2019 – 2021 · 2019. 5. 10. · 2019 – 2021. 2 dear student, ... (biology, physics, chemistry)...

Options booklet

2019 – 2021

2

Dear student,

Key stage four options subjects 2019 - 2021

The selection of optional subjects at key stage four is one of the most crucial

moments in any student’s secondary education. The information in this

booklet will support you through the options process and ensure your

informed choices lead to the maximisation of your potential.

It will be important that you understand your own strengths and weaknesses

so that you can optimise your chances of success. Equally, we recommend

that you select courses in which you have a real interest.

In our recent Ofsted inspection report our curriculum and options choices

were described as “varied and motivating”. Being able to offer a broad and

balanced curriculum allows accessibility for all, and meets the needs and

aspirations of our students.

Please read and discuss the options subjects in this booklet with your parents

or carers. Subject staff are available to speak to in the red and blue canteen

areas after the presentation, they are there to help and guide you in making

the correct choices for your options.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Yours faithfully,

Samuel Fox

Assistant Principal

3

Contents

Page

The option blocks 4

Core subjects

English 6

mathematics 7

combined science 8

Option subjects

French 10

history 11

geography 12

business and enterprise 13

computer science 14

iMedia 15

health and fitness 16

hospitality and catering 17

art and design 18

performing arts 19

separate sciences 20

Careers 22

Your options form 24

Next steps 25

4

The option blocks

Option 1 –

One of the three subjects

below must be chosen

Option 2 –

An additional two options

can be chosen from this

block

Separate science –

This can be chosen in

addition to Option 1 and 2

and will take place during

core science lessons

French

history

geography

French

history

geography

business and enterprise

computer science

iMedia

health and fitness

hospitality and catering

art and design

performing arts

separate science

(biology, physics, chemistry)

Core subjects

There are some subjects that you have to study; these are the compulsory ‘Core’ subjects:

English language and literature;

mathematics;

combined science.

All students will study PSHE and physical education, these are both non-accredited subjects.

Option subjects - English Baccalaureate (EBacc)

The EBacc is not a qualification in itself. It is a particular group of GCSE subjects looked on

favourably by Universities. The Baccalaureate subjects are English, mathematics, science

(including computer science), history or geography and a modern foreign language. You do

not need to have studied all of these subjects to go to University but having your GCSE mix

steered towards English Baccalaureate subjects will help to keep your options open.

5

Core subjects

6

English

Exam board – AQA

GCSE English language and English literature are mandatory subjects that all students will

study across key stage 4. At the end of key stage 4 students will sit terminal exams for both

language and literature, being awarded a separate GCSE grade for each. Students need

to achieve at least a grade 4 to ensure they do not re-sit the course in post-16 education.

Overview –

English Language

The course covers the following topics:

Reading texts from 19th, 20th and 21st century

Creative writing

Analytical written skills

English Literature


Macbeth

Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde

An Inspector Calls

Power and conflict poetry

Unseen poetry

Assessment –

All students are entered for both English language and English literature GCSE. The papers

are not tiered; therefore, students can achieve grade 1 to 9.

The English language qualification consists of two equally weighted papers.

Paper Length Extract

1 1 hour 45 minutes Yes - one

2 1 hour 45 minutes Yes - two

The English language qualification consists of two papers.

Paper Length Extract

1 1 hour 45 minutes Yes - two

2 2 hour 15 minutes Yes - three

Subject links –

The English GCSE has strong links with any written subject – particularly humanities subjects.

Careers –

Qualifications in English are vital for careers such as: -

lawyer;

teacher;

journalist.

For further information, please contact –

Head of faculty – Harrison Ruffell Email - [email protected]

7

Mathematics

Exam board – Edexcel 1MA1

GCSE mathematics is a compulsory subject which all students are required to study. The

course aims to develop knowledge, skills and understanding of mathematical methods

and concepts. Pupils will acquire, select and apply mathematical techniques to solve

problems, develop mathematical reasoning and draw conclusions as well as be able to

comprehend, interpret and communicate mathematical information in a variety of forms.

