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KEY STAGE 4 COURSES

2017-2020

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CULLOMPTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE Exeter Road

Cullompton

Devon

EX15 1DX

Tel: 01884 33364

Fax: 01884 38307

e-mail: admin@cullomptoncollege.net

Dear Parent/Carer

KS4 Curriculum Evening

This will take place on Thursday 26th January 2017 starting at 4.30 pm and ending at approximately 6pm.

The event is for all Year 8 students and their parents/carers and it is extremely important that everyone

attends. The event will start with a presentation about government changes to the examination system

and the new GCSE curricula and what this will mean for your son/daughter. I will also explain the different

pathways on offer at CCC and the core subjects that your son/daughter will do on the different pathways.

The second part of the event is designed so that you can ask detailed questions about the courses on offer

and which ones will be most suitable for your son/daughter.

We have offered pathway guidance and individual progress reviews to all students in Year 8, so that they

are aware of which pathway is most suitable for them and which subjects they should be thinking of adding

to their core. Students should make decisions according to the subjects where they have a good or

exceptional attitude to learning and in which they are making good progress.

I would strongly encourage parents and students to think about the possible links between the courses

they choose in Years 9 - 11 and what they might then go on to study post-16 at college. As you will also

know, the government has raised the age of participation and your son/daughter will be expected to stay in

some form of education until s/he is 19 years of age. There are also continuing significant

changes to state education. This booklet is designed to help you to understand which courses to take in

Years 9 – 11. This is a very important time and I would encourage you to take advantage of the different

forms of advice and guidance available. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or

require further advice. We are here to support you in helping your son/daughter to make the most of the

opportunities at Cullompton Community College.

I look forward to seeing you on Thursday 26th January at 4.30pm. In the meantime, if you have any

questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Yours sincerely,

Mrs Amanda Duffy

Deputy Headteacher

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A GUIDE TO KEY STAGE 4

INTRODUCTION

This booklet provides valuable information that will help students, parents and carers make an informed choice about the subjects and types of qualifications available in Years 9 -11.

One of the most critical phases in a young person’s education is between the ages of 13 and 19 years. It is the period where they build on their earlier learning and prepare for adult life and employment. The world has changed greatly in recent years and schools have needed to change as well. It is now very unlikely that a young person in today’s job market will remain in the same job for their whole career; the days of a ‘job for life’ seem to be long gone. It is therefore critical that their educational experience prepares them for the future, so that they are able to learn independently, work with others as part of a team and reflect on their own performance.

To prepare them for the world of work we try as far as possible to make all the courses offered as relevant to the needs of each student.

Our key principles in producing this curriculum have been:

A differentiated curriculum which allows access to all students at a variety of levels

Equipping students with the skills and competencies that enable them to confidently meet the challenges of working and living in the twenty-first century

A curriculum which has clear progression into further studies at Post-16 after completion of GCSEs

Our recommendation to students is that they follow a broad and balanced curriculum in order to develop a range of skills. We aim to cater for individual needs. As a College we will do everything possible to support and guide your child through this important process so that his/her study programme is both balanced and meets their needs.

THE CURRICULUM

In KS3 (Years 7 and 8) students follow a broad and balanced curriculum to introduce them to all the main subject areas. In KS4 (Years 9 - 11) all students must continue to follow a set of core subjects. Beyond these, students will be guided on to one of three pathways, so that their interests and talents can be developed. Details of all subjects are given in this booklet.

The Curriculum at KS4 followed by most students will consist of the core subjects and a mixture of other GCSE subjects.

