gcse option information for september 2019...sociology a level at post 16 and not have done gcse...

GCSE option information for September 2019

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January 2019 Dear Parents/Carers and Students Year 9 Options This booklet contains important information to help students, with the support of parents, to make decisions about what to study for the next three years. All our courses lead to valuable qualifications and provide pathways to careers and continuing education. Students will be able to select up to four three year qualifications which they will study and be examined in at the end of Year 11. With the right combination of academic subjects, they can also achieve the English Baccalaureate, a range of specific subjects recognised by the current government as an indicator of excellence. Alongside options, all students will follow the core curriculum, of English, Mathematics, Science, PE and RE to develop key skills along with wider opportunities to learn about British values and prepare for adult life. We highly recommend that all students who would like the opportunity of attending a sixth form centre or university in the future to follow the EBACC route described later in this booklet. Please spend time together to read and discuss the different options available. You are warmly invited to attend our Options Evening on Thursday 17th January 2019, where the contents of this booklet will be discussed in greater detail. We look forward to working with you to support the students in making the best possible choice from the exciting opportunities available. Yours sincerely

Michelle Newman Head of School

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General Information

Key Dates

Contacting the School About Options Whilst there is a booklet and calendared meetings to help you through this process, there may be a need to contact us. If you have any questions please contact either your child’s form tutor or their Year Leader, Mr Simmonds. We are always very willing to see parents/carers at school, or to answer telephone or e-mail enquiries. However, we prefer parents/carers to make an appointment in advance as staff have to teach for much of the day. Please contact: Telephone number: 01908 324400 Fax: 01908 324401 E Mail: [email protected]

Thursday 19th January 2019

Options Evening in the Theatre– Process explained to parents/carers and students.


Subject Parents Evening in the Leisure Centre - an opportunity to discuss all subjects as well as potential option choices with teachers.

January and February 2019

Pathway Options are discussed with your tutor and Year Leaders. Choices are made.


Options form returned.

March/April/May 2019

Options analysed and students allocated.

June/July 2019

Student courses finalised and groupings confirmed by letter.

September 2019 Students begin new courses going into Year 9

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Introduction

This booklet aims to give students and parents/carers, the information about the courses students will study in Years 9-11. At Stantonbury we aim to provide a broad and balanced curriculum, which will enable students to progress to further education or to suitable employment. Students will acquire the skills and knowledge which will help them to take their place in a complex and rapidly changing world. Information in this booklet should help you to make choices, which will be part of your broader future and beyond. Subjects are grouped into three sections which cover the 25 sessions of teaching per week; Compulsory Core Subjects

These are the courses that are compulsory; in other words, all students must follow them. They consist of English, Maths and Science which are examined at the end of Year 11. All students will also follow non examined subjects in RE and PE.

EBACC (English Baccalaureate) Subjects

These include History and Geography which form Humanities and French and German which make up Languages. These subjects are strongly recommended for Pathway 1 and 2 students.

Option Subjects

These are the other available options for all students to choose. There is a range of GCSE and BTEC subjects for all students to select.

Please note that for all courses there are restrictions on group sizes and specialist facilities available

so it may not be possible for all students to study all of their first preferences. Where there is oversubscription staff will determine groupings by Pathway choices, aptitude, enthusiasm and effort, past performance and potential. In this case, second/third preferences will be allocated where appropriate.

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What do the Different Qualifications Mean? General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) - These qualifications are assessed at the end of Key Stage 4 mainly through public examinations. BTEC qualifications - These qualifications are traditionally assessed through regular assignments rather than exams at the end of the course. However, recent changes mean that many will also require some public examinations as well. EBACC (English Baccalaureate) - The English Baccalaureate was introduced as a performance measure in the 2010 performance tables. It is not a qualification in itself. The measure acknowledges pupils who have secured a grade 5 or better across a core of academic subjects. The English Baccalaureate is made up of English, Mathematics, History or Geography, the sciences and a language. Computer Science GCSE is also included in the science element of the EBACC. These subjects often lead onto the A Level courses preferred by the most universities.

Why are Qualifications Important? It is important you understand that the qualifications students are awarded at the successful completion of different courses matter. Employers will judge applicants based on the quality of their grades and number or type of courses they have studied. Most Post-16 Colleges and courses require a basic minimum number of qualifications for entry. For example, to study A Levels at our Sixth Form, students require five grade 4 or above, plus grade (or 6 Maths and Science) in related subjects, including at least one EBACC subject. All students are now required to take part in some sort of education or training until the age of 18 and if students do not achieve a grade 5 in Maths or English they will need to keep studying this subject until they achieve this level. Entry onto some Post-16 courses will also require a successful result at GCSE in the same subject. For example, in order to study A Level French a student must have passed GCSE Level French at grade 6 or above. This is the case with most Modern Foreign Languages. It is also advisable that students who wish to study Music or Computing A Levels have successfully completed their equivalent GCSE courses. However, this is not the case for most of the optional subject choices. For example, a student could choose to study Sociology A Level at Post 16 and not have done GCSE Sociology. Of course, they will have to have achieved the basic entry requirements described above.

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Advice To Students Think about the choices as part of your Pathway. We strongly recommend that students follow the

guidance given in this booklet. If you want to aim for one of the best universities in the country, The Russell Group, you will need

five or more grade 8/9 in EBACC subjects. Think about the possible careers which you might like to follow and your ‘goals’.

Think about what you want to do after Year 11, whether it be A levels, College, an apprenticeship

scheme? Think about the way you like to learn. Studying things you enjoy and are interested in helps you to

do well. Look carefully at the requirements of the course and the way it is assessed. Employers and higher and further education institutions will expect you to have a good all round

education.

What To Avoid Do not choose courses because your friends are choosing them. Do not make decisions based on prejudice; for example some people think only boys or girls should

study some subjects. This just isn’t true. Do not make choices on the basis that you like your current teacher in that subject. Who Can Help You? Your form tutor Your Year Leader Your subject teachers Mrs Malone (Careers advisor) Your parents Careers Guidance And Advice Specific help and guidance is available through Mrs Malone in school and students can contact the careers office to arrange an appointment or via the email: [email protected]

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Year 9 - 11 Curriculum Plan

Core Compulsory Subjects The compulsory subjects that all students study will be a total of 17 sessions per week and broken down below. The option al subjects will total 8 sessions a week; 2 for each option.

Subject Qualification Teaching Ses-sions per week

English Literature

English Language

1 GCSE

1 GCSE

5

Mathematics

1 GCSE

5

Science

2 GCSEs

4

Physical Education

Non-examined

2

Religious Education

Non-examined

1

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Optional Three Year Subjects Choices

Students select one subject from each column below. Students can only select Art, Textiles or 3D Design. Students who select Dance or Drama cannot select Performing Arts. Students cannot select both Music GSCE and Music BTEC.