Overview –


number;

algebra;

ratio, proportion and rates of change;

geometry and measures;

probability;

statistics.

Assessment –

Pupils will either complete the higher GCSE (grades 4-9), or the foundation GCSE (grades 1

– 5).

The mathematics qualification consists of three equally weighted examination papers.

Paper Length Calculator

1 1 hour 30 minutes No

2 1 hour 30 minutes Yes

3 1 hour 30 minutes Yes

Subject links –

The mathematics GCSE has strong links with science, computer science, geography and

art.

Careers –

Qualifications in mathematics are vital for careers such as: -

engineer;

builder;

architect.


Head of faculty - Samuel Fox Email - [email protected]

8

Combined science

Exam board – Edexcel SC0

GCSE combined science is a combination of biology, chemistry and physics. Students take

combined science as an option unless they choose separate science. Combined science

covers less subject content that separate science. Combined science may be suitable for

students who are very sure that they do not want to study science or science related

subjects in the future. Combined science counts as two GCSEs rather than one in

recognition of the breadth and depth of content.

Overview – The course covers the following topics:

Biology – key concepts, cells and control, genetics, natural selection and

genetic modification, health, disease and the development of medicines, plant

structures and their functions, animal coordination, control and homeostasis,

exchange and transport in animals and ecosystems and material cycles;

Chemistry – states of matter, methods of separating and purifying substances,

atomic structure, the periodic table, ionic bonding, covalent bonding, types of

substance, acids and alkalis, calculations involving masses, electrolytic

processes, obtaining and using metals, reversible reactions and equilibria,

groups in the periodic table, rates of reaction, heat energy changes in

chemical reactions, fuels and Earth and atmospheric science;

Physics – motion, forces and motion, conservation of energy, waves, light and

the electromagnetic spectrum, radioactivity, energy, electricity and circuits,

magnetism and electromagnetism, particle model and forces and matter.

Assessment – Pupils will complete the higher GCSE (grades 4-9), or the foundation GCSE

(grades 1 – 5). The science qualification consists of six equally weighted examination

papers. Two papers of biology, two chemistry and two physics. All papers are the same

length.


Biology 1 1 hour 10 minutes Yes

Chemistry 1 1 hour 10 minutes Yes

Physics 1 1 hour 10 minutes Yes




Subject links – science has strong links to all other subjects, especially mathematics.

Careers – qualifications in science can lead to careers such as astronomer, doctor,

environmentalist, medical researcher, prosthetist, medical journalist, biomedical engineer

and many more.


Head of faculty – John Ling Email - [email protected]

9

Option subjects

10

French

Exam board – AQA

This course is ideal for those who want to develop language skills and cultural awareness.

It is also a great opportunity to develop transferrable skills such as communication which

employers seek.

Overview –

The GCSE French course is divided into three themes.

Theme 1 - Identity and Culture

Family and friends

Hobbies

Festivals and events in French speaking world

Theme 2 - Local, national and global areas of interest

Local area

Holidays

Social issues

Theme 3 - Current and future study and employment

School in UK and France

World of work

Assessment –

Pupils will either complete the higher GCSE (grades 4-9), or the foundation GCSE (grades 1

– 5).

The key language skills are:

listening;

speaking;

reading;

writing.

These skills are developed throughout the course and then examined at the end of year

11. Each skill makes up 25% of the final grade.

Careers –

Being able to speak a second or third language is well regarded by employers and will

open many career opportunities. Some careers in which languages are particularly

beneficial include:

teaching;

tourism;

diplomatic services;

marketing;

medicine;

journalism.


Head of faculty – Kyra Bartrum Email - [email protected]

11

History

Exam board – Edexcel

History teaches you how and why the world came to be as it is today. History deals with

big issues like racism, power, war, politics and discrimination. You will develop transferable

skills that employers seek.

Overview -

Within history you will develop the following skills:

how to analyse and use data;

how to organise information;

excellent communication and writing skills;

how to construct an argument;

problem solving;

how to select evidence;

how to question how reliable information is.

