GCSEStudies

2018

20

20

SENIOR SCHOOL

CLOSEDEANDC

CHELTENHAM

GCSE CHOICES AVAILABLE FOR STUDY

Art & Design Biology Business Studies ChemistryComputer Science Classical Civilisation DramaEconomics English Fast Track Triple ScienceFood Preparation and NutritionFrench Geography GratinHistory Latin Mathematics Music Physical Education Physics Product Design Technology Religious StudiesSingle ScienceSpanish

2 | GCSE Studies 2018 ~ 2020

GCSE StudiesDEADLINE FOR PUPILS TO HAND IN THEIR PRELIMINARY CHOICES

Monday 19th February 2018

Next September will see you embark upon the next stage of your academiccareer and, for the first time, you will be left with grades that stick. Weunderstand the importance of making the best decisions as well as the needto make the transition to GCSE courses as smooth as possible.

The programme that we have put together seeks to provide a range ofchoices that are right for you.

Over the years I have had many conversations with pupils and parents aboutcombinations of subjects and I suggest that the following questions areuseful when making that final decision:

1. Have I closed any future career or university pathways with this combination?

2. Is it a balanced portfolio of subjects?

3. Are these choices my own?

I urge you to make use of the experts available as you make these choices.Heads of department, subject teachers, housemasters, tutors, directors ofstudies and sixth formers are all very happy to share their knowledge withyou. Ultimately it is down to you to make the choice and commit to making it work, but having early conversations will not only give you confidence inthe decision that you make, but enable you to gain from the experiences ofthose who have gone through this before.

The next two years will see you grow both in character and intellect and I look forward to watching you respond to all the successes and challenges which you will enjoy along the way.

Mr Salisbury

Contents Page no.Foreword from the Headmaster 3

Choosing Your GCSEs 4

GCSE COURSES Art and Design 6

Business Studies 7

Classics 8

Computer Science 9

Drama 10

Economics 11

English 12

Food Preparation and Nutrition 13

Geography 14

History 15

Mathematics 16

Modern Foreign Languages 17

Music 18

Physical Education 19

Product Design Technology 20

Religious Studies 21

Science

Biology 22

Chemistry 23

Physics 24

Fast Track Triple Science 25

Single Science 25

ELT 26

The Flecker Library 27

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Foreword from the Headmaster

SENIOR SCHOOL

CLOSEDEANDC

CHELTENHAM

Although many begin thinking about theirGCSE subjects sooner, we ask pupils toactively start considering their GCSE subjectoptions in the Lent term of the Fourth Form(Year 9), with the process completed early inthe Trinity term. Most pupils will study ninesubjects, leading to 10 GCSE exams.

The core curriculum studied by nearly allpupils is:

• English (leading to two GCSEs, in Literature & Language)

• Mathematics• PSHE (not assessed)• French* or Spanish* or English

Language Training. (*We refer to these as Core French & Core Spanish)

• Science (leading to two IGCSEs)

(It is possible to choose Triple Science as oneof the four options).

Fourmore subjects are chosen. Weencourage pupils to choose subjects thatcover the breadth of the academiccurriculum. The key thing is that the widest

possible choice of future careers remainsopen. Certain careers, medicine, dentistry &veterinary science require all three sciences.

It is possible to study two modern foreignlanguages by selecting Spanish as one of thefour options, to accompany Core French. It isnot possible to do Core Spanish and thenchoose French as an option subject.

Those who have studied Latin this year maychoose this at GCSE; the most able canchoose to study both Greek and Latin(Gratin).

The four GCSEs are taken from the followingsubject groupings:

• Humanities: Classical Civilisation, Business Studies, Economics, Geography, History, Religious Studies

• Languages: Spanish, Latin, Gratin

• Creatives: Art, Design Technology, Drama, Food Preparation and Nutrition, Music, Physical Education

• Triple Science

The process is as follows:During January & February tutor periods,pupils will discuss which subjects to choosewith their tutors. The Head of Careers, MrMochan, Head of Learning Support, RomeyTottman and I, Head of Fourth Form Studies,are all very willing to assist in thesediscussions.

They will receive a “GCSE choices” cardwhich needs to be signed by each teacher,whose subject they wish to study. Thisshould ensure good conversations, whereneeded. They will receive this card at thestart of the Lent term.

Choosing your GCSEs

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If a pupil is advised not to take a particularsubject, this will be good advice. I am happyfor you to get in touch with me to discuss,but final decisions about the suitability of acourse rests with the Directors of Studies.

By Monday 19th February the cards needto be submitted. The subjects must beentered in order of preference, so that thefourth subject is a pupil’s last choice. At thisstage the cards will have the signatures notonly of subject teachers, but also the tutor,the pupil and either yours or theHousemaster / mistress.

Using all the pupils’ choices, four optionblocks are created, corresponding as closelyas possible to their preferences. (It doessometimes happen that a certaincombination may not be possible; for thatreason we ask the pupils to put down a“reserve choice”). These option blocks willthen be published – we will let you knowwhen they will be on the website. Weappreciate that pupils do change their mindsand we will do our best to help, whilstkeeping an eye on set sizes.

Please note:

• For the top academic pupils, only, there isthe option of taking “Fast track” science. Allthree sciences are studied in the corecurriculum so that there are still four optionsto be chosen. Pupils will be advised if this isa sensible choice for them. It effectivelygives them an extra GCSE.

• Gratin is both Greek and Latin GCSEs asone choice, for the most able linguists.Pupils will be advised if this is a sensiblechoice for them. If effectively gives them an extra GCSE.

Miss Rhona DonaldsonDirector of Studies (Middle Years)

Art & DesignWhy study ArtThe two year course provides pupils witha wide range of “creative, exciting andstimulating opportunities to explore theirinterests in art and design in ways thatare personally relevant and trulydevelopmental in nature”. The Fine Artorientated approach presents broadopportunities to acquire knowledge andskills through practice in two and three-dimensional media including drawing,painting, printmaking, digitalphotography, ceramics and sculpture.

WHAT’S IT LIKE?Remove (Year 10)Pupils will experience a variety of activitiesthroughout the year which introduces themto a wide range of Fine Art orientatedapproaches and disciplines within Art &Design. The emphasis is on learning throughexperience and experimentation and shouldencourage independent thinking as well asdeveloping skills and confidence. During theyear, pupils will rotate between three maindiscipline areas:

• Drawing & Photoshop • Photography and Printmaking • Sculpture and Ceramics

Pupils can select the best work producedthroughout this year to be part of their finalassessment portfolio for Unit 1.