Years 9 – 11 Choice 1 Choice 2 Choice 3 Choice 4

Computer Science GCSE

3D Design GCSE

3D Design GCSE

Art GCSE

French GCSE

Art GCSE

Dance BTEC

Computer Science GCSE

Geography GCSE

Drama GCSE

Design Technology GCSE

Dance BTEC

German GCSE

Engineering GCSE

Drama GCSE

Design Technology GCSE

History GCSE

Enterprise and Marketing Technical Award

Enterprise and Market-ing Technical Award

Engineering GCSE

Separate Sciences GCSE

French GCSE

Food and Nutrition GCSE

Food and Nutrition GCSE

History GCSE

Geography GCSE

Music GCSE

Media Studies GCSE

Media Studies GCSE

Photography GCSE

Music BTEC

Performing Arts Technical Award

Religious Studies GCSE

Performing Arts Technical Award

Photography GCSE

Sociology GCSE

Sociology GCSE

Religious Studies GCSE

Textiles GCSE

Sport BTEC

Sport BTEC

Separate Science GCSE

Textiles GCSE

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How should I choose my options?

Full EBACC route This is strongly recommended for all Pathway 1 students. This route will suit students who plan to attend 6th Form and University. A Level courses typically require at least five GCSE’s at grade 5 or above. Following this route will allow students the opportunity to achieve the English Baccalaureate (EBACC). This is national recognition that students have secured a grade 5 or above in a core of academic subjects including: English Maths Science History or Geography French or German To follow this route, students would need to select History or Geography as an option, in addition to either French or German as a second option. Students then choose two other options from the available choices. Mixed GCSE route This is strongly recommended for all Pathway 2 students. This route will suit students who plan to attend Higher Education / 6th form college and possibly onto university. A Level courses typically require five GCSE’s at grade 5 or above. This is a more flexible route through Key Stage 4, the recommendation is that students select at least one EBACC subject as part of their four option choices. This can be History, Geography, French or German. Students then select three other options from the choices available. Wider Achievement This is recommended for Pathway 3 students. This route would suit students who are considering going to further education or training. Sixth Form BTEC courses will require 4 grades which can also come from GCSE or BTEC courses. Students on this pathway are encouraged to select any four options from the choices available. This pathway is a general and flexible route through Key Stage 4.

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Post-16 Opportunities

At this stage in your school life, it is important for you to start thinking about your future and the first step in this is to decide what courses you want to follow during Key Stage 4. You might already have a career choice or University course in mind, or you might not yet have thought about what you want to do after leaving education. These career choices may be dependent upon what you studied in Key Stage 4 at school, which is why it is vital you make the right choices now. Whilst Post 16 options are a few years away, it is important to consider what you want to do at the end of Year 11 now, to ensure that the option choices you make fit into your long term academic life or plan. For information, this is the entry requirement for Stantonbury International Sixth Form; Entry to Sixth Form requires a minimum of five grades at 5 or above (including a grade 5 or above in English Language and Maths) and preferably a grade 6 for A-Level subjects that you wish to study. The entry guideline is based upon previous experience of students success or otherwise in the demanding Post 16 Curriculum In the case of a new subject, a student must have proven their ability to meet the Post 16 entry requirements. A 90+ attendance during Year 11 is required Previous academic attainment is a key criterion for entry to the Sixth Form, however students

considering staying on should also give due consideration to their work record Attitude to school during Years 9 - 11 Subjects currently available in Year 12 and 13 (subject to change):

Business Chemistry Media Studies

Drama and Theatre Product Design Government and Politics

English Literature Engineering Maths

French Psychology Geography

Physics Biology Further Maths

Sociology Dance Music

Health and Social Care Law Art and Design

Sport BTEC History Performing Arts

Philosophy Computer Science Financial Studies

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I have to accept the school’s Pathway recommendation? A: It is highly recommended. If you are concerned please discuss it with your tutor or Year Leader. Q: Can I take both History and Geography? A: Yes. You will need to select each subject from different columns Q: How will I get set within the Core subjects? A: Your teachers will place you into groups based on your ability, results and effort. This will be communicated to parents. Q: What happens if I select a subject that does not run because there are so few students opting for it? A: We will try our best to allocate you to your first choices. If this doesn’t work we will give you your second or third choice. Remember, grades get you into college not subject selection. Q: What happens if I select a subject that is oversubscribed because there are too many students opting for it? A: We will determine groupings by Pathway choices, aptitude, enthusiasm and effort, past performance in similar subjects. If you do not get a place we will give you your second or third preference. Q: I really want to be a car mechanic. Do I have to choose Engineering? A: No. You do not have to have done Engineering GCSE to be accepted onto a Post 16 course in motor vehicle maintenance. You don’t even have to have done a GCSE in Engineering to do A Level Engineering. All you need is the required number of qualifications for entry into those institutions. (eg. Five grade 5’s to go to Sixth Form to study A Levels). This is the case with almost every subject/profession. You can specialise later at Sixth Form or College or in an Apprenticeship. Employers are more interested in the quality of your grades and general attitude and effort at this stage. Q: What subjects at Post 16 require me to have done them at GCSE then? A: Languages will require this as already stated. So will the core subjects of English, Maths and Science. It is also advisable, but not necessarily compulsory, for Computer Science and Music. Ask your teachers; they will be able to advise you.

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COMPULSORY CORE SUBJECTS

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English Language Qualification and Exam

Board: AQA: GCSE

Category Information

Course Description How does this build on from Key Stage Three?

Paper 1, Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing, looks at how writers use narrative and descriptive techniques to engage the interest of readers. Paper 2, Writers' Viewpoints and Perspectives, looks at how different writers present a similar topic over time.

What will I be studying? Students will study a range of fiction and non-fiction extracts covering 19th, 20th and 21st Century.

What are the entry re-quirements?

All students will study this qualification.

How will I be assessed? What is the final exam like?

AQA GCSE English Language Paper 1: Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing Written Examination: 1 hour 45 minutes •80 marks •50% of GCSE AQA GCSE English Language Paper 2: Writers Viewpoints and Per-spectives Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes •80 marks •50% of GCSE Spoken Language Assessment (this does not count towards their GCSE grade)

Post 16 Opportunities Students can continue to study English Literature as an A Level in the Sixth Form.

Other information Where will this course lead me?

GCSE English Language will develop skills that will give you access to a wide range of careers. Many students who study English end up pursu-ing careers in Law, Journalism and Publishing to name a few. The skills you develop over the two years are applicable for many A Level sub-jects.

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English Literature Qualification and Exam

Board: AQA :GCSE



This course develops your ability to analyse literature, explore the cultural context of each text and explore the impact of each text on their audience.

What will I be studying? Students will study a range of texts covering poetry, prose and dra-ma. The texts will cover the 19th, 20th and 21st Century. The texts you will study are: Macbeth by William Shakespeare An Inspector Calls – J B Priestley A Christmas Carol – Charles Dickens An Anthology of Poetry exploring Conflict Poetry Unseen Poetry

What are the entry require-ments?



AQA GCSE English Literature Paper 1: Shakespeare and the 19th Century Novel Written Examination: 1 hour 45 minutes •64 marks •40% of GCSE AQA GCSE English Literature Paper 2: Modern Texts and Poetry Written exam: 2 hour 15 minutes •96 marks •60% of GCSE

Post 16 Opportunities Students can continue to study English Literature as an A Level in the Sixth Form.


GCSE English Literature will develop skills that will give you access to a wide range of careers. Many students who study English Liter-ature end up pursuing careers in Law, Journalism and Publishing to name a few. The skills you develop over the two years are appli-cable for many A Level subjects.