Assessment –

The History GCSE is comprised of 5 units and 3 exams.

Paper Length Topic

1 1 hour 30 minutes Medicine in Britain 1250-Modern Day

The British Sector of the Western Front

2 1 hour 30 minutes American West

Anglo-Saxon and Norman England

3 1 hour 30 minutes Weimar and Nazi Germany

Subject links –

The History GCSE has strong links with English, SMSC, PSHCE, geography.

Careers –

journalist/reporter;

teacher;

lawyer/barrister;

archaeologist;

historian;

politician;

TV/media.


Head of faculty – Catherine Grover Email - [email protected]

12

Geography

Exam board – AQA 8035

GCSE geography will give you the opportunity to develop your knowledge and

understanding of the ever-changing world around us. Topics of study include natural

hazards, climate change, ecosystems, megacities, rivers, coasts, and sustainable resource

use. Fieldwork is an integral part of the course with an emphasis on problem solving skills,

which are needed in a variety of career paths.

Overview – The course covers the following units:

Paper 1

the challenge of natural hazards;

the living world;

physical landscapes in the UK;

Paper 2

urban issues and challenges;

the changing economic world;

the challenge of resource management;

Paper 3

issue evaluation;

fieldwork;

geographical skills.

Assessment –

The geography qualification consists of three examination papers:

Paper Length Weighting

1 1 hour 30 minutes 35%



Subject links –

GCSE geography has strong links with mathematics and science.

Careers –

Studying GCSE geography provides a variety of career opportunities such as travel and

tourism, logistics, conservation science, emergency services and armed forces.


Head of faculty – Zoë Sanderson Email - [email protected]

13

Business and enterprise

Exam board – NCFE

This qualification is designed for learners who want an introduction to business. It has been

developed to inspire learners about a career in business. The qualification will enable

learners to develop knowledge, skills and attitude that will support their success in

employment, setting up their own business, or further study.

Overview –


understand entrepreneurial characteristics and business aims and objectives

legal structures, organisational structures and stakeholder engagement

understand the marketing mix, market research, market types and orientation

types

understand operations management

understand internal and external influences on business

understand research, resource planning and growth for business

understand human resource requirements for a business start-up

understand sources of enterprise funding and business finance

understand business and enterprise planning

Assessment –

The business qualification consists of a written exam and coursework.

Unit 1 – Introduction to Business and Enterprise.

written exam.

worth 40% of the overall qualification.

Unit 2 – Understanding resources for Business and Enterprise planning.

written project (coursework).

worth 60% of the overall qualification.

Subject links –

The business GCSE has strong links with English, maths, and geography.

Careers –

Qualifications in business support learners to go into a variety of careers including setting

up their own enterprise.


Head of faculty – Jennifer Jacobs Email - [email protected]

14

Computer science

Exam board – Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 GCSE (9-1) in Computer Science (1CP1)

Computer science is a very practical subject – students will be able to use the knowledge

and skills they learn in the classroom on real-world problems. It’s also a highly creative

subject that calls on learners to be inventive. You will need to solve technical and logical

problems. Good numeracy is required.

Overview –

Over the course you will cover the following -

• Computational thinking: this is the process of thinking through a complex problem. These

are then presented in a way that a computer, a human, or both, can understand.

• Theoretical content: here you will understand the fundamentals of data representation

and computer networks. You will learn about the computer systems that you will create

and use and also delve in to the world cyber security and ethical legal and environmental

impacts of digital technology.

• Aspects of software development: understand how to implement and test a design to

make sure it works effectively. Learn how to complete an overall evaluation to help refine

the end product.

Assessment –

There are two exam papers at the end of the syllabus.

Component Weighting Title Length

1 50% Principles of Computer

Science

1 hour 40 minutes

2 50% Application of

Computational Thinking

2 hours

Subject links –

The computer science course has links with mathematics, English, iMedia and science.