Fifth Form (Year 11)In the second year increasing autonomy isgiven, encouraging more personal andindividual responses to a set theme. Themain portfolio project for Unit 1 isundertaken during the Michaelmas termand the pupils will specialise in one area ofstudy (as described below) for the entireyear. Unit 2 is undertaken in its entiretyduring the Lent term.

Throughout the course the use of workjournals (sketchbooks) is essential and thesebecome the key record of visual research;observation; experimentation; thedocumentation and development of ideas;critical appraisal and contextual study. Thework journals encourage personalinvolvement from the pupils helping topromote a sense of ownership.

The course concludes at the end of thesecond week of the Trinity Term when allthe work is internally assessed andexternally moderated.

ASSESSMENT (AQA GCSE Art & Design Specification)

Unit 1: Portfolio“Candidates should submit a selection ofthoughtfully presented work thatdemonstrates the breadth and depth of thecourse of study and evidences coverage ofall of the assessment objectives. This shouldinclude more than one extended collectionof work that demonstrates an ability tosustain work from initial starting points orproject briefs to the realisation of intentionsand include evidence of research, thedevelopment of ideas and meaningful linkswith critical/cultural sources”.

Unit 2: Externally Set Task“Candidates are required to elicit a personalresponse from one starting point or projectbrief from the exam paper. They areexpected to develop their own workinformed by their preparatory studies andevidence coverage of all the assessmentobjectives”.

The allocated preparatory period (usually7weeks) is followed by “a 10 hour period ofsustained, focused study in whichcandidates are expected to develop theirown unaided work informed by theirpreparatory studies”.

Caroline Evans, Head of Art

Exam Board: AQA

GCSE Art & Design (Fine Art)Unit 1: Portfolio of Work (60%) Unit 2: Externally Set Task (40%)

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The Economics and Business Departmentoffer two distinctive GCSEs, either Businessor Economics. Both courses provide abroad, coherent, satisfying and worthwhilecourse of study which will allow pupils togain insight into related sectors. The coursewill prepare pupils to make informeddecisions about further learningopportunities in Business or economics at ALevels and future career choices.

The Edexcel Business GCSE course is anengaging and inspiring qualification, which

reflects the demands of a truly modern and evolving business environment. Theaim is to enable pupils to develop ascommercially minded and enterprisingindividuals and help them succeed in theirchosen pathway. The course begins with anexploration of how and why businessesstart, moving through to issues businessesface and decisions they make as they grow.

Teaching is almost entirely conductedthrough real life examples and case studies.

Business GCSE Course Content

Theme 1 Investigating a Small Business

1. Enterprise and entrepreneurship

2. Spotting a business opportunity

3. Putting a business idea into practice

4. Making the business effective

5. Understanding the external influences onbusiness

Theme 2 Building a Business

1. Growing the business

2. Making marketing decisions

3. Making operational decisions

4. Making financial decisions

5. Making human resource decisions

Examination

There are two final examinations, with eachhalf of the course examined in a separatepaper, lasting 1 hour and 30 minutes each.The questions will be a mix of someintroductory multiple choice questions,followed by calculations then short andextended response questions. Writtenanswers and calculations will be based ontwo case studies given in the paper. There isno coursework.

Jonathan HardakerHead of Business Studies

Business Studies Dragon’s Den

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ClassicsLatin and Classical GreekPupils have the option to study Latin orGreek as a single subject, or study bothtogether (Gratin) on an accelerated course,in which case they would study bothsubjects on a reduced timetable butproceed to take both at GCSE.

Latin (and Greek) is no longer just the studyof language as an end in itself. New coursestake the form of continuous stories in Latinset in Roman/Greek times. Whilst learningthe language, pupils are introduced tovarious aspects of Roman/Greek civilisation.Naturally the skills of fluent reading andaccurate translation are a major part of theGCSE as is an appreciation of literary styleand historical background.

Candidates for the OCR syllabus in Latin arerequired to sit three papers:

Papers 1 is a compulsory language paperwhich takes the form of unseen translationand comprehension. In this wayunderstanding of Latin vocabulary,accidence and syntax is examined. Thiscomponent is worth 50% of the total GCSE.OCR produces a defined vocabulary list forthis examination.

Papers 2 and 3 are set text papers in whichcandidates are expected to answerquestions on prescribed literary works: oneverse, one prose. Candidates are expected

to be able to answer questions on thecontent of the texts that they have studiedas well as to be able to analyse, andevaluate prescribed sections of the worksthat they are reading. Each literaturecomponent is worth 25% of the total GCSE.Authors studied at GCSE includeHerodotus, Plutarch, Lucian, Plato, Homerand Euripides.

Classical CivilisationA two year course with the OCR syllabusleads to an examination of some of themajor cultural features of the Graeco-Roman world. Through the study andevaluation of primary source material, thelegacies of 5th Century Athens and ImperialRome are assessed. There are two written

examination papers, both of which areworth 50% of the total GCSE. Paper 1enables candidates to compare and contrastthe cultures of Ancient Greece and Romethrough a study of Myth and Religion.Paper 2 allows candidates to concentratesolely on Greek or Roman material. Optionsinclude the Homeric World, the RomanCity orWar and Warfare.

There is no controlled assessment in thisspecification and OCR provides a list ofprescribed visual, material and literaryculture for each of the components.

Assessment: Latin, Classical Greek andClassical Civilisation GCSE qualifications aregraded on the scale of 9-1.

Jon Allen, Head of Classics

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Why study Computing at GCSE?

The Cambridge IGCSE in Computer Scienceis a fascinating but challengingintroduction to the world of ComputerScience. The syllabus provides pupils withan in-depth understanding of howcomputer technology works and a look atwhat goes on ‘behind the scenes’. Thecourse will help pupils learn about criticalthinking, analysis and problem solving,which can be transferred to other subjectsand even applied in day-to-day life. A IGCSEqualification in Computing enables pupilsto proceed to further qualificationsincluding A Level Computer Science andfuture careers in science, technology,engineering or mathematics.

What’s it like?

This course is suitable for pupils who areinterested in learning how computers work,as well as for those interested inprogramming and creating applicationsrather than just using them. During thecourse they will gain experience of using avariety of different platforms includingRaspberry pi, desktop and mobile devices.Pupils will have the opportunity to createtheir own programs, mobile apps andcontrol real world systems. Computing is apractical subject and pupils are expected tocomplete a substantial amount of both

practical and theory work outside theclassroom.