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Mathematics Qualification and Exam

Board: Edexcel: GCSE



GCSE Mathematics is a fundamental scientific discipline designed to provide pupils with Mathematical and numerical confidence for further academic and vocational study as well as for employment. This includes level 3 Mathematics courses as well as undergraduate courses in disciplines such as Biology, Geography, Physics, Psychol-ogy, Artificial intelligence and Finance where Mathematical under-standing and application are crucial. Core Mathematical skills and a strong empirical work ethic that should be developed in Key stage 3 are an important and often nec-essary foundation for successful completion of GCSE Mathematics where the complexity of their context will be stretched. Enriching opportunities for teamwork, creativity and problem solving in Key stage 3 will be applied to a plethora of context based problems in the exam.

What will I be studying? GCSE Mathematics has five main strands- Number, Algebra, Ratio & Proportion, Geometry and Statistics and a large range of sub-topics within these main areas.




An assessment will take place at the start of the course to assess a start point for the learning. Homework, end of topic tests and termly assessment will monitor progress through the course and help to address any misconceptions with the content. The final examination will be held at the end of year 11 and consist of three papers as follows: Paper 1: Non-calculator 1hr 30mins Paper 2: Calculator 1hr 30mins Paper 3: Calculator 1hr 30mins

Post 16 Opportunities Mathematics at GCSE Higher tier is a requirement to study Mathe-matics, Chemistry and Computer science at A level and a grade 7 is required for A Level Further Maths. As a supplement to your A lev-el studies, you may opt to use Mathematics as a subject for an ex-tended project qualification. Mathematics at grade 5 is a require-ment to study Biology, Business and Psychology


A good grade in GCSE Mathematics will be a highly regarded asset on your C.V. and a strong contribution to your portfolio when ap-plying to number of numerical, academic pathways. Maths can lead to careers in Actuarial sciences, Accountancy, Law, Artificial intelligence, Engineering, Teaching and many more.

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Trilogy (Double Award) Science

Qualification and Exam Board: AQA: GCSE Science Trilogy Sci-ence



Science is a core subject along with English and Mathematics. Science is im-portant because it is useful for everyday life as well as being a compulsory requirement for many college courses. The course builds on the 10 ‘Big ideas’ met in KS3 and allows you to increase the depth of your knowledge and understanding. It also allows you to apply your scientific knowledge to new situations, using the key skills you have learnt in KS3. It will allow you to understand the science involved in the world around you and to make informed decisions about key issues.

What will I be study-ing?

Biology Topics: Paper 1: Cell Biology, Organisation, Infection and response and Bioenergetics Paper 2: Homeostasis and response, Inheritance, Variation and evolution and Ecology Chemistry topics: Paper 1: Atomic structure and the periodic table, Bonding, structure and properties of matter, Quantitative chemistry, Chemical changes and Energy changes Paper 2: The rate and extent of chemical change, Organic chemistry, Chemi-cal analysis, Chemistry of the atmosphere and Using resources Physics topics: Paper 1: Energy, Electricity, Particle model of matter and Atomic structure Paper 2: Forces, Waves, Magnetism and Electromagnetism

What are the entry requirements?

The Trilogy (Double Award) Science course is compulsory and is for those students who do not wish to study the Separate Science course.

How will I be as-sessed? What is the final exam like?

There are six papers in total 2 papers each for Biology, Chemistry and Phys-ics these will all be taken at the end of Year 11 in the Summer exams. Each written exam will last 1hr 15mins and will contain a mixture of multiple-choice, structured, closed short answer and open response style questions. There are Foundation and Higher Tier papers for each exam. Each paper is equally weighted and so is worth 16.7% of the course.

Post 16 Opportunities The Trilogy science programme is an entry requirement for most Post-16 courses. It is a solid foundation for students who wish to study science at a higher level and it is still possible to study any of the 3 science courses at A level from a Trilogy Science (double award) background providing a high standard is achieved.

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EBACC

SUBJECTS

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French Qualification and Exam

Board: AQA: GCSE



In this course there are topics that will be familiar, as well as new ones that will inspire students who are interested in the culture of France and French-speaking communities and countries. Students will have the opportunity to practice their listening, reading, writing and speaking skills. Our Age Related Expectations at Key Stage 3 have been designed to cover key skills and content that students will need for their GCSE. For example, at Key Stage 3 students learn how to express opinions, give reasons, use present and future tenses. They are also taught how to tackle translation tasks successfully. All these skills are essential skills that will help students who choose to carry on with French for their GCSE.

What will I be studying? You will study 3 main themes: Identity and culture (family and friends, new technologies, free

time and festival and traditions) Local, national, and global areas of interest (my town, my area,

holiday, volunteering, poverty and homelessness) Current and future study and employment


There is no specific entry requirement although an interest and pas-sion in learning about the French language and culture is desirable.


You will be assessed on 4 skills: Listening, reading, writing and speaking at the end of Y11. There is no coursework, all examinations are final examinations. You will be assessed on the work studied in Y10 and Y11.

Post 16 Opportunities A-level French


If you want to go to university, you might want to check the entry requirements as some universities will only accept candidates who have studied a language for their GCSE. This course will enable you to gain sufficient knowledge to go to a French speaking country and be able to hold a conversation in French.

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German Qualification and Exam

Board: AQA: GCSE



In this course there are topics that will be familiar, as well as new ones that will inspire students who are interested in the culture of Germany and German speaking communities and countries. Stu-dents will have the opportunity to practice their listening, reading, writing and speaking skills. Although students have not learnt German at Key Stage 3 and the GCSE course is a beginner course, the skills studied during the French lessons will help students with their German GCSE course. For example, students are taught how to tackle translation tasks in a foreign language, they are taught how to successfully complete read-ing and listening tasks in a foreign language. Students will be able to re-use these strategies in their German class.

What will I be studying? You will study 3 main themes: Identity and culture (family and friends, new technologies, free

time and festival and traditions) Local, national, and global areas of interest (my town, my area,

holiday, volunteering, poverty and homelessness) Current and future study and employment


There is no specific entry requirement although an interest and pas-sion in learning about the German language and culture is desirable.


You will be assessed on 4 skills: Listening, reading, writing and speaking at the end of Y11. There is no coursework, all examinations are final examinations. You will be assessed on the work studied in Y10 and Y11.

Post 16 Opportunities Currently we do not offer German A Level.


If you want to go to university, you might want to check the entry re-quirements as some universities will only accept candidates who have studied a language for their GCSE. This course will enable you to gain sufficient knowledge to go to a German speaking country and be able to hold a conversation in Ger-man.

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Geography Qualification and Exam

Board: Edexcel: A GCSE



This course aims to develop your knowledge and understanding of geo-graphical concepts and enables you to appreciate the relevance of these concepts in the world. You will apply and build on the fundamental build-ing blocks of geographical knowledge. This exciting course is based on a balanced framework of physical and hu-man geography. It allows students to investigate the link between the two themes, and approach and examine the battles between the man-made and natural worlds.


Component 1: The Physical Environment Component 2: The Human Environment Component 3: Geographical Investigations – Fieldwork


Ability to write effectively from Key Stage 3. Teacher input will be required for students working at or below securing.