Careers –

Employment opportunities include:

• Computer programmer

• Games developer

• Software developer

• Music data analyst



15

iMedia

Exam board – OCR Creative iMedia Level 1/2 Certificate - J817

iMedia enables students gain knowledge in a number of key areas in the media field, from

pre-production skills to digital animation, and offers a hands-on approach to learning.

Overview –

Most of the qualification is tested by coursework that is set and marked by the teacher. This

will be done throughout the two-year course. You will complete project work, research,

completing practical tasks and meeting deadlines. One of the units that all students must

take – on preproduction skills – involves an external written exam. The other coursework

titles are:

· Creating Digital Graphics

· Interactive Multimedia Products

· Digital Animation

Assessment –

iMedia is assessed by 75% portfolio evidence and 25% from a written paper.

Component Weighting Title Assessment type Method

R081 25% Principles of

Computer Science

1 hour 15

minutes

Written paper

External

Assessment

R082 25% Creating Digital

Graphics

10 hour

portfolio

External

Assessment

R086 25% Digital Animation 10 hour

portfolio

Internal

Assessment

R087 25% Interactive

Multimedia Products

10 hour

portfolio

Internal

Assessment

Subject links –

The iMedia course has links with English, art and computer science.

Careers –

Employment opportunities include -

· Games developer

· Graphic designer

· Website design



16

Health and fitness

Exam board – NCFE V-CERT

This course is an ideal choice for those who have a real passion for sport and are interested in

fitness and health. It is designed to provide pupils with the skills and knowledge of health and

fitness practices and an understanding in the sector.

Overview – Health and fitness will be based around theory and practical. Out of six lessons, five will be

theory and one will be practical. There are two units that will need to be completed. Unit 1 - external examination paper is based around the introduction to:

body systems; principles of training in health and fitness.

Unit 2 - internally and externally assessed coursework based around the introduction to:

preparing for health and fitness;

planning for health and fitness.

The coursework may require the filming of students completing various practical tasks, as the

coursework is also externally moderated. Assessment – Pupils will all complete the same external examination paper in which they will achieve a

grade ranging from level 1 pass, merit or distinction; to a level 2 pass, merit, distinction and

distinction*.

Unit name Type of moderation Value of final grade Unit 1 external examination 40% Unit 2 coursework 60%

Subject links – Health and Fitness has strong links with science, information technology and English.

Careers – Qualifications in Health and Fitness will provide opportunities for careers such as: -

fitness training, nutrition;

sports coaching;

physiotherapy.


Head of faculty - Edward Phillips Email - [email protected]

17

Hospitality and catering

Exam board – WJEC

This course allows for any student that enjoys learning about food and nutrition to develop

their knowledge of the hospitality and catering industry. During this course you will have the

opportunity to experience elements of the industry first-hand.

Overview – The course includes:

Hospitality and catering links through experiences and knowledge application.

Guests chefs.

Event planning and real hands on experiences through running of events and trips.

This course you will also develop the following skills:

Practical skills — time management, cooking knowledge, event planning and

organisation.

Presentation skills — dress code, food hygiene, plate presentation and personal

appearance.

Personal skills — showing evidence of progression, improved confidence and

enjoyment;

Interpersonal skills — communication, individual drive and group work.

Assessment – This course concentrates on two units over the two years. Unit 1 will be studied in year ten

and Unit 2 in year 11.

Unit Type of moderation Value of final grade 1 external examination - year 10 40%

2 portfolio supported by practical cooking assessment - year 11 60%

Subject links – Hospitality and Catering has strong links with science, business and English.

Careers – Hospitality and Catering will provide opportunities for careers in areas such as:

Food manufacturing inspector;

Restaurant manager;

Food technologist.


Programme leader - Chris Platt Email - [email protected]

18

Art and design

Exam board – AQA Art, Craft and Design (8201/C 8201/X)

If you enjoy being creative, want to increase your practical skills and improve your analytical,

communication and research abilities, art and design is a great choice. The skills you gain

make it a great complement to other subjects. Art and design is a way of seeing things and

making sense of the world around you. It can help you with further study and prepare you for

the world of work.