A blend of traditional textbooks as well asaccess to online resources will be providedto support studies. Pupils will be based incomputer suites which are especiallyequipped to facilitate the delivery of thecourse. Pupils will be able to access theirfiles using Dean Close School networkedPCs and remote access via the Internet isalso available. A selection ofmicrocontrollers and associated kits will bemade available for possible use in GCSEprojects or co-curricular activities.

Assessment

The Cambridge IGCSE Computer Sciencespecification is formally assessed by meansof public examination. The specificationcontent is split between 2 papers.

Paper 1: Theory (60%) 1 hour 45 minutes

This written paper contains short-answerand structured questions covering a widerange of issues such as the differentfunctions and types of hardware andsoftware as well as how computers processdata, the representation of data incomputer systems and computercommunications and networking.

Paper 2: Problem-solving andProgramming (40%) 1 hour 45 minutes

This written paper contains short-answerand structured questions. 20 of the marksfor this paper are from questions set on thepre-release material set by the exam board.The paper focuses on programming,databases, algorithm design and problem-solving.

Darren Fitzgerald, Head of Computer Science

Computer ScienceExam Board: OCR 3 units

Computing Systems andProgramming (40%) 1½ hour exam

Practical Investigation (30%)Controlled Assessment

Computing Project (30%) Controlled Assessment

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The IGCSE Drama course (Cambridge) isdesigned to introduce and develop a widerange of dramatic skills, an understandingof theatre and genres and actingtechniques and subsequently to explore andtest dramatic skills through textual analysis,workshop and performance. The granderambition in a broader sense is thatcandidates will learn will enhance self-confidence, imagination, teamwork andessential life-skills in a wider forum aspupils go out into higher education, theworkplace and the world.

The course will involve seeing liveproductions, and we aim to offer as wide avariety of theatrical experience as we can byseeing both internal productions at School,along with visits to professional theatre –for example, the RSC, the National Theatre,and local excellent theatres in Cheltenham,Bath, Malvern and elsewhere, depending onrepertoire and availability. If pupils are ableto come to the annual Close Up visit to theEdinburgh Festival, this offers anunparalleled opportunity to experience allkinds of theatre.

The examination specifically encourages:

• developing their performance skills, both individually and in groups

• understanding the role of actor, directorand designer in creating a piece of theatre

• considering ways in which ideas and feelings can be communicated to an audience

• discovering the performance possibilities of plays and other dramaticstimuli

• devising dramatic material of their own.

Component 1 (40%)Written paper: 2 hours 30 minutes

The questions on the paper will requirecandidates to have engaged with pre-released material from the perspectiveof actor, director and designer.

Section A (30 marks) Candidates answer6–8 short-answer questions on the extractfrom the play (20 marks) and 2–4 questionson the drama devised from their chosenstimulus (10 marks).

Section B (25 marks) Candidates answerone longer-answer question from a choiceof three on the extract from the play.

Section C (25 marks) Candidates answerone longer-answer question from a choiceof three on the drama devised from theirchosen stimulus. Externally assessed.

Drama

Component 2 (60%)Coursework

Candidates submit three pieces of practicalwork.

• One individual piece (3–5 minutes): one performance of an extract from a play.

• Two group pieces (maximum 15 minutes each): one performance of an extract from a play and one original devised piece.

This component tests the practical actingskills of the candidates. They will performthree pieces – one monologue and twogroup pieces, in which they will be expectedto show a high degree of performanceskills, and they will be marked on theirability to show a range of these; forexample, appropriate voice and accent,physicality, characterisation andinterpretation appropriate to the author’sintentions and genre of the play. Theirability to show stage truth is above all themain aim.

ExpectationsPupils will be expected to demonstrate astrong acting ability and a proven interestin and capacity for drama. For those whoenjoy performance, are prepared to risk inrehearsal and on stage, are adept inlearning lines and can organise themselvesand others to rehearse as a team outsidenormal lesson times, this is an excitingopportunity to shine in a subject which wehope will give them confidence and apassion for theatre.

Many pupils have extensive experience inschool plays, at the Cheltenham Festival ofPerforming Arts, and in Speech and Dramalessons, and this stands them in good steadfor the very specific discipline of drama atthis level. Those with limited dramaticexperience who show the necessarydramatic promise are equally welcomed –but are expected to throw themselves fullyinto the dramatic life of School in orderboth to reflect and enhance their new-found passion for the subject.

Anyone considering IGCSE Drama as anoption is advised to discuss their potentialfor success in the subject with the Directorof Drama at the earliest opportunity. Thismay involve being auditioned for thesubject.

Lloyd Allington, Head of Drama

EconomicsThe Economics and Business Departmentoffer two distinctive GCSEs, either Businessor Economics. Both courses provide abroad, coherent, satisfying and worthwhilecourse of study which will allow pupils togain insight into related sectors. The coursewill prepare pupils to make informeddecisions about further learningopportunities in Business or economics at ALevels and future career choices.

Following the AQA syllabus, the Economicscourse seeks to teach pupils how markets

and economies work, enabling them todevelop an economic awareness to benefitthem personally and professionally for yearsto come. Through contemporary casestudies there is lots of opportunity to talkabout today’s economic issues, helping thepupils to learn communication, criticalthinking and analytical skills through tasksbased on anything from ways to cut thedeficit to weighing up the pros and cons ofinflation or being part of free tradeagreements.

Economics GCSE Course Content

How Markets Work

1. Economic Foundations

2. Resource Allocation

3. How prices are determined

4. Production, costs, revenue and profit

5. Competitive and concentrated markets

6. Market Failure

How the Economy Works

7. Introduction to the national economy

8. Government objectives

9. How the government manages the economy

10. International trade and the global economy

11. The role of money and financial markets

Examination

There are two final examinations, with eachhalf of the course examined in a separatepaper, lasting 1 hour and 45 minutes each.The questions will be a mix of someintroductory multiple choice questions,followed by calculations then short andextended response questions. There is nocoursework.

Jonathan Hardaker, Head of Economics

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All pupils sit both IGCSE EnglishLanguage and English Literature.

The English Language course focuses ondeveloping reading and writing skills. Paper2 is the reading paper and assesses pupils’ability to interpret meaning from unseentexts, analyse the writer’s technique andsynthesise information through a writtensummary. Paper 3 is the composition paper,with a strong focus on clear, controlledwriting and technical accuracy.

The set texts for English Literature are:Stories of Ourselves (a collection of shortstories), Songs of Ourselves (poetry),Macbeth by Shakespeare and Lord of theFlies by William Golding.