Component 1 1h 30 written examination (37.5% of GCSE) Component 2 1h 30 written examination (37.5% of GCSE) Component 3 1h 30 written examination (25% of GCSE)

Post 16 Opportunities Geography A-Level


Universities love seeing an academic subject on student’s CV’s and choos-ing geography can aid your ambition to go to a top university. If university isn’t your option, then Geography provides you with a whole host of skills that employers love to see. Strong communication skills, teamwork, prob-lem solving and research skills are all lifelong attributes which can help you on your journey.

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History Qualification and Exam

Board: OCR: B GCSE



Our GCSE in History B inspires students’ enthusiasm for history. They de-velop their understanding of the present by studying significant periods and themes from the past at a local, national and global level, engaging with a range of contemporary sources and later interpretations.


Unit 1: Migration to Britain 1250-present Unit 2: The Elizabethans 1580-1603 Unit 3: Living Under Nazi Rule 1933-1945 Unit 4: Making of America 1789-1900 Unit 5: History Around Us – Bletchley Park Study


Ability to write effectively from Key Stage 3. Teacher input will be required for students working at or below securing.


Paper 1 – Units 1 & 2 1h 45m written examination (40% of GCSE) Paper 2 – Unit 5 1h written examination (20% of GCSE) Paper 3 – Units 3 & 4 1h 45m written examination (40% of GCSE)

Post 16 Opportunities History A-Level


Universities love seeing an academic subject on student’s CV’s and choos-ing History can aid your ambition to go to a top university. If university is-n’t your option, then History provides you with a whole host of skills that employers love to see. Strong communication skills, teamwork, problem solving and research skills are all lifelong attributes which can help you on your journey.

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OPTIONAL

SUBJECTS

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3D Design

Qualification and Exam Board: EDUQAS: GCSE Art & Design: 3D Design



This will suit you if you enjoy being creative, constructing products, developing ideas for new things and being experimental with a range of different materials and techniques and learning about other artists and designers You will use the skills you have developed in any of the Design or Art subjects in years 7 and 8.

What will I be studying? There are two core units within this course; coursework and an ex-ternal set assignment resulting in a 10 hour exam. The coursework is split into 2 projects on set themes where candi-dates will have the opportunity to develop their designing, making, communication and observational skills. You will use a wide range of materials and media, learning a variety of techniques and these will be presented in a highly visual way. You will research a range of themes from different artists and de-signers and use this to develop your own work constructed in wood, paper, card plastics and metal.


Unit 1: Coursework, worth 60% of the final grade, done in Year 10 and winter term in Year 11. Unit 2: Externally Set Assignment, worth 40% of the final grade. Question paper is released in January and 10 hour exam is sat in April of year 11. The exam will be a practical exam where you will work on your fold-er and outcomes after a preparation period in lessons.

Post 16 Opportunities This course will give you the skills and knowledge to study a range of art and design courses at post 16. We currently offer a range of art and design courses and you will be able to gain entry to them with this course including the product design course. This course will also give you the skills to go on to apprenticeships in art or design fields.


Following completion of the GCSE course in Art and Design, suc-cessful candidates would be able to progress to A Level Art courses or Level 3 Art and Design courses. This could lead to initial employment, at a junior level, in such areas as product design, modelling, graphic or interior designing. This can lead to further progression to academic qualifications at degree lev-el. Candidates often progress into careers in Art and Design including photography, architecture, ceramics, interior design, graphic design, stage design, product design, animation and gaming.

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Art Qualification and Exam

Board: EDUQAS: GCSE Art & Design: Art



This will suit you if you enjoy being creative, drawing and painting, being experimental with a range of different materials and tech-niques and learning about other artists and designers You will use the skills you have developed in any of the Design or Art subjects in years 7 and 8.

What will I be studying? There are two core units within this course; coursework and an ex-ternal set assignment resulting in a 10 hour exam. The coursework is split into 2 projects on set themes where candi-dates will have the opportunity to develop their drawing, painting, communication and observational skills. You will use a wide range of materials and media, learning a variety of techniques and these will be presented in a highly visual way. You will research a range of themes from different artists and de-signers and use this to develop your own work in paint, ceramics and 3D materials.


Unit 1: Coursework, worth 60% of the final grade, done in Year 10 and winter term in Year 11. Unit 2: Externally Set Assignment, worth 40% of the final grade. Question paper is released in January and 10 hour exam is sat in April of year 11. The exam will be a practical exam where you will work on your folder and outcomes after a preparation period in lessons.

Post 16 Opportunities This course will give you the skills and knowledge to study a range of art and design courses at post 16. We currently offer a range of art and design courses and you will be able to gain entry to them with this course. This course will also give you the skills to go on to apprenticeships in art, design or photography.


Following completion of the GCSE course in Art and Design, suc-cessful candidates would be able to progress to A Level Art courses or Level 3 Art and Design courses. This could lead to initial employment, at a junior level, in such are-as as graphic or interior designing, or web design. This can lead to further progression to academic qualifications at degree level. Can-didates often progress into careers in Art and Design including Photography, architecture, ceramics, interior design, graphic de-sign, web design and gaming.

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Computer Science Qualification and Exam

Board: OCR: GCSE



Computing is an increasingly innovative and exciting area to work in. It af-fects every aspect of modern life – from skyscrapers to smart phones, cars to carrier bags. The GCSE introduces students to a host of new technologies, helping them to gain practical skills and understanding to inspire a lifelong interest in engineering. It will particularly appeal to those who enjoy being creative in problem solving through effective use of programming The course is design to build on all the skills developed from KS3 and will be innovative, thoughtful and inspiring.


This subject is taught within a range of realistic contexts based around the major themes in the specification. To gain the most from the specification, students will benefit from being taught holistically. For example, algorithms could be taught alongside programming techniques as there is a close rela-tionship between them.

For the programming project we will support the following programming languages: C#, C++, C Java Pascal/Delphi Python (versions 3 and 2) VB.Net.

How will I be as-sessed?

Non-exam assessment: Programming project Students will be expected to follow a systematic approach to problem solv-ing, consistent with the skills described in the subject content. The skills de-veloped can be applied to exam questions on computational thinking to pro-duce a computer program to solve the programming project. This is a writ-ten report: totalling 20 hours of timetabled work. Paper1: Computational thinking and problem solving Computational thinking, problem solving, code tracing and applied compu-ting as well as theoretical knowledge of computer science from subject con-tent 1–4 above. It is a written exam set in practically based scenarios: 1 hour 30 minutes which is 50% of the GCSE Paper2: Written assignment Theoretical knowledge from subject content. It is a written exam for 1 hour 30 minuets which is 50% of the GCSE. Both papers are a mix of multiple choice, shorts and longer style questions.

Post 16 Opportunities GCSE Computer Science will inspire and bring out the best in all students, whilst equipping them with the skills to continue the subject with confi-dence at AS, A-level and beyond.

Other information The course can lead to an array of higher/further courses, apprentices and employment. The skill base developed as a result of these courses is widely recognised in the support of a number of career pathways.

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Dance Qualification and Exam

Board: Edexcel: BTEC Technical Award (Dance Pathway)

Category Description


The Dance course is suitable for students who have an interest or passion for Dance. Dance is a fresh and vibrant course which in-cludes popular performance and choreography, alongside a diverse and accessible professional work to engage and inspire students. All 3 strands of performance, composition and appreciation have been introduced to students at Key Stage 3. During Key Stage 4 they build in complexity and are developed further.

