitive, individual differences, ethics and research issues. COURSE CONTENT Lord Grey follows the WJEC (Eduqas) exam board specification. All Year 11 students will follow this syllabus. Unit 2: Cognitive Psychology; Individual Differences; and Ethics and Research Issues in Psychology. Ethics and Research Issues in Psychology: Psychological methods of investigations, designing investigations, data analysis and presentation, ethical considerations. Conduct psychological experiments and write reports. Revision (February - June): Practice of past examination questions. MODE OF DELIVERY The focus of the lessons will be theory/study analysis, improvement of writing skills and the development of exam technique and evaluation skills. ASSESSMENT Assessment will be continuous to ensure that students are making progress towards attaining their target grades. Homework is set weekly and will either consist of written work, revision, research or online exercises.

There is no coursework in GCSE Psychology. Grades A* - G are available. 2 x 1½ hour examinations.

Unit 1 (50%) Biological Social Developmental

Unit 2 (50%) Cognitive Individual Differences Ethics and Research Methods

Sociology GCSE

ORGANISATION OF LESSONS Students will have two lessons per week. They follow the OCR specification course.

COURSE CONTENT This is a three year course which teaches students about Socialisation, Culture, Identity and applying Sociological Research techniques to a wide variety of aspects of Sociology. Topics that are studied in Year 11 are:

Applying Sociological Research Techniques

Revision of Socialisation, Culture, Identity and applying Sociological Research techniques Unit

Revision of Family, Education and Crime and Deviance Unit. In Year 11 the third Unit will be covered where students are provided with pre-released material, which will take two forms of investigations, both focusing on the same topic. The topic will have been covered in Year 9 and Year 11. There are a whole variety of topics that may be chosen e.g. Education, Family, Crime, Gender, Youth, Work etc.

At the end of Unit 3 students should be able to:

To apply any area of sociological research to the investigations in the pre-release material.

To understand the process involved in preparing the topic for study, applying different methods and evidence to investigate it and then drawing conclusions from the data.

Analyse and evaluate different research methods and should be aware of the factors that are important when researching topic areas.

Know about strengths and weaknesses of research techniques.

Identify problems that can arise in research and identify and justify some possible solutions.

Compare two investigations.

Understand and use sociological concepts and terminology that are relevant to sociological research.

MODE OF DELIVERY Lessons are varied, and cater for a range of learning styles – extended pieces of writing, debates and discussions, source analysis, role-play, display work, team work, presentations and video. The core text book that we will refer to in some lessons is OCR GCSE Sociology (ISBN 978-0-435807-57-3).

ASSESSMENT Students are assessed in three exams. They will sit these in the Summer of Year 11. In addition, students sit regular class tests at the end of each sub-section which are marked to GCSE standards. GCSE criteria applies, grades A*-G. Additionally students will have a mock exam on what they have learnt so far.

Study Support Option

ORGANISATION OF LESSONS Two lessons per week in the options. COURSE CONTENT What will I be doing? This course is aimed at students who need extra support with learning. It is in ‘Options’ time of two lessons per week. These students may already come out of lessons for literacy and numeracy support. This course will continue to support them with improving reading, writing and basic skills. It will also give support completing coursework and revising for exams. Some students might do ASDAN CoPE within this curriculum time. What kinds of activities will I be doing in lessons? This course is based on a student’s individual needs. In lessons students will do a variety of activities based on their work in other subjects. Examples of activities which may be done in lessons are:

Redrafting coursework.

Research for other subjects.

How to improve your memory.

Exam technique.

Exam revision.

Reading practice.

Handwriting practice.

Maths practice.

Improving word processing skills. ASSESSMENT / QUALIFICATIONS There will be no direct assessment of this course. This course will support you with assessments in other subject areas. PROGRESSION There is no direct progression route from this course. However, this course will support your learning across the curriculum. It will therefore support you in whatever route you choose to take in the future.