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Blue pathway

(This pathway is only suitable for students who have a GCSE forecast grade of at least a 6 in Science)

Core offer (minimum of 9 GCSEs)

GCSE English Language

GCSE English Literature

GCSE Maths

Triple Science (GCSEs Chemistry, Physics and Biology)

PE

GCSE RE

IT

GCSE History OR Geography

GCSE French OR German

Choose ONE from the following:

GCSE History

GCSE Geography

GCSE Design and Technology

GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition

GCSE PE

GCSE Drama

GCSE Music

GCSE Art

ICT (National Diploma)

If one GCSE is chosen, total GCSEs = 9 + 1 = 10

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Red pathway

Core offer (6 GCSEs)

GCSE English Language

GCSE English Literature

GCSE Maths

Double Science (2 GCSEs)

GCSE History OR Geography

PE

GCSE RE (short course)

IT

Choose THREE from the following:

GCSE History

GCSE Geography

GCSE French

GCSE German

GCSE Design and Technology

GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition

GCSE PE

GCSE Drama

GCSE Music

GCSE Art

ICT (National Diploma)

If three GCSEs are chosen, total GCSEs = 6 + 3 = 9

If two GCSEs and ICT are chosen, total GCSEs = 6 + 2 = 8 (plus 1 GCSE equivalent)

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Green pathway

Core offer (minimum of 8 GCSEs)

GCSE English Language

GCSE English Literature

GCSE Maths

Double Science (2 GCSEs)

PE

GCSE RE

IT

GCSE History OR Geography

GCSE French OR German

Choose TWO from the following:

GCSE History

GCSE Geography

GCSE Design and Technology

GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition

GCSE PE

GCSE Drama

GCSE Music

GCSE Art

ICT (National Diploma)

If two GCSEs are chosen, total GCSEs = 8 + 2 = 10

If one GCSE and ICT are chosen, total GCSEs = 8 + 1 = 9 (plus 1 GCSE equivalent)

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ADDITIONAL ADVICE AND GUIDANCE

Please note that all exams will now be taken in May and June 2020. Getting to grips with these decisions is not easy and you probably have a number of questions. There will be opportunity to ask us directly at the Key Stage 4 Curriculum Evening on Thursday 26th January from 4.30 pm — 6.00 pm.

Recommendation to Students

Try to select subjects that…….

you think you will enjoy and feel you are good at

you may need for your future education and/or career

you are most likely to work enthusiastically and succeed at

provide a balance and variety - by keeping a balance at this stage, you will not close off future options

DO and DON’T

DO talk to your parents, subject teachers, careers staff, Head of Year — they are all able to help.

DO read the subject details in this booklet carefully and ask if you need to know more.

DON’T choose a subject just because you like a particular teacher (or avoid a subject because you dislike a teacher - you may well have a different teacher next year).

DON’T choose a subject because your friends are choosing it. You are deciding about your future and they probably will not be in the same group as you.

DON’T be misled by the title of a subject into thinking you need it for a career.

Do not overspecialise at this stage. Experience has shown that many young people change their minds between 14 and 16. By keeping a balance at this stage, students do not close off future options.

A pathway form will be provided at the Curriculum Evening.

Changing subjects is very difficult because of the disruption that it causes due to the large amount of work that has been missed and therefore there will be NO changes allowed in the first four weeks of Year 9. There will then be a 1-week period when subjects can be changed but only if a good reason is provided. After this point no more changes or dropping subjects will be allowed. It is therefore vital that students think very carefully about their Key Stage 4 Curriculum and, even if they think they already know what they want to do, I would urge them to read through this booklet and bear in mind how these choices might affect what they can do after Year 11.

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Citizenship, Personal, Social & Health Education (CPSHE) Years 9 - 11

During Key Stage 4 students use the knowledge, skills and understanding gained in Key Stage 3 and their own experience to take on new and more adult roles within school and the wider community. They develop self-awareness and the confidence needed for adult life, further learning and work. Aspects of Citizenship include British values, democracy and voting, the economy, financial education and diversity.

The programme for Years 9 - 11 CPSHE will be delivered in 10 hours on two collapsed timetable days, during assemblies and registration throughout KS4 and focuses on areas including:

Developing a healthy, safer lifestyle - There will be opportunities to assess the risks and benefits associated with lifestyle choices such as sexual activity or using alcohol, tobacco and illegal drugs, so that they can make safer choices based on this assessment. Their understanding of the short and long-term consequences of personal health will be developed further. Students will learn where they can find professional health advice and become confident in seeking it.