IGCSE Cambridge Exam Board outline:

First Language English (0500)

EXAM - Paper 2 (Reading Passages Extended) 50%

EXAM - Paper 3 (Directed Writing and Composition) 50%

Literature (English) 0486

EXAM - ‘Component 1: Poetry and Prose (closed book) 50%

EXAM - Component 3: Drama (open book) 25%

COURSEWORK - Component 5: Macbeth and Lord of the Flies 25%

Kate Ledlie, Head of English

English

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This is a new GCSE designed to equipstudents with the knowledge,understanding and skills required to feedthemselves and others affordably andnutritiously. Pupils will learn to cook andapply the principles of food science,nutrition and healthy eating enabling themto make informed decisions about food andnutrition throughout their lives.

The core syllabus will be taught via acombination of hands on practical foodscience investigations, practical cookerysessions and classroom based theorylessons, covering the following six topics:

The core syllabus includes six topics:

• Food commodities

• Principles of nutrition

• Diet and good health

• The science of food

• Where food comes from

• Cooking and food preparation

The GCSE is taught in our new state-of-theart Cookery School where pupils will work ina commercial kitchen environment with firstclass equipment and facilities. Allingredients are provided enabling pupils to

create a wide range of dishes which theycan take home to enjoy with family andfriends.

Year 1 (Remove) will include a combinationof theory, practical cookery and foodscience investigation lessons designed tounderstand the core syllabus and master awide range of practical cookery skills.

Year 2 (Fifth form) will focus on completionof two ‘non-examined assessment’ tasksworth 50% of the final marks.

Assessment 1: The Food InvestigationAssessment (15% total marks) is a scientificfood investigation which will assessknowledge, skills and understanding of thescientific principles underlying thepreparation and cooking of food.

Assessment 2: The Food PreparationAssessment (35% total marks) will requireyou to prepare, cook and present a menu toassess your skills in planning, preparation,cooking and presentation of food.

A final written examination (1 hour 45minutes) worth 50% of the final marks is satat the end of fifth form to examine thecandidates understanding of the coreprinciples of food preparation and nutrition.

This course would suit pupils who have agenuine interest in food, cookery and thenutritional properties of what we eat. Youmust be prepared to cook and try a varietyof recipes and foods, and have a desire tofind out more about our food and theimpact that diet has on good health. It willalso suit pupils who enjoy hands onpractical learning and who would benefitfrom a GCSE which has 50% of the marksexamined by Controlled Assessment ratherthan final examination.

Maria Taylor, Head of Cookery School

Food Preparationand Nutrition

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In 2017, pupils face the ever increasingchallenge of making sense of the rapidlychanging world in which they live. Wecannot open a newspaper or watch thenews without being confronted daily withissues of local, national and global concern:climate change; Nepal’s recent earthquakesand the impacts on its tourist industry; theJapanese Tsunami and its impact on thesupply of cars to the European car market;tourism’s importance as a global industry;the future supply of water and food andthe growth of China as an economic power.

Geographers, more than any other subject,consider the inter-relationship between arange of issues including: economic, social,environmental, political and cultural. As aresult Geographers tend to be informedand aware. They have developed aknowledge and understanding thatenriches their lives and enables them toconfidently play their part in shaping theworld.

The aim of this course therefore is todevelop pupils’ understanding and interestin the environmental issues of the modernworld, stressing how Geography has amajor role to play in explainingcontemporary global issues such as famine,flooding, pollution, over population andsocio-economic disparities. Pupils also gaina thorough understanding of the evolution

of the physical environment and howpeople interact with it.

The field is the geographic laboratorywhere young people experience at firsthand landscapes, places, people and issuesand where they can above all learn andpractise geographical skills in a realenvironment. In addition, at the beginningof the 21st century fieldwork appears to be even more crucial in the school curriculum,

especially with its contribution tosustainability and citizenship. Fieldworkvisits to Snowdonia and Bristol aretherefore an integral part of this course not only as a fundamental basis for one ofthe modules but it also allows pupils toobserve in detail and try to measure andquantify the real world rather than study itfrom the isolation of the classroom.

Alisdair Cradock, Head of Geography

At GCSE, the new AQA syllabus is followed:

Paper 1 - 35%

Physical Geography topics including:

• The challenge of natural hazards• The living world• Physical landscapes in the UK

Paper 2 - 35%

Human Geography topics including:

• Urban Issues and challenges• The changing economic world• The challenge of resource management

Paper 2 - 35%

Geographical applications

• An exam paper based on pre-release sources with extended writing• Exam questions based on fieldwork (human & physical)

This curriculum will follow the new 9-1 grading system

Geography

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Why Study History?

“To be ignorant of whatoccurred before you were bornis to remain always a child”Cicero

What Will I Learn?For pupils, GCSEs fall at such a formativetime in their “growing up”. In the HistoryDepartment we believe that the study ofHistory for IGCSE will not just provide pupilswith knowledge and academic skills, butthat History helps them to becomeinformed and intelligent adults.

History is an eternally valuable subject. Theacademic rigour and value placed on ahistory qualification is highly regarded byemployers and educational establishmentsalike; who appreciate the variety oftransferable skills provided through study ofthe subject, chiefly the ability to understandand analyse issues and events to a high levelof competence. Success in the subjectprovides pupils with the ability to expresstheir views and opinions (both oral andwritten) with clarity, to put forward wellresearched ideas and arguments in aconcise manner, to investigate and assess avariety of materials and to organise suchmaterial in a logical and coherent way.

History helps you discover how the worldyou live in today has evolved and tounderstand how things have come to be asthey are. It provides you with context tounderstand the world around you and thesociety you live in. History helps you to

develop the skills to look beyond theheadlines, to ask questions properly and toexpress your own opinions. But, mostimportantly, the pursuit of historicalknowledge of people and events isprofoundly interesting and fun. Lessons willinvolve a range of activities from sourcework to discussion, from structured writtenanswers to game play. We encourage pupilsto participate in the lessons and to expresstheir opinions on historical andcontemporary issues.

What Is Required of Pupils?Our primary requirement is a love oflearning, along with motivation and hardwork. We value these attributes as much as the ability to communicate clearly inwritten form.