The course aims to develop knowledge, skills and understanding of a range of media and

techniques whilst learning ow to analyse the work of others. Students will need to be

hardworking and enthusiastic, as well as be able to take risks.

Overview – GCSE art and design is the right subject for you if you enjoy:

developing your visual skills and engaging with the creative process of art, craft and

design;

developing and refining ideas;

experimenting with materials and learning from your experiences.

The course covers the following topics: Messages- starting with the world of Street Art, students will analyse the work of

Banksy and R.O.A and continue to explore other artists who share messages

within their work.

Portraits- starting with observational drawing skills and analysing the work of artists

such as Francoise Neilly and Florian Nicholls students will develop skills in a wide

range of media and techniques,

Assessment – Personal Portfolio (60% of overall mark) You will need to create a personal portfolio of work in response to themes set. Your work must

comprise of supporting studies and personal responses. Externally Set Exam (40% of overall mark) You will need to present a personal response to an externally set task. All work is internally marked and externally moderated.

Subject links –Art allows students to develop transferable skills, such as problem solving,

communication and critical thinking skills, which will prepare you for further study or the world

of work. These skills are also important in many other GCSE subjects. Careers –

GCSE art leads directly into careers in the creative industries such as: artist; art therapist;

animator; architect; ceramicist; exhibition designer; fashion designer; furniture restorer;

graphic designer; illustrator; product designer; interior designer; photographer.

For further information, please contact

Head of faculty - Molly Wallis Email - [email protected]

19

Performing arts

Exam board – Edexcel - BTEC Tech Award

Performing arts is a hands-on, practical subject that combines various aspects of

performance, providing pupils to develop the knowledge, skills and understanding of

drama, dance and theatre to allow them to succeed in the performance sector.

Overview –

Performing Arts is the right subject for you if you enjoy:

creative subjects such as dance, drama and musical theatre developing and refining ideas; experimenting and taking risks with your work, and learning from your experiences. learning through practical exploration and play


Acting, performance, and presentation skills, including movement and physical

theatre techniques

Devising and creating performances

Analysing live performance

Assessment – Students will be assessed throughout the course on three different

components:

Component 1 (internal assessment)- Exploring the performing arts:

You will be developing understanding of the performing arts by examining practitioners’

work and the processes used to create performance.

Component 2 (internal assessment)– Developing skills and techniques in the performing

arts:

You will develop performing arts skills and techniques through the reproduction of acting,

dance and/or musical theatre repertoire.

Component 3 (externally assessed)– Performing to a brief:

You will be given the opportunity to work as part of a group to create a workshop

performance in response to a given brief and stimulus.

Subject links – Performing arts allows students to develop confidence and presentation

skills, teamwork as well as observation skills which are highly valued in many areas of study

and in various career paths. These skills are also important in many other GCSE subjects.

Careers –

Pupils following this route into further education could develop opportunities to move

towards careers in performance, including directing, acting, choreography and dance, as

well as behind the scenes work, such as set design, stage management, lighting design

and operation, or even costume and make up design. Performing arts could also lead to

opportunities within broadcasting such as broadcast journalism, camera operation, editing

and audio-visual technician.


Head of faculty – Lee Robson Email - [email protected]

20

Separate science

Exam board – Edexcel BI0, CH0, PH0

Separate science is in fact three different GCSEs in biology, chemistry and physics. These

GCSEs prepare students well for study at A-level or further education in science or science

related subjects. Student progress is greatly supported by strength in mathematics.

Overview – The course covers the following topics:

Biology – key concepts, cells and control, genetics, natural selection and

genetic modification, health, disease and the development of medicines, plant

structures and their functions, animal coordination, control and homeostasis,

exchange and transport in animals and ecosystems and material cycles;

Chemistry – states of matter, methods of separating and purifying substances,

atomic structure, the periodic table, ionic bonding, covalent bonding, types of

substance, acids and alkalis, calculations involving masses, electrolytic

processes, obtaining and using metals, reversible reactions and equilibria,

chemical cells and fuel cells, groups in the periodic table, rates of reaction,

heat energy changes in chemical reactions, fuels and Earth and atmospheric

science, hydrocarbons, alcohols, polymers and material properties;

Physics – motion, forces and motion, conservation of energy, waves, light and

the electromagnetic spectrum, radioactivity, astronomy, energy, electricity

and circuits, magnetism and electromagnetism, particle model and forces and

matter.