What will I be studying?

Throughout the Dance course students will study 3 key strands: Performing: Students will develop their own personal perfor-

mance through improving physical, technical, and expressive skills. Students will perform in the annual Dance show as well as performing exam work.

Composing: Students will learn how to choreograph and cre-ate their own dances. Students will work on producing crea-tive and original movement material.

Appreciation: Students will learn how to describe, interpret and evaluate both their own and professional dance work. Students will study a number of professional works in a range of dance styles such as; Contemporary, Hip Hop and Cultural Dance.


The students wanting to take Dance need to have a passion for dance, enjoy performing and enjoy been creative and imaginative.


The course is 100% coursework (25% will be externally marked) and students will three units. The coursework will be in the form of assignments that will use practical skills students will develop. There will be some written work during the course however, there is no formal written examination.

Post 16 Opportunities The course at Key Stage 4 leads nicely into dance at A-Level dance which is offered at Sixth Form. The dance course will create imagi-native, creative, expressive, confident young people; all skills that will be transferable in the world of work and life.


There are many possible careers within the dance industry that this course can prepare students for. The list below is not exhaustive but provides a few examples of possible job roles: performer, cho-reographer, teacher, dance journalist, dance movement therapist, dance film maker, dance project coordinator, dance press and pub-lic relations officer, costume/set designer and dance photographer.

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31

Design & Technology

Qualification and Exam Board: AQA: GCSE Design & Technology



GCSE Design and Technology will prepare you to participate confi-dently and successfully in an increasingly technological world. You will gain awareness and learn from wider influences on Design and Technology including historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic factors. You will get the opportunity to work creatively when designing and making and apply technical and practical expertise. Our GCSE allows you to study core technical and designing and making principles, including a broad range of design processes, materials techniques and equipment. They will also have the opportunity to study specialist technical principles in greater depth.

What will I be studying? The course will also teach you about how design and technology works in the real world and how they work with clients. You will also learn about materials and processes and understand the im-portance of sustainable design and the need to design products which do not impact on our environment. As well as the practical designing, you will also be prepared for a final examination paper where they will answer questions about products and how they are designed and manufactured. This paper will also include questions which test you’ designing skills.


None Examined (NEA) Design & Make Task • Non-exam assessment (NEA): 30–35 hours approx. • 100 marks • 50% of GCSE Paper 1: How it's assessed • Written exam: 2 hours • 100 marks • 50% of GCSE

Post 16 Opportunities Where will this course lead me?

If you wish to pursue a career in any of the design types, then they should choose the appropriate course. It is more important howev-er, that you choose an area of study which they enjoy and in which they have been successful in Key Stage 3. This will be an excellent choice for those who wish to pursue Graphics, Product Design, Engineering, Architecture or related design fields as a career and also study this in the Sixth Form and University.

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32

Drama Qualification and Exam

Board: Edexcel: GCSE (1DRO)



GCSE Drama consists of three main components. Component 1 – Devising your own play as part of group – 40% of final grade Component 2 – Performance exam of a published text – 20% of final grade Component 3 – Written exam - 40% of final grade GCSE Drama relies on group work skills and the ability to work collaboratively which will have been a significant part of your les-sons in Year 7 and 8. You will also build on your performing, eval-uative and scriptwriting skills to create your own substantial piec-es of Drama and develop the quality and maturity of your acting.

What will I be studying? You will study and develop techniques to devise quality dra-ma

You will learn how to evaluate the impact and quality of your drama in your written work

You will take part in workshops where you will learn about different styles of theatre and a range of theatre practition-ers

You will study a full play text You will go on trips to the theatre and learn how to evaluate

the impact of what you saw


Excellent group work skills A desire to see live theatre and learn how it is created Enjoy acting and performing to an audience


Component 1 – Devising. You will be assessed on your con-tribution to lessons, performance to an audience and a writ-ten evaluation of the process.

Component 2 – Performance Exam. You will be perform two extracts from a full play text that demonstrate a range of different acting techniques.

Component 3 – Written Exam. You will be assessed on your understanding of how to direct a set text and you will write an evaluation of a live piece of theatre you have seen.

Post 16 Opportunities GCSE Drama can lead you to studying A Level Theatre Studies, BTEC Performing Arts, A Level English Literature


Students that study GCSE Drama could go on to study Theatre and Acting and Drama school and University. Students may also look at careers in lighting, set and costume design as well as in film and television. Because of the expectation of performance this course will also help you build your confidence and your presentation skills to help you stand out at interviews and in the workplace.

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33

Engineering Qualification and Exam

Board: AQA: GCSE Engineering



The sky’s the limit. Engineering is an increasingly innovative and exciting area to work in. It affects every aspect of modern life – from skyscrapers to smart phones, cars to carrier bags. The GCSE introduces you to a host of new technologies, helping them to gain practical skills and understanding to inspire a life-long interest in engineering. It will particularly appeal to those who enjoy being creative, with an affinity for drawing, design, maths and problem-solving. We’ve also maintained the clear structure to our assessment us-ing a mixture of question styles, giving all you the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding.

What will I be studying? This is an exciting and demanding course that gives you the op-portunity to design and make real products which will be used by people in their daily lives. You will examine the needs of the po-tential users and design products which meet these needs. The work will be creative and imaginative and will include the use of computer aided design software (CAD-CAM) to help realise design intentions. The course will also teach you about how designers work in the real world and how they work with clients. You will also learn about materials and processes and understand the importance of sustainable design and the need to design products which do not impact on our environment.


As well as the practical designing, you will also be prepared for a final examination paper. Question paper: Externally assessed Written exam: 2 hours 120 marks 60% of GCSE Non-exam assessment: Practical engineering A brief set by AQA released on 1 June in the first year of study. 80 marks 40% of GCSE

Entry requirements Due to the mathematical and scientific content of this course it is recommended that students are projected a level 6 or higher in both subjects when considering this GCSE.


This will be an excellent choice for those who wish to pursue Product Design, Engineering, Architecture, and Auto motive/Mechanical or related designs fields as a career and also study this in the Sixth Form and University.

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34

Enterprise & Marketing Qualification and Exam

Board: OCR: Cambridge National Certificate



Equivalent to a GCSE, the Level 1/2 Cambridge National in Business inspires students’ enthusiasm for Business. Students will explore and develop their understand of techniques businesses use to understand their market and develop products, as well as investigate what makes a product viable and understand how businesses attract and retain cus-tomers.

What will I be studying? Unit 1: Enterprise and marketing concepts Unit 2: Design a business proposal Unit 3: Market and pitch a business proposal


Learners who are taking courses leading to this qualification should normally have a corresponding Key Stage 3 Programme of Study with-in the National Curriculum. Learners will be working towards, a grade 4/grade C or above in maths and English GCSEs or an equivalent Level 2 qualification. Ability to write effectively from KS3. Teacher input will be required for students working at or below securing.