Developing good relationships and respecting the differences between people - Students will develop and learn how they can take the initiative in order to challenge and give support in connection with offensive behaviour. In addition students will study Sex & Relationship Education.

Careers Education & Guidance – Students will learn about the world of work through the CPSHE programme, culminating in a week of work experience, in the summer term of Year 10. As we move into Year 11 we spend time looking at post-16 choices and helping to prepare students for the future challenges of the world of work. Students will prepare a CV and as exams loom they will be given tips on how to organise their revision timetables.

Every Year 11 student receives at least one guidance interview with one of the Careers Advisers to form an Action Plan. An extensive Careers Library is maintained within College, and Mr Sturtivant is in charge of Careers Education.

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The Process

December 2016 Key Stage 4 Curriculum Booklet

published

26th January 2017 Key Stage 4 Curriculum Evening

(4.30 pm – 6.00 pm)

10th February 2017 LAST DATE for return of forms to the

Admin office

Throughout this time Tutors will be guiding students about making their decisions.

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GCSE English Language and English Literature

This course will:

Develop pupils’ ability to communicate their ideas, knowledge, feelings and points of view orally and in the written form

To develop pupils’ ability to understand literary texts

Develop pupils’ ability to communicate an informed response and to speak and write effectively and accurately

ENGLISH LANGUAGE - The English course comprises three Units:

Paper 1 : Explorations in creative reading and writing Reading/Writing

Paper 2 : Writers’ viewpoints and perspectives Reading/Writing

Non-exam assessment: A formal speech in Standard English

ENGLISH LITERATURE - The English Literature course comprises two units:

What content is covered? Exam Board: AQA

Paper 1 : Shakespeare and the 19th-century novel

Paper 2 : Modern texts and poetry

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English Language: Paper 1 – Examination

Paper 2 – Examination

Speech – Teacher Assessment

English Literature: Paper 1 – Examination

Paper 2 – Examination

How will I be assessed?

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GCSE Mathematics

This course will

develop students’ understanding of numeric, algebraic, logic, spatial, and statistical concepts

develop students’ skills in forming and presenting argument and proof

develop students’ ability to communicate ideas using statistics

develop students’ ability to work collaboratively

develop students’ ability to solve problems and investigate pattern.

All examination boards work to the same guidance and will examine students in the following areas Number Algebra Geometry Measures Statistics Probability Quality of written communication Problem solving

What content is covered? Exam Boards: Edexcel, OCR & AQA

How will I be assessed?

We make every effort to give all of our students the best possible chance of achieving and hopefully

exceeding their target grade. Very often this can lead to a variety of assessment routes depending on

progress.

In Mathematics assessment at GCSE is with tiered papers

Foundation Tier grades 1-5

Higher Tier grades 4-9

In both tiers there are 2 calculator papers and 1 non-calculator paper

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Physical Education (CORE)

All students will have two periods of PE each week in Years 9, 10 and 11. It is our aim that all students, by the end of Year 11, will have the experience, knowledge, enthusiasm and confidence to continue to be actively involved in physical activity to maintain an active healthy lifestyle.

What content is covered?

Students will engage in a variety of activities such as invasion games (football, netball, rugby, basketball and hockey) net/wall games (badminton, tennis) and striking and fielding games (rounders, cricket). Students will also experience fitness activities such as circuit training and time in the Fitness Studio to work on either continuous or resistance training. In addition, there may be scope for students to opt to do Athletics and Trampolining. It is also hoped that some students will be able to undertake the Junior Sports Leader Award (JSLA) programme during their Core PE time. This is a nationally recognised qualification and enables students to coach younger students and to organise festivals and competitions.

CCC Sport Leaders

How will I be assessed?

There is no exam for

this course.

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GCSE Religious Studies

All students will have one lesson of Religious Studies a week. This course allows students to develop their knowledge and understanding of the religions studied. It also gives them the opportunity to consider many current and important issues from religious and non-religious perspectives. The topics studied will challenge and equip students to lead constructive lives in the modern world. The promotion of community cohesion is at the heart of this course.