Jonathan Sheldon, Head of History

Exam Board: Edexcel IGCSEPaper 1Development of dictatorship: Germany, 1918-45• The establishment of the Weimar Republic and its early

problems• The recovery of Germany, 1924-29• The rise of Hitler and the Nazis• Life in Nazi Germany• Germany during the second world war

Dictatorship and conflict in Russia, 1924-53: under Stalin • The leadership struggle, 1924-28; Why Stalin comes to power• Five Year Plans and collectivisation• Purges and Show Trials• Cult of personality and the revision of history• The impact of the Second World War

Paper 2The origins and course of the First World War 1905-18• The alliance system and international rivalry, 1905-14• The struggle for control in the Balkans, 1905-14• The growth of tension in Europe, 1905-14• The Schlieffen Plan & deadlock on Western Front• The War at Sea and Gallipoli• The defeat of Germany

Conflict Crisis and Change: The Middle East 1917-2012• Build up of tension in Palestine• The creation of Israel, the war of 1948 and the Suez Crisis

of 1956• Tension and conflict, 1956 -1973• Diplomacy, peace, then wider war, 1973-1983• The attempts to find a lasting peace, 1987-2012

History

Each year GCSE Historians have theopportunity to join the HistoryBattlefield trip in October half term.

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All pupils take the IGCSE in Mathematics.The Edexcel IGCSE is now a well-established qualification that embracesthe best practice of O level and GCSE. Itis particularly popular in the IndependentSector as it is stable and free of politicalinterference and is a better preparationfor Sixth Form study. Since Dean Closeadopted it, the percentage of our pupilsstudying Mathematics in the Sixth Formhas significantly increased.

What will you gain by studyingMathematics?

Mathematics gives you the mental toolsnecessary to make sense of the modernworld. Just as languages provide thebuilding blocks and rules we need tocommunicate, Maths uses its own language,made up of numbers, symbols andformulas, to explore the rules we need tomeasure or identify essential problems.Maths helps us find patterns and structurein our lives. Practically, Maths helps us put aprice on things, create graphics, buildwebsites, build skyscrapers and generallyunderstand how things work or predict howthey might change over time and underdifferent conditions.

Edexcel IGCSEs are graded in the same wayas GCSEs. Pupils will be entered either atHigher tier, where the grades available are

from 9 to 4 or at Foundation tier, where the grades are from 5 to 1. Pupils will allfollow a common syllabus and a finaldecision on which tier individual pupils cantake can theoretically be delayed until afterthe January Trials in the Fifth Form. It mustbe pointed out that the Higher Tier hastwice as much to study and a lot of this isfar more challenging Maths.

The syllabus is the same as the GCSE withthree extra topics (sets, functions and anintroduction to calculus) to stretch the mostable. However there is less data handlingcontent and more focus on algebra. This, westrongly believe, provides a betterpreparation for Sixth Form A Level study.Also both IGCSE papers allow the use of acalculator which is in line with the new ALevels where calculators are also fullypermitted.

Note for Remove Set 1

The Remove Set 1, which takes the IGCSE atthe end of the Remove year, follows in theFifth Form the Additional Mathematicsexamination of the Oxford & CambridgeBoard. It continues the introduction to thecalculus and forms an excellent preparationfor A level Mathematics and FurtherMathematics, and is a valuable tool for Alevels in Sciences and Economics.

Those at the top of Set 1 have, in recentyears, concurrently studied the Certificate ofFurther Maths, gaining the top grade of adistinction. This is above an A*. Also theFurther Maths IGCSE has provided morechallenges to our elite mathematicians.

Exam Board: IGCSE Edexcel

Two equally weighted written exams - No coursework

Pete Garner, Head of Maths

Mathematics

At GCSE all pupils study French or Spanishas a compulsory language. Many choose totake both languages. Languages are achallenging yet worthwhile subject forstudy at GCSE and a highly respectedqualification. At a time when we are at acrossroads in Europe, a command of aforeign language remains a skill which ishighly valued by UK and overseasemployers as well as a satisfying personalachievement and life skill.

GCSE French and Spanish pupils will befollowing the new AQA syllabus. Theexamination tests four skills: listening,speaking, reading and writing. There is aFoundation Tier (grades 1–5) and a HigherTier (grades 4–9). Students must take allfour question papers at the same tier. Themain topics of the course are:

Theme 1: Identity and culture Theme 2: Local, national, international andglobal areas of interest Theme 3: Current and future study andemployment

The new GCSE places emphasis on the useof languages in the real world and has re-introduced role plays in the speaking examand translation from French to English inthe reading exam and from English toFrench in the writing exam. The course

book studied is OUP’s AQA GCSEFrench/Spanish book.

It is strongly recommended to spend sometime in France or Spain if you are studyinglanguages to GCSE. The Montpellier studytrip runs in the “odd years” and theSalamanca study trip runs in the “evenyears”. Both are available to all Fourth,Remove and Fifth Formers. Pupils will alsoneed a decent mid-size dictionary (theSchool shop sells an ideal one).

Exam Board: AQA GCSEListening-25% Speaking-25%Reading-25% Writing-25%

Josh Sumner, Head of Modern Languages

Modern Foreign Languages

17 | GCSE Studies 2018 ~ 2020

MusicWhy study Music at GCSE?

• Explore your creative side in composition

• Get academic credit for your existingperforming skills

• Develop your listening awareness

• This course will make you listen to musicin a completely different way andenhance your appreciation of all styles

• Prepare to have your existing musicaltastes challenged and converted as youare introduced to a huge variety ofmusical styles and cultures

• Broaden your horizons!

This GCSE will be graded and Certified on aninegrade scale from 9 to 1, where 9 is thehighest grade. The two-year course withEdexcel aims to develop an understandingand appreciation of music throughperforming, composing and appraising.Such is the breadth of the course thatpupils of differing musical experiences andabilities can enjoy the practical andtheoretical aspects of the course.

Performance accounts for 30% of theGCSE. Therefore candidates will need tostudy at least one instrument/voice and will be required to perform one voice solo piece and one ensemble piece. Theseperformances can take place at any stageduring the GCSE year.

Composition also accounts for 30% of theGCSE and two compositions are presentedfor assessment at the end of the course.Candidates must write one composition to a brief set by the board and one freecomposition. The brief accommodates alltastes from classical through to pop andethnic music.

Listening and appraising accounts for40% of the GCSE and is assessed through a13/4 hour written paper which involveslistening and responding to extracts fromeight set works in addition to questions onunfamiliar pieces of music. The set worksfall into four areas of study.

n Instrumental Music 1700-1820n Vocal Musicn Music for Stage and Screenn Fusions

Pupils taking GCSE Music should beprepared to be involved in appropriatemusical activities and attend concerts toenhance their musical awareness.

What’s it like?

“You get to study a lot of different styles ofmusic so there’s something for everyone”

“The structure of the course with its threeseparate components of listening,composition and performance makes eachlesson really varied”

“Class size is really small so you get lots ofindividual attention”

Helen Porter, Director of Music

Music combines academic rigourwith practical and creative skillslike no other subject.