WorkSkills: BTEC

ORGANISATION OF LESSONS Students following the Edexcel BTEC in WorkSkills have two lessons per week. Students work towards a number of units and achieve 13 credits, which culminates in a GCSE equivalent qualification at Level 1 or Level 2. COURSE CONTENT Students will study several units that will help them to understand the working world and develops their workplace and employability skills. This will include:

Employability skills and why these are important

Managing money

Applying for a job

Working with colleagues

Working in the voluntary sector

Self-Assessment

Preparing and learning from Work Experience. MODE OF DELIVERY Students will be taught through a variety of activities that will be paper based, discussion based, practical simulations and workplace activities. Students will work individually and as part of teams and be able to complete tasks through a variety of methods that best suit their preferred learning style. ASSESSMENT Students will be assessed through a portfolio of tasks over the three year period. They will complete a total of 13 credits over a range of different units; each unit being worth between 1 and 3 credits each. The assessment can be written or verbal and video evidence, table completion, extended writing and discussions with be assessed and credits awarded. Students completing all 13 credits will be awarded a GCSE equivalent qualification at either Level 2 or Level 1, which equates to a B or E - F grade respectively. Please note that this course is under review and therefore the assessment is likely to change.

Learning Resource Centre (LRC) Our Learning Resource Centre is committed to providing an outstanding collection of resources for our community; we aim to foster a lifelong enthusiasm for reading and learning; teach effective research and retrieval skills; and do this in a welcoming and supportive environment. Mrs Coles, Chartered Librarian can help you to decide which information sources are the most useful; show you how to check that the information is relevant and up to date; and help you to find inspiring and exciting stories to read. The Learning Resource Centre is open every day during school hours, Monday to Thursday 8.00am – 4.30pm, Friday 8.00am – 4.00pm and is used in different ways during the day: a teacher might send you to do some individual work, or change a book; you might come in with the whole class to the LRC to do some research into a particular topic; and there are many opportunities to use the LRC during your free time at break and lunch. The LRC is also open until 4.30pm most evenings, and this would be a particularly good time to do coursework and revision. At all times you will be expected to work quietly and sensibly; you must take care not to disturb other students who will also be working. The LRC is stocked with up to date fiction and non-fiction books, and we keep a large selection of Reference books. We have an online newspaper subscription for up to date information, and we take two weekly newspapers, First News and The Week. Mrs Coles works with the Faculties to ensure that all resources are relevant to courses and subjects studied within the school, and are suitable for a wide range of abilities. GCSE materials are specifically purchased so that Year 9, 10 and 11 students have access to a variety of information. A recent initiative is the use of a reading programme called Accelerated Reader which is designed to promote improvement in reading through the use of online quizzes and consistent checking of students’ reading levels. Tutors will be responsible for frequent checking of their students’ reading achievements and encouraging a culture of reading through a variety of activities. So, in addition to reading for research purposes, students are encouraged to develop their fiction reading. Fiction books are added to stock throughout the year, and students are able to review the books they read and recommend them to other students via our book club on Wednesday lunchtimes. This is well attended, and we cover a variety of activities such as book quizzes, choosing new books and word games, and regularly ask teachers to speak about their reading choices. During the autumn term the LRC hosts the annual ‘Book Blast’ during which authors talk to the Year 8 students about their books and how they create their stories. At the same time all students are able to buy books, and get them signed by the visiting authors. Other events occur throughout the year to keep the importance of reading highlighted. The Learning Resource Centre is a multi-media resource that supports students throughout their schooling at Lord Grey. The main aim is to provide a challenging, yet supportive environment to stimulate, maintain and develop a lively, enquiring mind, and a curiosity, interest and enjoyment in reading. Students are encouraged to become independent learners by using the LRC in their own time for homework and finding information out for themselves. In this way students will develop the skills they need to become life-long learners as they move into adult life.

Our Core Values:

Ambitious Determined Independent Respectful Successful

Lord Grey School Rickley Lane

Bletchley Milton Keynes

MK3 6EW

T: 01908 626110 F: 01908 366139

E: webpost@lordgrey.org.uk W: www.lordgrey.org.uk