Component 1

Religious, Philosophical and Ethic Studies in the Modern World.

Theme 1 ~ Issues of Religious Relationships

Theme 2 ~ Issues of Life and Death

Theme 3 ~ Issues of Good and Evil

Theme 4 ~ Issues of Human Rights

Component 2

Study of Christianity

Component 3

Study of Sikhism

What content is covered? Exam Board: WJEC

How will I be assessed? At the end of the three years, students on the blue and green pathways will have the opportunity to sit the GCSE exam. There is no coursework involved.

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GCSE Combined Science

All students are required to study for two GCSEs in Science. The GCSEs are changing and students will now study for three years and sit exams at the end of this time.

Aspects of Biology, Chemistry and Physics will be covered throughout the three years. The course is designed to give students an insight into how scientists work in developing and understanding ourselves and the world we live in.

Formal assessments will be made throughout all courses with topic tests, marked by teachers and then reported at times throughout the three years. There is no longer a controlled assessment element. There is an external end of Year 10 exam which allows us to check pupils’ progress against national figures. All assessment will be in the form of written exams at the end of Year 11.

What content is covered? Exam Board: Edexcel

How will I be assessed?

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GCSE Triple Science

(GCSE Biology/GCSE Chemistry/ and GCSE Physics)

This course is appropriate for those with a strong desire to continue with Science based studies at College and/or University. Typically pupils who have an aspiration to study medicine, dentistry, biochemistry and other related subjects would be advised to choose this pathway. Pupils need to demonstrate a strong commitment to science. This pathway is appropriate for those with good skills in literacy and numeracy as well as a good understanding of the Science covered during Key Stage 3. Students usually have three different Science teachers for this course. Triple Science is only suitable for students who have a GCSE forecast grade of at least a 6 in Science.

What content is covered? Exam Board: Edexcel

How will I be assessed?

Formal assessments will be made throughout all courses with topic tests, marked by teachers and then reported at times throughout the three years. There is no longer a controlled assessment element. There is an external end of Year 10 exam which allows us to check pupils’ progress against national figures. All assessment will be in the form of written exams at the end of Year 11.

These students will cover Biology, Chemistry and Physics as separate courses, with one GCSE being studied in part of the timetable as one of their choices. We regard these courses as the best preparation of Science ’AS’ and ’A2’ levels. The courses are designed to give students an insight into how scientists work in developing and understanding ourselves and the world we live in.

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How will I be assessed?

Core Information and Communications Technology

ECDL is the benchmark for digital literacy in educational systems around the globe. ECDL equips students with the skills to use a computer confidently and effectively, building on existing knowledge and motivating further learning. Tried, tested and trusted, ECDL programmes have been delivered to over 11 million people, in 41 languages across 148 countries. Over 2 million people have taken ECDL in the UK since 1997.

This course is taught alongside the computing course in Years 7 and 8 with formal assessments made during Year 9.

The course consists of 4 units:

Word Processing

Spreadsheets

Presentation software

Improving productivity

Each unit is examined online with

results being made available

immediately. The course counts

as 1 GCSE.

What content is covered? Exam Board: BCS

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1 written paper

3 centre assessed practical tasks

Core Information and Communications Technology

The Cambridge Nationals in ICT will equip learners with sound ICT skills for everyday use and provide opportunities to develop in context those desirable, transferable skills such as planning, research and analysis, working with others and communicating technical concepts effectively. They will also challenge all learners, including high attaining learners, by introducing them to demanding material and skills; encouraging independence and creativity; providing tasks that engage with the most taxing aspects of the National Curriculum (including data handling, modelling and programming). This course is taught in Years 10 and 11.

Why Study this course?

What content is covered? Exam Board: OCR

The Cambridge Nationals in ICT consist of:

Unit 1 : Understanding computer systems ( assessed via a 1hr written paper )

Unit 2 : Using ICT to create business solutions ( centre assessed task )

Plus 2 other units which could include:

Unit 3 : Handling data using spreadsheets

Unit 5 : Creating an interactive product using multimedia components (centre assessed task)

Unit 6 : Creating digital images

Unit 8: Introduction to computer programming (centre assessed task)

How will I be assessed?