18 | GCSE Studies 2018 ~ 2020

19 | GCSE Studies 2018 ~ 2020

Physical EducationFor pupils who enjoy the sporting life atSchool, PE IGCSE is a really good option.Fifty percent of the course is practicallybased, with opportunities to improve skillsand performances in four different activityareas. Learn how skills and techniques aredeveloped, how the skeletal system andmuscles work, how biomechanics influenceperformance, how to lead a healthy, activelifestyle, and how schools, as well as socialand cultural factors, affect participation inthe theory content of the course.

This course should enable candidates to:

1) Become increasingly physically competent through being actively engaged in a range of physical activities.

2) Become increasingly effective in their performance in different types of physical activity and roles.

3) Develop their ability to engage independently and successfully in the processes of different types of physicalactivity.

4) Develop and maintain their involvement in physical activity as part of a healthy, active lifestyle.

The CIE PE IGCSE is broken down in to twomodules. These modules are based on theinteraction between the theory and practice

of Physical Education. Pupils areencouraged to participate in physicalactivity in a number of different types ofactivity and in different roles withinactivities through practical performance.They are also required to underpin theirpractical performances with theoreticalknowledge of the anatomical,physiological, psychological and socialdemands of physical activity and how thesefactors affect physical competence andparticipation. Pupils learn how to usemethods of practice to improve theirperformance in physical activity and theimportance of being physically active aspart of a balanced, healthy lifestyle.

The assessment is divided into twocomponents:

• Practical coursework which accountsfor 50% of the final IGCSE mark;

• One written examination, whichaccounts for 40% of the final mark.

Over the two years, pupils will be assessedpractically in their ability to perform, coachor officiate effectively in four differentselected areas, as well as their ability tocomplete a written analysis task.

The written examination componentconsists of a one hour 45minute paper satin the Trinity term of Year 11. It covers awide variety of topics including

understanding the different factors thataffect participation and performance,physiology of the body, health and safetytraining, and understanding the reasonsand opportunities for taking part inphysical activity.

We would welcome anyone who has a keeninterest in sport and is good practicallyacross a range of activities, as well aswanting to learn the theory side.

Rhona Donaldson, Head of PE

Exam Board: Cambridge

One written examination (50%)

Practical coursework made up of 4 activities (chosen from 20options) (50%)

What is IGCSE Product DesignTechnology?It is product design technology with aspecialist focus on the use of tools andtechniques to produce 3D workingprototype products. Pupils will be involvedin the study of Materials and Components,Production Processes, IndustrialApplication, Social, Moral, Ethical andEnvironmental issues of Product Design,Product Analysis, Designing and Makingprocesses.

They will then apply this knowledge andunderstanding when designing and makinga 3D product and an A3 portfolio of designwork. Resistant Materials projects are oftena high quality, working product supportedby a portfolio of ideas and designs.

Will you enjoy the course?Yes if you want to study a subject that isboth technical and creative; is relevant tothe consumer society you live in;encourages you to be a discerningconsumer; enables you to design and makeproducts; places an emphasis on practicalwork; develops a full range of skills that willbe useful in other subjects you study and inlater employment.

How does it follow on from what wehave studied previously in the FourthForm?So far pupils have had a wide experience ofmaterials. They have produced small-scaleproducts and design folders using thesematerials. The course follows on directlyfrom the work done throughout their timeat Dean Close. Pupils will produce productsand design folders and be examined ontheir knowledge and understanding.However the products and folders will belarger and more sophisticated than thoseproduced previously. There will be a lotmore time to design and develop productsand at the same time develop an in-depthunderstanding of the materials andprocesses involved.

What about Exams?There are two exams at the end of thecourse, worth a combined 50% of the

overall grade. They consist of a commondesigning paper and then a specialistmaterials or drawing examination andconsist of questions on knowledge andunderstanding of designing, materials,processes. The other 50% of the grade willbe based on the coursework projectproduced during the Fifth Form.

What skills will you develop?Pupils will review and develop skills from allyour previous design technologyexperiences. The course places emphasis onthe design and manufacture of qualityproducts. We will look at commercialproducts and form opinions as to theirability to satisfy consumer needs. They willalso be asked to consider how those needsrelate to social, ethical and environmentalissues. Above all the course will encouragethem to be imaginative and experimental incombining materials, skills and techniquesas well as developing a goodunderstanding of industrial process ofdesigning and making products. They willbuild confidence in your ability to workwith materials to produce quality productsand solve practical problems.producedduring the Fifth Form.

What can you do with an IGCSE inProduct Design Technology?It will provide a good base for careers inGraphic Design, Computer Graphics and Artand Design, as well as careers in ProductDesign, Industrial Design, Engineering of alltypes as well as Architecture.

Dom Evans, Head of Product DesignTechnology

ProductDesign Technology

20 | GCSE Studies 2018~ 2020

21 | GCSE Studies 2018 ~ 2020

“The good life is one inspired by love and guided byknowledge”. Bertrand RussellWhy Study Religious Studies?

Religious Studies engages with the greatquestions of meaning, purpose and justicethat have intrigued humans in allcivilizations; it does so by exploring,critiquing and learning from the diversereligious and philosophical traditions thathave emerged in response to thesequestions. It is believed that throughlearning about a wide range ofperspectives, we can better understandothers, hold our own beliefs up to scrutinyand confidently apply those views to theburning issues of our day. GCSE ReligiousStudies greatly enhances pupils' ability tothink critically about an issue and be ableto express an informed point of view bothverbally and on paper.

The main advantages of GCSE ReligiousStudies is that it prepares you for life withthe tools for thinking critically about thebig questions raised by religious andphilosophical claims and ethical decisionmaking. It is also excellent preparation for:A Level Social Sciences (Law, Sociology andPsychology), A Level Religious Studies,History and English, jobs that appreciatethe skills that GCSE Religious Studies

develops, such as medicine, the Police, theArmed Forces and the caring professions.

What will I learn?

Pupils will follow the OCR Full Course GCSE.

Year One: Pupils are required to study twoof the largest and most important majorworld religions, Christianity and Islam. Thefocus of study for each religion is on‘Beliefs and teachings’ and ‘Practices’.

Year Two: Pupils are required to study theEthical, Theological and Philosophicalquestions in a range of topics.

The four topic areas to be studied are:

• Relationships and families (including Abortion and Euthanasia)

• The existence of God, gods and the ultimate reality (including the Teleological and Cosmological Argument)

• Religion, peace and conflict (includingthe Just War Theory and Pacifism)

• Dialogue between religious and non-religious beliefs and attitudes (including Multi-Culturalism and Secularism)

The course is assessed by two 2 hourexams. There is no coursework.