Unit 1. 1h 30 Written Paper OCR-set & marked Units 2. Centre-assessed task, OCR moderated Unit 3 Centre-assessed task, OCR moderated

Post 16 Opportunities Students completing this course will have a strong base for progres-sion into further education; e.g. Level 3 Cambridge Technical Busi-ness, A Levels, Apprenticeship or Work.


On completion of this course, learners will have gained some of the essential skills and knowledge required when considering starting a business and/or become an entrepreneur; but also, transferable skills of self-assessment, providing and receiving feedback, research and evaluation that will aid in finding/entering employment and/or an ap-prenticeship. Furthermore, the skills/knowledge developed by com-pleting this course will also be transferable to further learning in sixth form/university.

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35

Food & Nutrition Qualification and Exam

Board: AQA : GCSE Food Preparation & Nutrition



This new GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition is an exciting and creative course which focuses on practical cooking skills to ensure you develop a understanding of nutrition, food provenance and the working characteristics of food materials. At its heart, this qualification focuses on nurturing students' practical cookery skills to give them a strong understanding of nutrition. You will build upon and develop all of your skills currently covered at Key Stage 3.

What will I be studying? Food preparation skills are integrated into five core topics: Food, nutrition and health Food science Food safety Food choice Food provenance.


Non-exam assessment (NEA) What's assessed Task 1: Food investigation (30 marks) Students' understanding of the working characteristics, functional and chemical properties of ingredients. Practical investigations are a compulsory element of this NEA task. Task 2: Food preparation assessment (70 marks) Students' knowledge, skills and understanding in relation to the planning, preparation, cooking, presentation of food and applica-tion of nutrition related to the chosen task. Paper 1: Food preparation and nutrition What's assessed Theoretical knowledge of food preparation and nutrition from Sec-tions 1 to 5. How it's assessed Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes 100 marks 50 % of GCSE


Upon completion of this course, students will be qualified to go on to further study at university, relevant collages, or embark on an apprenticeship or full time career in the catering or food indus-tries.

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36

Media Studies

Qualification and Exam Board: AQA: GCSE


Course Description

GCSE media is an exciting course that looks at a variety of different sources within the Media ranging from print design work to film and TV. During this course students will gain a solid understanding of Media Language and repre-sentation, as well as Media industries and audiences.


Students will study a range of Close Study Products (CSPs) such as; print ad-vertisement, TV, marketing, news articles, magazine layouts and film. The CSPs that students study will form the basis of their exams in Year 11. For each CSP studied, students will be expected to understand the context in which they were created, how they related to similar media products of the time and how they compare with other CSPs. In addition, students will also create a piece of coursework (NEA) that will be in response to a given brief. The briefs that students can choose from will be relative to the CSPs they have studies - film trailer, website, print media, radio show and newspaper / maga-zine.


Students wanting to take the course should have a passion for Media and its various forms such as; online, print and audio-visual. Students must be crea-tive and think outside the box. They should be self-motivated to explore rela-tive media products in relation to the CSPs they are studying to provide them-selves with a wider understanding of the context. Students should also be will-ing to try out creative tasks such as filming, exploring camera angles, film ed-iting, the use of Photoshop to design and create their own media print and much more.


The course can be divided into 2 parts - NEA coursework which is work 30% and 2 written exams (70% in total - 35% each). The NEA coursework will be released in the June of Year 10, whereby students will then start and completed their coursework for the deadline in Year 11. The coursework is a production task in response to an examination brief released by AQA. The 2 exams that students will sit in Year 11 are based on the CSPs students have studied throughout the course. Students are expected to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of how media language, representation, audience and industry has been applied to each of the CSPs.

Post 16 Opportunities The GCSE can lead students into many post-16 opportunities. We currently offer the BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Creative Digital Media Produc-tion . This course is extremely popular with our post-16 students and provided students with the opportunity to study a broad range of specialised units.


The course can lead to many opportunities, such as students entering higher education to complete undergraduate and postgraduate courses at university. Many of our students go onto study Media related courses at university in-cluding some going to RADA and the BFI Film Academy, both prestigious courses for postgraduate students looking to study film at a higher level. This could lead to careers such as television broadcasting, journalism and web de-signer.

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37

Music GCSE

Qualification and Exam Board: Edexcel: GCSE (1MUO)



This course has 3 main focal points: Performance (30%) – ensemble and solo. Composition (30%) – one to a set brief and the other a free com-position. Listening and analysis of 8 set works(40%) Skills embedded at KS3 are developed through Performance, Compo-sition, Listening and Analysis of music are built upon in Music GCSE.

What will I be studying? Different pieces of music throughout history and musical peri-ods, such as: Baroque, Classical, Romantic and Contemporary, including film and popular music.

How to develop your performance skills both working as part of a music ensemble and as a solo musician.

Developing your composition skills in order to compose to a brief, set by exam board and school.

What are the entry require-ments?*

The ability to play an instrument or sing to grade 3 lev-el or equivalent.

A basic knowledge of music theory is desirable. A passion for music performance and composition. The desire to listen to and explore a wide range of musical

styles.


The GCSE is 60% coursework. Coursework entails: 30% Performance

1 solo performance 1 ensemble performance

30% Composition 1 set by the school 1 set by the exam board

The exam is worth 40% of the overall GCSE grade, which is based on listening and analysis of 8 set works of music spanning the timescale of Baroque to present-day music.

Post 16 Opportunities Obtaining this qualification can lead to Music A level or Music BTEC Level 3.


There is the possibility that you could go on to study at: Royal College of Music Royal Academy of Music Royal Northern College of Music Leeds College of Music Birmingham Conservatoire Guildhall School of Music and Drama BIMM (British & Irish Modern Music Institute) The Brit School Straight into the Music Industry NUMEROUS universities in the UK AND Globally including

Oxbridge.

*Please note if either course, BTEC Music or GCSE Music is undersubscribed the Music department will select the most suitable qualifica on for the cohort.

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Music BTEC

Qualification and Exam Board: Edexcel: Level 2 BTEC



This course has 3 main components: Developing skills, including teamwork, leadership and com-munication Developing and presenting music to a brief Analysing, evaluating and enhancing their learning. Skills embedded at Key Stage 3 through Performance, Composi-tion and Analysis of music are built upon during study for this qualification.

What will I be studying? Exploring The Music Industry -explore musical styles and techniques, and gain an understanding of roles in the indus-try

Developing Musical Skills - develop musical knowledge, skills, and techniques and apply them to a music product

Responding to a Music Brief - put skills into practice by re-sponding to a brief as a composer, performer or producer.

What are the entry require-ments?*

The ability to play an instrument or sing to an elementary standard.

A thirst to learn about all details of the music industry. A passion for music performance and composition.


The BTEC is 60% coursework. Coursework entails: Exploring the Music Industry and Developing Musical Skills

40% is an externally assessed component which is Respond-ing to a Music Brief, either through composition, performance or producing.

Post 16 Opportunities Obtaining this qualification can lead to Music BTEC Level 3 and possibly Music A level.


It is possible that you could go onto study at: BIMM (British & Irish Modern Music Institute) The Brit School Straight into the Music Industry NUMEROUS universities in the UK AND Globally Leeds College of Music

*Please note if either course, BTEC Music or GCSE Music is undersubscribed the Music department will select the most suitable qualifica on for the cohort.