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Key Stage 4 subjects

Art

Design and Technology

Drama

Food Preparation and Nutrition

French

Geography

German

History

ICT

Music

Physical Education

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How will I be assessed?

GCSE Art

Students will follow the AQA GCSE Art and Design course.

In Years 9 and 10, work will be very structured initially, focusing on students skills, gradually leading into a very individual extended project. Year 11 is dedicated to completing the extended project, followed by AQA’s externally set assignment.

Why Study this course?

What content is covered? Exam Board: AQA

GCSE Art and Design provides students with a wide range of creative,

exciting and stimulating opportunities to explore their interests in ways

that are both personally relevant and developmental in nature.

This two unit specification enables students to develop their ability to

actively engage in the processes of Art and Design - to build creative

skills through learning and doing, to develop imaginative and intuitive

ways of working and develop knowledge and understanding of media, materials and technologies

in historical and contemporary contexts, societies and cultures.

It is a strong foundation for further progression to Art and Design related courses such as A-Level

Art and Design.

Students receive continual assessment of their work and progress, enabling them to improve their work before final marking at the end of the course when they submit:

Component 1 – Portfolio selected from Year 10 and Year 11 work which makes 60% of the final grade.

Component 2 – ‘An Externally Set Assignment’ which makes the other 40 % of the final grade.

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What content is covered? Exam Board: AQA

Why Study this course?

How will I be assessed?

GCSE Design and Technology

Central to D&T is the important life skills of creativity and problem solving. Studying D&T, students develop these skills through practical and theoretical activities in such a way as to provide them with strategies they can use in their future. Students will also develop an appreciation as to what good design is. This course develops students’ ability to design and make products with various materials including metals, plastics and timbers. Students may if they wish concentrate on one material for their GCSE coursework in Year 11. This year we also plan to incorporate more CAD / CAM (computer aided design and computer aided manufacture) into the course now that we have laser cutting facilities and a 3D printer.

Future careers that this course may help with include:

Engineering

Architecture

Jewellery designer

Product designer

Carpenter

Plumber

Construction trades

Interior designer

Set designer

Electrician

Three design and make projects will be covered each year during Years 9 and 10, one based mainly on wood, one on metal and one on plastics. This will cover the majority of the course content enabling students to then focus on their controlled assessment which will in commence in Year 11.

A majority of theoretical knowledge required for the exam will be learnt during the practical designing and making activities.

Unit 1 - Written exam worth 50%

Core technical principles

Specialist technical principles

Designing and making principles

Unit 2 - Design and make coursework project worth 50%. Design contexts will be set by the exam board. The following areas will be assessed:

Investigating

Designing

Making

Analysing and Evaluating

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How will I be assessed?

GCSE Drama

This course will aim to extend knowledge, skill, understanding and creativity in the fields of Drama and Theatre, and to familiarise students with a variety of methods of expression within these areas.

Many interesting and exciting areas of study will be covered including devised work, improvisation and script work, as well as organised theatre visits.

Candidates will be asked to work in small groups. Many students enjoy working after school to improve practical work. Successful students will do this regularly.

Candidates need to focus on practical skills such as those concerned with voice and movement to create the characterisations on which they are to be assessed.

What content is covered?

Why Study this course?

Students will be assessed over three components of study. 30% Practical and 70% Written examination.

The course requires students to work creatively, imaginatively and independently. Students must enjoy working in groups with a variety of different students. Students must be keen to perform to an audience.

Students will work to develop three pieces of practical work for performance.

There will be a written piece of work to go with each piece of practical work.

There will be a written exam worth 70% of the total grade.

Most of all students need to be creative, imaginative and committed to making Theatre for Performance.

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GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition

GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition is a new, exciting and creative course which focuses on practical cooking skills to ensure students develop a thorough understanding of nutrition, food provenance and the working characteristics of food materials. Following this qualification will encourage students to cook and enable them to make informed decisions about food and nutrition in order to be able to feed themselves and others affordably and nutritiously, now and later in life.