Assessment – Pupils will complete the higher GCSE (grades 4-9), or the foundation GCSE

(grades 1 – 5).

The science qualification consists of six equally weighted examination papers. Two papers

of biology, two chemistry and two physics. All papers are the same length.








Subject links – science has strong links to all other subjects, especially mathematics.

Careers – qualifications in science can lead to careers such as astronomer, doctor,

environmentalist, medical researcher, prosthetist, medical journalist, biomedical engineer

and many more.


Head of faculty – John Ling Email - [email protected]

21

Careers

22

Careers

The option process is the first step in preparation for life after Ipswich Academy. Students will

be supported throughout the option process and this support is ongoing throughout year 10

and 11.

The options available at Ipswich Academy will offer students choice in securing a post 16

route.

Every student has to study mathematics, English and science. If students do not achieve a

GCSE pass (grade 4 or above) in mathematics and English these subjects will have to

continue post 16.

Getting advice

Take time to think about your decision.

The deadline for option forms to be submitted is Friday 24th May 2019.

You’ll be studying the subjects you choose for the next two years and the choices you make

now can also affect your future direction.

Talk to a range of people to get different views. At school, speak to your subject teachers,

base group tutor, or your careers advisor Vicky Addis. Speak to your parents, carers or

relatives for a variety of opinions.

Vicky is available every Wednesday lunchtime in the blue canteen. She is also available for

drop in sessions in the SYSZ on the following dates –

Wednesday 8th May 4 – 6pm

Wednesday 15th May 4 – 6pm

Wednesday 22nd May 4 – 6pm

What to think about

Consider which subjects you are good at, are interested in or enjoy.

The way courses are marked may also affect your choices. This is usually a mix of exams,

controlled assessment (work completed on your own at school), and coursework, but the

amount of marks awarded for each area can vary.

Choosing a balance of subjects may help to keep your future options open.

If you’re trying to choose between two subjects, think about how each option fits with your

other GCSEs. Does a subject go well with your other choices? Or does a subject provide a

welcome change? If you’re taking lots of essay-based subjects for example, it can be

beneficial to include one choice with a more practical focus.

23

Planning your future

It’s worth looking ahead, as decisions you make now may narrow your choices later.

University courses have set entry requirements and may require certain subjects at A-level. In

the same way, you many need a GCSE in a subject to study it at A-level. Check carefully as

this is not always the case and you can start some subjects from scratch at A-level and

university.

Trades and professions also have recognised routes to qualifying, so it may help to work

backwards when deciding what to do next.

While your working life may seem years away, giving some thought to your career ideas now

can make a real difference to your future.

Find out more

Get career ideas by watching video stories – search by your favourite school subject or job

type.

For careers advice log on to www.thesource.me.co.uk

www.nationalcareersservice.co.uk have lots of resources available online or you can

arrange to speak to an advisor for free phone call.

Take the Buzz Quiz at www.icould.co.uk to explore your interests and personal strengths.

http://www.thesource.me.co.uk/

http://www.nationalcareersservice.co.uk/

http://www.icould.co.uk/

24

If you wish to take

separate science tick

this box

Your options form

Complete the purple options form given to you at options evening, and hand in to the

reception staff in the SYSZ before 24th May 2019.

Make one choice

from option block 1

Make two choices

from option block 2

Both you and your

parent/carer must sign

the form

25

Next steps

Options evening – 2nd May 2019

Discuss and consider option choices

Complete the purple options form and bring to the SYSZ

Deadline for submitted forms Friday 24th May 2019

Confirmation of option choices by end of June 2019

26

Notes

27

Notes

2019 – 2021 · 2019. 5. 10. · 2019 – 2021. 2 dear student, ... (biology, physics, chemistry)...

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