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40

Performing Arts (Musical Theatre)

Qualification and Exam Board: Pearson: BTEC Tech Award in Performing Arts



Performing Arts is a combination of Dance, Music and Drama. All three disciplines have been studied at Key Stage 3 and the Performing Arts course builds upon the skills you have developed from such subjects. The course is divided into three components that are based on explore, develop and apply. The BTEC qualification is based on real life context that encourages our learners to relate their studying to professional con-texts to engage them with the Performing Arts Industry.

What will I be studying? The three components are: Component 1: ‘Exploring the Performing Arts’, is based on learners

exploration of practitioners work and what it is like to be a profes-sional dancer, actor or musical theatre performer.

Component 2: ‘Developing Skills and Techniques in the Performing Arts’, focuses on particular styles in acting, dancing and musical the-atre. Students are encouraged to explore these styles in a practical, workshop setting, create a performance and reflect on their progress.

Component 3: ‘Performing to a Brief’, whereby students will be ap-plying their understanding, and exploration of different performance styles, to create a performance that responds to the exam brief.


You should be passionate about Performing Arts and in order to support your development and engagement with the coursework over the three years. You are expected to actively participate in extracurricular activities, such as school productions, shows, performances but this is not a require-ment to take the course. It is not an expectation that you secure the same grade in each dance, drama and music prior to start the course; but you may find you a stronger in a particular strand.


The type of coursework you will be required to submit ranges from written presentations, essays, reflective diaries, recorded participations in work-shops, group and individual performances. There is no written exam for the course; however, there is an externally assessed component that requires you to create a group performance in response to a brief set by the exam board. The external component is worth 40% of the overall qualification.

Post 16 Opportunities We currently offer BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Perform-ing Arts, as well as the BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Performing Arts .The BTEC Tech Award prepares our learners to continue Performing Arts onto a higher qualification with many of the components on the Tech Award being covered in further detail on the Extended Diploma/Diploma.


Students that have studied BTEC Performing Arts have gone onto study Performing Arts degrees at university and attending specialist Performing Arts colleges such as RADA. The course can lead onto a variety of different job roles such as performer, choreographer, singing teacher, drama teach-er, script writer, journalist, dance movement therapist, composer and many more occupations.

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41

Photography Qualification and Exam

Board: EDUQAS:GCSE Art & Design: Photography



This will suit you if you enjoy being creative, you will be developing on your art and design skills at Key Stage 3 from your DT and Art lessons and will be using these to learn how to use professional camera and lighting techniques. You will learn how to edit your images in a range of ways using art materials you will be familiar with and digital techniques with Pho-toshop which you may not. Marks are evenly given for the use of digital and traditional art skills in the editing of your images. By the end of the course you will have a folder of work to apply for post 16 and you will have been able to experience using SLR camer-as and two professional studio setups to understanding lighting.

What will I be studying? There are two core units within this course; coursework and an ex-ternal set assignment resulting in a 10 hour exam. The coursework is split into 2 projects on set themes where candi-dates will have the opportunity to develop their photographic, writ-ten, verbal and observational skills. You will use a wide range of materials and media, learning a variety of techniques and these will be presented in a highly visual way. You will research a range of themes from different artists and de-signers and use this to develop your own work. You will use the camera to collect source material which will be manipulated using art materials and processes.


Unit 1: Coursework, worth 60% of the final grade, done in Year 10 and winter term in Year 11.

Unit 2: Externally Set Assignment, worth 40% of the final grade. Question paper is released in January and 10 hour ex-am is sat in April of year 11.

The exam will be a practical exam where you will work on your folder and outcomes after a preparation period in lessons.

Post 16 Opportunities This course will give you the skills and knowledge to study a range of art and design courses at post 16. We currently offer a range of art and design courses and you will be able to gain entry to them with this course. This course will also give you the skills to go on to apprenticeships in art, design or photography.


Following completion of the GCSE course in Art and Design: Pho-tography, successful candidates would be able to progress to A Lev-el Art courses or Level 3 Art and Design courses. This could lead to initial employment, at a junior level, in such are-as as freelance photographer, photographers assistant, graphic or interior designing, or web design. This can lead to further progres-sion to academic qualifications at degree level. Candidates often progress into careers in Art and Design including Photography, architecture, ceramics, interior design, graphic de-sign, web design and gaming.

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42

Religious Studies

Qualification and Ex-am Board: AQA: A GCSE



A Religious Studies GCSE provides a broad understanding of the beliefs and practices of the faiths studied, as well as promoting re-ligious literacy and the contemplation of ultimate questions. Students will be able to reflect on and develop their own values, beliefs and attitudes in light of what they have learnt. There will be a range of relevant and contemporary themes to study that will promote awareness of modern-world issues and engagement with-in the classroom. Students of all abilities will be challenged and inspired, whilst de-veloping valuable skills sought after by higher education and em-ployers.

What will I be studying? Component 1: The study of religious beliefs, teachings and practices. Beliefs, teaching and practices from Christianity and Islam.

Component 2: Thematic studies: four religious, philosoph-

ical and ethical studies are chosen, and each are linked to Christianity and Islam.


Ability to write and communicate effectively in Key Stage 3. Teach-er input will be required for students working at or below securing.


Component 1 1h 45m written examination Component 2 1h 45m written examination

Post 16 Opportunities Several post-16 opportunities exist following completion of Reli-gious Studies GCSE. Current students are following the Philosophy course in Sixth Form.


They will develop analytical and critical thinking skills, the ability to work with abstract ideas, leadership and research skills. All these skills will help prepare them for further study.

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Sociology Qualification and Ex-

am Board: AQA: GCSE


Course Description

What will I be studying?

How much theory or how much practical?

Unit 1: Central institutions in society, such as the family, education and studying society in context (research meth-ods). The methods sociologists use to study society. Students will have the opportunity to apply sociological research methods in practical activities related to units one and two.

Unit 2: Further social institutions and processes., including

crime and deviance, mass media, power and social inequali-ty.

Final Examination

What is the final exam like?

Two exams of one and a half hours each. These include stimulus material (usually short extracts) and a mixture of short and longer answers. The examination will test your understanding of concepts and is-sues taught throughout your studies. Students will be expected to write answers to 12 mark questions.

Will this suit me? This course will suit students who are interested in people and en-joy discussing social and political issues. It is exciting, interesting and relevant to everyone’s lives. It makes you think! There is a lot of reading and writing in this course too that you will need to complete.

What does it go with and where will it go to?

Sociology goes with any other subject, but particularly comple-ments History at GCSE. The GCSE is good preparation for any Social Science and Humani-ties course at A level including Sociology, Politics, Psychology, His-tory and Geography. It supports future careers in most walks of life such as: Law, Busi-ness, Media, Health and Social Care and Government.

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44

Sport Qualification and Exam

Board: Edexcel: BTEC First Award



The Tech Award gives learners the opportunity to develop sector-specific knowledge and skills in a practical learning environment. The main focus is on knowledge, understanding and skills in health, fit-ness, activity and sport. Learners will develop: Knowledge of the body systems, common sports injuries and

technological advances which impact on sport and activity Key skills that support their theoretical understanding of the

training, nutrition and psychological factors that influence and impact on engagement in sport and activity

Understanding principles of leadership and the physical and psychological benefits for session participants. Learners will in-vestigate methods of planning, delivering and reviewing session for a range of target groups.