Food preparation skills are integrated into five core topics:

1. Food, nutrition and health – Macro Nutrients, Micro Nutrients, Nutritional Needs and Health.

2. Food science – Cooking of food, Heat Transfer and the Functional and Chemical Properties of Food.

3. Food safety – Food Spoilage, Contamination and the Principles of Food Safety.

4. Food choice – Factors affecting Food Choice, British and International Cuisines, Sensory Evaluation,

Food Labelling and Marketing

5. Food provenance – Environmental Impact and

Sustainability of Food, Food Processing and

Production.

EXAM: Paper 1: Food preparation and nutrition (50%) Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes

The paper will be made up of 20 multiple choice questions worth 20 Marks and 5 questions each with a number of sub questions worth 80 marks.

NON- EXAM ASSESSMENT (NEA): Task 1: Food investigation (15%) Written Report

Students' understanding of the working characteristics, functional and chemical properties of ingredients. Students will submit a written report (1,500–2,000 words) including photographic evidence of the practical investigation.

NON- EXAM ASSESSMENT (NEA): Task 2: Food preparation assessment (35%) Written Portfolio Students' knowledge, skills and understanding in relation to the planning, preparation, cooking, presentation of food and application of nutrition related to the chosen task. Students will prepare, cook and present a final menu of three dishes within a single period of no more than three hours, planning in advance how this will be achieved. Students will submit a written portfolio (15 A4 pages) including photographic evidence.

Why Study this course?

What content is covered? Exam Board: AQA

How will I be assessed?

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GCSE French

In our modern society, it is vital for many businesses to be able to communicate and deal with other countries and, therefore, knowledge of a foreign language is extremely important in our business world.

The aims of the French course are:-

1) to develop the ability to use French effectively for purposes of practical communication.

2) to form a sound base of the skills, language and attitudes required for work, leisure or further

study.

3) to encourage positive attitudes towards foreign language learning and the cultures and

civilisations of French speaking countries.

4) to promote learning skills of a more general nature (e.g. analysis, memorising and drawing of

inferences).

Language skills will be tested in the four areas: listening, reading, speaking and writing. Test materials will be based on topic areas appropriate to a visitor to a French speaking country, e.g. news items, weather forecasts, station announcements, tourist guides and brochures, menus, timetables and situations in which a tourist may have to speak in the native tongue. There will also be exposure to authentic literacy texts and articles that promote a better cultural understanding of France.

The course will involve practice of the four language skills mentioned above, making use of digital recordings, reading material and role-playing. Students will be expected to complete one homework of about three-quarters of an hour each week, which may often be a learning task. There will also be vital preparation for coursework.

The Modern Language GCSE is assessed in the four skills of Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing. All four skills will be assessed in a final examination at the end of the course, at either Higher Tier (9-4) or Foundation Tier (5-1). All four skills are worth 25% each.

Why Study this course?

What content is covered? Exam Board: Edexcel

How will I be assessed?

When learning a foreign language, it not only provides you with knowledge of that country but it also teaches you important skills you need to be successful in other subject areas such as problem solving, deduction and thinking skills.

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What content is covered? Exam Board: OCR B

In order to answer this question, ask yourself what you enjoy about studying Geography. Do you enjoy:

learning about the world in which you live?

developing skills that will help you in other subjects such as ICT and research?

completing practical work away from the classroom?

working in a team?

learning through investigation?

Geography really is an education for life. Employers and universities value the broad range of transferable skills that Geography delivers. Geography fits neatly with Science, Arts and Humanities. Geographers also tend to have very good ICT skills. A GCSE in Geography is excellent preparation for a career in planning, resource and countryside management, tourism and recreation, and environmental management and development. Many geographers also move into general management careers or branch out into journalism.

Our Natural World

Global Hazards. This looks at a variety of hazards that impact human lives within the UK and worldwide

Changing Climate. As one of the most controversial global issues of the 21st century we will learn about the social, economic and environmental impacts of climate change.