Dominic Mochan, Head of Religion,Philosophy & Ethics

OCR Full Course

2 x 2 Hour PapersEach part of the course carriesequal weight.

Religious Studies

22 | GCSE Studies 2018 ~ 2020

Why Study Biology at IGCSE?Biology is the study of life, coveringeverything from the evolution of life on theplanet, the chemicals that make us up, tothe structure of our bodies and the way inwhich we affect our environment. It linkswell to Geography and the other sciencesand is an essential GCSE along withChemistry if you want to pursue any careerin the Biological Sciences, Agriculture,Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science orany other allied subject. An IGCSE inBiology Sciences will inform you aboutyourself; how you are made, survive andreproduce. It will also teach you about thebiology of plants and how we areultimately dependent on whole ecosystemsand other species for our food, oxygen andother resources. From evolution to geneticmodification, Biology IGCSE covers all ofthe major aspects of this rapidly developingsubject, informing you about issues thatwill affect all of our lives.

What’s It Like?Biology is a practical subject withinvestigations carried out throughout the

course. ICT and data handling skills,important skills in the modern laboratory,are developed and you will be encouragedto research and evaluate current issues inthe press including looking at cloning,selective breeding and geneticmanipulation. You will look at the benefitsand drawbacks of biological developmentsin relation to social, environmental andeconomic issues.

What’s Required of the Pupil?To study Biology you must be interested inthe subject and want to find out more. Anenquiring mind is much better suited to ascience subject where pupils are given theopportunity to carry out practical work, askquestions and carry out further researchand reading. It is strongly advised thatpupils also study Chemistry and Physics,Chemistry being essential if a pupil intendsto pursue Biology to A Level. You will beprovided with an IGCSE textbook andrevision guide, but Biology is a subjectoften in the press and we encourage pupilsto read around the subject.

The Biology CurriculumAt Dean Close, we study for the EdexcelIGCSE course. The main topics of the courseare:

• Nature and variety of living organisms• Structures and functions of living

organisms• Reproduction and inheritance• Ecology and the environment• Use of biological resources

Matt Wilkes, Head of Biology

Exam Board: Edexcel IGCSE

Paper 1: 110 marks (2 hours)Paper 2: 70 marks (1 hour 15 mins)

Science - Biology

23 | GCSE Studies 2018 ~ 2020

Why Study Chemistry at IGCSE?Chemistry is a must-have qualification foranyone wishing to study sciences at a higherlevel, particularly any medical courses. Itencompasses a wide range of subjects fromthe study of matter at its most basic levels todesigning materials for our modern life. AnIGCSE in Chemistry shows that you have awide range of skills including mathematics,using abstract models and practical skills.

What's it Like?IGCSE Chemistry is a challenging course. Weplace a strong emphasis on practical workand most topics have opportunities forpupils to see the theory workingexperimentally. Many of our new pupils havelimited practical experience so we start witha series of simple experiments to teach themhow to work safely and effectively in alaboratory. The three year course also meansthat we have time to do some practicalinvestigations outside of the specification.

What's Required of the Pupil?To excel at IGCSE Chemistry the pupil mustbe willing and able to engage with thecourse. We encourage questions anddiscussion and hold clinics twice weekly foranyone who feels they need extra help.

The Chemistry CurriculumThe Chemistry course will cover a wide rangeof chemical topics including:

• Basic atomic Structure

• Bonding in chemical substances

• Organic chemistry (Oil refining,polymers and the production ofalcohol)

• Industrial Chemistry

• Chemical calculations

• Rates of reactions

• The chemistry of groups 1 and 7 of theperiodic table

A full specification can be found atwww.edexcel.com

Exam Board: Edexcel IGCSE

2 written papers

There is no form of courseworkor controlled assessment.

Paper 12 hours 110 marks (61.1%)

Paper 21 hour 15 mins 70 marks (38.9%)

Aron Needs, Head of Chemistry

Science - Chemistry

24 | GCSE Studies 2018 ~ 2020

Why Study Physics at IGCSE?Physics is one of the most highly respectedqualifications you can have at GCSE level.It is an essential stepping stone towardsstudying Physics or Engineering at a higherlevel, and a very useful subject for anyoneaspiring to study science A levels. Do youfind yourself asking questions like: Whydoes this happen? How does that work? Ifso, you may find some of the answers in aPhysics IGCSE course.

What Is It Like?Physics for some is just ‘Maths with astory’. For others, Physics is an extension ofcommon sense, and the course will simplyallow you to make that sense of some of

the things you have been wondering aboutfor a while anyway. Others will find thatthe Physics IGCSE course opens their mindsup to questions that have never occurred tothem before. You will spend time doingpractical experiments and ponderingtheoretical problems. Work is done bothindividually and in small groups.

What’s Required of the Pupil?You should be competent at maths, andkeen to think hard. Many physics problemsrequire two or three stages of logicalthought, so you need to be the sort ofperson who does not give up easily. Youneed to have a curiosity about the worldaround you, and about why it behaves as it

does. You will be provided with an IGCSEtextbook and revision guide and a CD tohelp with the course.

The Physics CurriculumThe IGCSE syllabus can be found atwww.edexcel.com. Here is a list of some of the topics we study:• Forces and Motion and Energy• Space • Waves (mostly light and sound)• Matter (solids, liquids and gases)• Electricity and Magnetism• Radioactivity (including nuclear power

and medical uses)

Paul Harvey, Head of Physics

Exam Board: Edexcel IGCSE

Two written exam papers

No practical work/controlled assessment

Paper 1 2 hours 120 marks (66.7%)

Paper 21 hour 80 marks (33.3%)

Science - Physics

25 | GCSE Studies 2018 ~ 2020

There will be a few pupils with real academic flair who want tokeep up with all three sciences and also leave room in the weekto study a wide range of other subjects.

What Exams Will There Be?If you opt for this, you will take three full IGCSE science examsafter the two year course, but you will have all that contentsqueezed into only two option blocks. Effectively you will study3 subjects in the time that most people take to study only 2. Thisis likely to be quite a challenge, requiring a high level ofmotivation and ability; but we believe that it will benefit anumber of pupils.

Who Will Teach It?You will have three teachers, a subject specialist from each ofBiology, Chemistry and Physics.

What About Prep?You are likely to get more prep from this option than from otherroutes, since you will have proportionately less contact time withyour teachers.