It builds on the age related expectations from year 7 and 8, where many of the assessment criteria are based on theoretical knowledge and leadership. The qualification has a broad focus on building knowledge and skill, including the impact of technology and psycholo-gy on sport and activity. There are practical and theoretical elements, and assessment of the course comes in assignment writing, externally assessed examination and practical ability.

What will I be studying? There are 3 components of the course, these are: Component 1 – Understand the body and the supporting tech-

nology for sport and activity (impact of sport and activity on the body systems, common injuries in sport and methods of rehabil-itation, use of technology for sport)

Component 2 – The principles of training, nutrition and psycho-logical for sport and activity (methods of training, training prin-ciples, fitness programming, macro and micro nutrients, hydra-tion, motivation, self-confidence and anxiety)

Component 3 – Applying the principles of sport and activity (attributes of a leader, benefits of participation, session plan-ning, delivering and reviewing sessions).


Securing and above at Age Related Expectation in year 8 Also playing sport regularly for school and outside of school clubs and a keen interest in sports not just one sport.


Component 1 – internally assessed through assignment writing and submission

Component 2 – Externally assessed written exam Component 3 – Internally produced and performances are video

recorded and externally assessed

Post 16 Opportunities Leads to BTEC National Diploma and Extended Diploma at SIS sixth form


Post 16 study at BTEC National Diploma or Extended Diploma in Sport and A Level Sport.

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Textiles

Qualification and Exam Board: EDUCQAS: GCSE Art & Design: Textiles:



This will suit you if you enjoy being creative, sewing, embroidery, being experimental with a range of different materials and tech-niques and learning about other artists and designers You will use the skills you have developed in any of the Design or Art subjects in years 7 and 8.

What will I be studying? There are two core units within this course; coursework and an ex-ternal set assignment resulting in a 10 hour exam. The coursework is split into 2 projects on set themes where candi-dates will have the opportunity to develop presentation, print mak-ing, sewing, pattern making, communication and observational skills. You will use a wide range of materials and media, learning a variety of techniques and these will be presented in a highly visual way. You will research a range of themes from different artists and de-signers and use this to develop your own work in a range of textiles and 3D materials.


Unit 1: Coursework, worth 60% of the final grade, done in Year 10 and winter term in Year 11.

Unit 2: Externally Set Assignment, worth 40% of the final grade. Question paper is released in January and 10 hour ex-am is sat in April of year 11.

The exam will be a practical exam where you will work on your folder and outcomes after a preparation period in lessons.

Post 16 Opportunities This course will give you the skills and knowledge to study a range of art and design courses at post 16. We currently offer a range of art and design courses and you will be able to gain entry to them with this course. This course will also give you the skills to go on to apprenticeships in textiles, art, or design.


Following completion of the GCSE course in Art and Design, suc-cessful candidates would be able to progress to A Level Art courses or Level 3 Art and Design courses. This could lead to initial employment, at a junior level, in such are-as as textiles, fashion, textile design. This can lead to further pro-gression to academic qualifications at degree level. Candidates of-ten progress into careers in Art and Design including Photography, architecture, ceramics, interior design, graphic de-sign, web design and gaming.

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46

Separate Sciences Qualification and Exam

Board: GCSE Biology, Chemistry and Physics: AQA



This course will enable you to expand your scientific knowledge and gain three separate Science GCSE’s (Biology, Chemistry and Physics.). If you think you may study Science in the Sixth Form we recommend that you take Separate Sciences for GCSE. Equally, if you know you really enjoy Science, doing Separate Sciences allows you to do more of something you enjoy! The course builds on the 10 ‘Big ideas’ met in KS3 and allows you to increase the depth of your knowledge and understanding. It also allows you to apply your scientific knowledge to new situations, using the key skills you have learnt in KS3. It will allow you to understand the science involved in the world around you and to make informed decisions about key issues.


GCSE Biology: Paper 1: Cell Biology, Organisation, Infection and response and Bioenerget-ics Paper 2: Homeostasis and response, Inheritance, variation and evolution and Ecology GCSE Chemistry: Paper 1: Atomic structure and the periodic table, Bonding, structure and properties of matter, Quantitative chemistry, Chemical changes and Energy changes Paper 2: The rate and extent of chemical change, Organic chemistry, Chemi-cal analysis, Chemistry of the atmosphere and Using resources GCSE Physics: Paper 1: Energy, Electricity, Particle model of matter and Atomic structure Paper 2: Forces, Waves, Magnetism, Electromagnetism and Space physics

What are the entry requirements?

The 3 separate sciences at GCSE are challenging courses and only open to those students who are preferably working at or above Deepening in their key stage 3 course. Students who want to do the 3 separate science course will need to choose it as one of their option choices.


There are six papers in total and this will gain you 3 separate GCSEs (Biology, Chemistry, Physics). 2 papers each for biology, chemistry and physics these will all be taken at the end of Year 11 in the Summer exams. Each written exam will last 1hr 45mins and will contain a mixture of multi-ple-choice, structured, closed short answer and open response style ques-tions.

Post 16 Opportunities The three separate science programme is an ideal preparation for any stu-dent considering any or all of the sciences at KS5. It is also a solid founda-tion for students who wish to move on into a Science, Technology, Engineer-ing or Maths degree at University but also it has broader currency. However it is still possible to study any of the 3 science courses at A level from a Com-bined Science (double award) background providing a high standard is achieved.

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Subject Options Choice Form: Years 9 - 11 2018/2019 Please complete this copy and KEEP FOR YOUR RECORDS Student: _______________________________Tutor group: __________ All students will be expected to take the core subjects of English, Maths, Science, PE and RE. Tick one of the following:

Pathway 1

I would like to go to a Sixth Form College and then probably go to university. Therefore, I have selected History or Geography and either French or German as options.

Pathway 2

I would like to go to higher education and possibly go to university or further edu-cation. Therefore I have selected one EBACC subject from History, Geography, French or German.

Pathway 3

I would like to go to higher education/apprenticeship and possibly go to further education.

Starting September

2019

Years 9 - 11

Choice 1 First Preference Second Preference Third Preference




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Subject Options Choice Form: Years 9 - 11 2018/2019 Please complete this copy and RETURN TO YOUR FORM TUTOR Student: ____________________________Tutor group: _____________ All students will be expected to take the core subjects of English, Maths, Science, PE and RE. Tick one of the following:

Signed by: Student: _______________ Parent: ______________________Tutor:______________

Starting September

2018

Years 9 - 11





Pathway 2

I would like to go to higher education and possibly go to university or further edu-cation. Therefore I have selected one EBACC subject from History, Geography, French or German.

Pathway 1

I would like to go to a Sixth Form College and then probably go to university. Therefore, I have selected History or Geography and either French or German as options.

Pathway 3

I would like to go to higher education/apprenticeship and possibly go to further education.

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Stantonbury Interna onal Milton Keynes MK14 6BN T: 01908 324440 E: [email protected] W: www.stantonbury.org.uk www.facebook.com/stantonbury www.twi er.com/stantonbury

gcse option information for september 2019...sociology a level at post 16 and not have done gcse...

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