Distinctive landscapes. This looks at the range of UK landscapes.

Sustaining ecosystems. This explores the Earth’s ecological wonders.

People and Society

Urban futures. This topic explores why the global pattern of cities is changing.

Dynamic Development. This examines the gap between the rich and poor.

UK in the 21st Century. This topic covers the range of cultures, identities and economies that make up the UK.

Resource reliance. Supplies of food, energy and water are three of the most challenging issues the world faces. This topic investigates ‘can we feed nine billion people?’

Why Study this course?

GCSE Geography

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How will I be assessed?

Our Natural World (01) 70 marks. 1 hour 15 minutes written paper worth 35%

People and Society (02) 70 marks. 1 hour 15 minutes written paper. 35% of total GCSE

Geographical Exploration (03) (Geographical skills and a Decision Making Exercise.) 1 hour 30 minutes. 30% of total GCSE.

Exams have a mix of multiple choice, 2, 4, 6, 8 questions with a variety of sources such as maps, photos, graphs, cartoons and newspaper extracts.

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What content is covered? Exam Board: Edexcel

GCSE German

The aims of the German course are:-

1) to develop the ability to use German effectively for purposes of practical communication.

2) to form a sound base of the skills, language and attitudes required for work, leisure or further study.

3) to encourage positive attitudes towards foreign language learning and the cultures and civilisations of German speaking countries.

4) to promote learning skills of a more general nature (e.g. analysis, memorising and drawing of inferences).

Language skills will be tested in the four areas: listening, reading, speaking and writing. Test materials will be based on topic areas appropriate to a visitor to a German speaking country, e.g. news items, weather forecasts, station announcements, tourist guides and brochures, menus, timetables and situations in which a tourist may have to speak in the native tongue. . There will also be exposure to authentic literacy texts and articles that promote a better cultural understanding of Germany.

The course will involve the practice of the four language skills mentioned above, making use of digital recordings, reading material and role-playing. Students will be expected to complete one homework of about three-quarters of an hour each week, which may often be a learning task. There will also be vital preparation for coursework.

The Modern Language GCSE is assessed in the four skills of Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing. All four skills will be assessed in a final examination at the end of the course, at either Higher Tier (9-4) or Foundation Tier (5-1). All four skills are worth 25% each.

How will I be assessed?

Why Study this course?

In our modern society, it is vital for many businesses to be able to communicate and deal with other countries and, therefore, knowledge of a foreign language is extremely important in our business world.

When learning a foreign language, it not only provides you with knowledge of that country but it also teaches you important skills you need to be successful in other subject areas such as problem solving, deduction and thinking skills.

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Employers, Colleges and Universities say that History is a very useful subject. History develops skills that are relevant to a variety of occupations, such as law, journalism, research, politics and many others. History can be a demanding subject and students are expected to write at length, undertake independent research and revise their work on a regular basis.

History is excellent for developing skills such as:

Clarity of explanation

Analysis and evaluation

Empathy with people in the past

Independent thought

Justifying opinions and arguments

Forming developed conclusions

What content is covered and how will I be assessed? Exam Board: Edexcel Paper 1: Thematic study and historic environment Written examination: 1 hour and 15 minutes 30% of the qualification Medicine in Britain, c1250–present and The British sector of the Western Front, 1914–18: injuries, treatment and the trenches. Paper 2: Period study and British depth study Written examination: 1 hour and 45 minutes 40% of the qualification British depth study - Early Elizabethan England, 1558–88. Period study - Superpower relations and the Cold War, 1941–91 Paper 3: Modern depth study Written examination: 1 hour and 20 minutes 30% of the qualification Weimar and Nazi Germany, 1918–39

Why Study this course?