Who Is Eligible For This?This option will only be available to the most able scientists andmathematicians of the year group. We anticipate a set size ofapproximately 15. Only pupils who have managed to exceed aminimum score in their internal exams for the three sciences willbe accepted into this set.

Will It Create Problems With Coursework?No. There is no coursework in any of the science IGCSE courses.

Heads of Science

Why study Single Science at IGCSEFor some pupils it may be appropriate to take a Single ScienceGCSE, rather than the separate subjects. Guidance onwhether this is the right route for any particular pupil will begiven by the School. We offer the Single Science IGCSEdeveloped by Edexcel which leads to one GCSE after twoyears of study.

Topics from all three of the main scientific disciplines ofBiology, Chemistry and Physics, are covered during those twoyears and they will focus on the main concepts of Sciencethat a 21st Century citizen will need in order to be properlyinformed about the world around them. The course isdesigned to make these ideas accessible and hence looks at a good breadth of ideas but with less depth.

Single Science allows pupils who would not see Science astheir strength to achieve success. However, it is not a typicalroute to taking an A Level in any of the Sciences.

What is it Like?Topics as diverse as ‘Ecology and the Environment’, ‘InorganicChemistry’ and ‘Astrophysics’ sit beside ‘Motion’, ‘Livingorganisms’ and ‘Atomic structure’. Links are made across thethree science disciplines and the context that topics are put inmakes them very relevant to everyday life.

The assessment at the end of the course is achieved by sittingthree separate exam papers, each of just over 1 hour. Eachpaper is based on one of the three disciplines of Biology,Chemistry or Physics. There is no coursework.

Fast TrackTriple Science

Single Science

26 | GCSE Studies 2018 ~ 2020

Dean Close School welcomes internationalpupils to all year groups, many of whomarrive in Remove (Year 10) to begin the GCSEprogramme. We recognise that pupils arrivewith different levels of English and theEnglish Language Training (ELT) team worksclosely with subject teachers to provideappropriate language support for pupils toachieve good grades at GCSE level.

Academic support

The ELT department prides itself on itsflexibility and dedication to individual needs.Students for whom English is a secondlanguage are assessed during the first coupleof weeks after arrival to identify particularlanguage strengths and weaknesses. Eachpupil has an individual programme of ELTand we monitor progress to ensure they areon track and able to access the curriculumfully. We are able to offer a high level offlexibility and offer support in a range ofways:

• Small group / individual lessons*

• Subject-specific ELT study sessions

• A minimum of three GCSE Extra English ELT lessons per week timetabled to replace Modern Foreign Language lessons

• Additional individual ELT sessions arranged at any point during the school year

• A drop-in ELT Study Centre open at lunchtimes and after lessons for exam preparation, vocabulary / grammar exercises, academic support and wider reading

• Cambridge First Certificate, Cambridge Advanced English, and Trinity ISE I & II exam preparation

In Remove and Fifth Form, pupils attendGCSE Extra English ELT lessons where theydevelop skills to pass GCSE EnglishLanguage. Please note that achieving a passin English Language (“C” grade) is aminimum requirement for university in theUK and increasingly many universities requirea higher grade.

Pastoral Support in our InternationalCommunity

The ELT department also provides advice andmentoring for our international pupils. Oneof our main aims is to facilitate integrationinto the school community and help pupilsachieve an all-round education. Workingwith subject teachers and Boarding Houses,we develop pupils’ self-confidence and competence in English, so they settlequickly and enjoy all aspects of school life.

The Overseas Induction Weekend

All new pupils are encouraged to attend theOverseas Induction Weekend prior to thestart of the academic year in order to

familiarise themselves with the school and tomeet key members of staff. This opportunityprovides pupils with a positive and confidentstart. For details of current additionalcharges for language support outsidetimetabled ELT sessions, parents andguardians of international pupils are invitedto visit the school website.

(*Please note: whilst we endeavour toaccommodate individual preferences, due totimetable constraints it is not always possiblefor parents / guardians to choose teachinggroup sizes.)

Rachael Vest, Head of ELT

English LanguageTraining

The Flecker Library is Dean Close School’scentral nexus of discovery, explorationand development. Our purpose: tosupport learning, cultivate advancedinformation literacy and champion theunmatched potency of reading. Ourdedicated goal: to empower pupilsthrough a wide-ranging, specialistinformation service.

Within its warm, wooden boughs, theFlecker Library offers both a haven forimagination, study and research, and aprofessional environment facilitated bytechnology and modern innovation. Ourever-evolving catalogue of academic non-fiction, biographies, young adult novels,contemporary fiction, graphic novels andliterary classics, supports reading andresearch for both learning and leisure.

The Library catalogue can be accessed bothon and off site, providing users with theability to search for and reserve resourcesthey wish to borrow. As well as being hometo over 14,000 books, pupils also haveaccess to journals, magazines and dailynewspapers, and a thriving DVD and digitalmedia library. From Shakespeare to FrenchCinema, there is a vast range of films anddocumentaries with which pupils cansupplement their learning.

The ground floor of the Library affordsample space for individual learningunderneath the vaulted ark of the FleckerHall, while the first floor hosts a full IT suitefor independent work and research. Oursecond floor is designated for Libraryteaching and Upper School group work,offering further presentation facilities andadditional computers. Dedicated Wi-Fienables pupils to work on their owndevices. Extending our physical limits, pupilshave access to a comprehensive selection ofonline academic journals, digital periodicals,subject-specific study centres,encyclopaedias, and a streaming portal forfeature films and documentaries. Staffed bythree dedicated and specialist Librarians, weare available all day to assist in learning,resource discovery and research.

Study Skills & Exam Success

Success at GCSE requires range ofknowledge, key skills and application ofunderstanding. Working closely with theirsubject teachers, the Library strives toprovide pupils with the right opportunitiesand assistance to extend knowledge,challenge thinking and develop keyinformation management skills, vital bothfor successful study and revision at theGCSE level and as a firm foundation for theacademic demands of A levels and beyond.

In the Fifth form, second year GCSEstudents undertake a challengingcurriculum of weekly lessons focusing on academic and professional essentialsincluding:

• Research methodologies• Presentation techniques• Critical essay writing• Data analysis• Office IT literacy• Careers development• Revision & exam strategies

We are an ever-changing library for an ever-changing world. Visit us now at :dcslibrary.com

Zach Suckle, Head of Library & Careers

27 | GCSE Studies 2018 ~ 2020

Flecker Library

DEAN CLOSE SCHOOLShelburne RoadCheltenhamGloucestershireGL51 6HE

Telephone01242 258044Email registrar@deanclose.org.uk

www.deanclose.org.ukSENIOR SCHOOL

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