GCSE History

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OCR Level 2 Information and

Communications Technology

The Cambridge Nationals in ICT will equip learners with sound ICT skills for everyday use and provide

opportunities to develop in context those desirable, transferable skills such as planning, research and

analysis, working with others and communicating technical concepts effectively. They will also challenge

all learners, including high attaining learners, by introducing them to demanding material and skills;

encouraging independence and creativity; providing tasks that engage with the most taxing aspects of the

National Curriculum (including data handling, modelling and programming). The hands on approach that

will be required for both teaching and learning will link appropriately with the way young people use new

technology. The qualification design, including the range of units available, will allow learners the free-

dom to explore more deeply the things that interest them as well as providing good opportunity to en-

hance their learning in a range of curriculum areas.

This course builds on the core ICT course enabling students to get a National Diploma in ICT.

In addition to the core course, pupils will need to complete 4 units from the following list:

Unit 3 : Handling data using spread sheets

Unit 4 : Handling data using databases

Unit 5 : Creating an interactive product using multimedia components

Unit 6 : Creating digital images

Unit 7 : Creating dynamic products using sound and vision

Unit 8 : Introduction to computer programming

Unit 9 : Exploring computer hardware and networks

Unit 10 : Developing control systems

Unit 11 : Understanding technology – a project approach

All units are centre assessed practical tasks

Why Study this course?

What content is covered? Exam Board: OCR

How will I be assessed?

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GCSE Music

The GCSE Music course provides students with the opportunity to

participate in practical and creative music making. The aim of the

course is to develop students’ understanding and appreciation of

a range of different kinds of music, extend their own interests and

increase their ability to make judgements about musical quality.

Students will need to use instruments to perform and compose music, both individually and in groups, and will also be encouraged to take part in live performances and music workshops. Due to the practical nature of this GCSE, it is strongly recommended that pupils wishing to take it already play an instrument (and have extra lessons) or that he/she is willing to take up and commit to lessons through the GCSE course.

The GCSE Music course will follow the WJEL music specification which is designed to build directly on the skills, knowledge and understanding established by the National Curriculum at KS3.

Why Study this course?

You focus on four AREAS OF STUDY .

The four areas of study are:

AoS1 – Musical Forms and Devices

AoS2 – Music for Ensemble

AoS3 – Film Music,

AoS4 – Popular Music

What content is covered? Exam Board: WJEC

How will I be assessed?

Component 1: Performing (worth 30% of the total marks)

Component 2: Composing (worth 30% of the total marks)

Component 3: Appraising (worth 40% of the total marks)

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What content is covered? Exam Board: AQA

GCSE Physical Education (Full Course)

Why Study this course?

The new GCSE Physical Education course is 70% theory and 30%

practical.

GCSE specifications in PE should require

students to study:

Applied anatomy and physiology

Movement analysis

Physical training

Use of data

Sports psychology

Socio-cultural influences

Health, fitness and well-being

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How will I be assessed?

Students will be assessed in three different activities in the role of player/performer. One activity from

the team list, one individual and the third from either category.

Each practical performance will contribute 10%. An Analysis/Training programme will contribute

another 10%. The final 60% is made up of two theory examination papers. Due to the high theoretical

element of the course, students should only opt for the course if they have a strong interest in sport.

Students must be prepared to engage in their assessed sports on a weekly basis outside of curriculum

hours. In addition, students should have a good level of achievement in Science in order to cope with

the rigorous demands of the theory content. It is envisaged that students will have one theory lesson and one practical lesson a week. However,

with the course being weighted 70% theory, this may well need to be adapted.

TEAM:

Football, Badminton Doubles, Basketball, Cricket, Handball, Hockey, Netball, Rowing, Rugby Union,

Tennis Doubles, Volleyball.

INDIVIDUAL:

Boxing, Athletics, Badminton, Canoeing/Kayaking, Dance, Golf, Gymnastics, Equestrian, Rock climbing,

Skiing, Squash, Swimming, Table Tennis, Tennis, Trampolining.

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The information contained in this document is correct at the time it was compiled.

It should not be assumed that there will be no variation before the start of, or during, the particular school year, or subsequently. It is not intended to create a contractual

relationship and may be varied in the light of changing circumstances, particularly with the introduction of new exam specifications in 2016.

Courses will only run if class sizes are viable.

December 2016