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Subject Information

Key Stage 4

Key Stage 4 2016

Art and Design

Subject GCSE Art and Design

Examination board O.C.R Introduction This GCSE is designed to bring Art and Design to life and to help you develop

your artistic skills and expand your creativity, imagination and independence. You will develop essential life skills in thinking, reflecting and evaluating; becoming a confident risk-taker. This is an inspiring GCSE that will encourage you to consider a wide range of approaches to expressing yourself through different materials, media and techniques. It will help you gain knowledge and understanding of art, craft, design, media and technologies from different societies and cultures both past and present. You will gain skills in photography, drawing, textiles, ceramics, painting, sculpture and ICT.

What will I study? Workshops - In year 10 you’ll start off with workshops which will introduce new skills such as stencil creation, spray paint, ink painting and 3D relief sculpture skills. Coursework – You will choose a project from four possible starting points. You’ll come up with an original idea, study the work of contemporary and contextual artists, develop your skills in a range of media and produce high quality final pieces. Exam – As preparation for the exam you’ll choose from eight starting points, selecting a new artist and creating a new body of work experimental work. Your exam will be the creation of your final piece.

How and when will I be assessed?

This GCSE subject is divided into two components; coursework which is awarded 60% of the marks, and exam which is awarded 40%. The coursework deadline is the Christmas holidays. All portfolio work is completed and mounted along with a finished final piece. Exam preparation runs from January to April. The exam lasts 10 hours and will be sat over two days, where you will produce a final piece. The preparation work you create in the run up to the exam will also count towards your final mark. Your coursework and Exam work will be assessed by your teachers and then externally verified by a visiting moderator.

What teaching strategies will be used?

You’ll be given the opportunity to learn a wide range of skills through the workshops, learning how to experiment with new materials and ideas. The work will be personal to you, each student creating their own projects. You will have the opportunity to visit an art gallery and develop skills in taking photos and using Photoshop (a digital photo manipulation software). At the end of the GCSE your work will be exhibited in an exhibition.

What skills will I develop that help me in the future?

GCSE Art is a well-respected course by all redbrick universities known for producing independent learners able to project manage, meet deadlines and creatively solve problems. An Art and Design GCSE is good preparation for progression to A Level or vocational course in Art. It also opens up a world of opportunities in terms of careers in Graphic Design, Fine Art, Photography, Architecture, New Media, Games Development, Costume design, Jewellery Design, Automotive design and more.

Further information available from

Miss Crawford Head of The Performing and Creative Arts or Miss Marchant Head of Art

Key Stage 4 2016

Biology

Subject Biology (Triple Science) Examination board AQA Introduction Biology provides students with a good understanding of human biology,

organisms, evolution and the environment. What will I study? Students will study cell biology, organisation, infection and response,

bioenergetics, homeostasis and response, inheritance, variation and evolution and ecology.


Externally at the end of year 11. 2 exams, 1 hour 45 minutes, each worth 50% of each GCSE. The exams are tiered foundation and higher. Internal assessments throughout year 10 and year 11.


Students will use their knowledge and understanding to pose scientific questions and define scientific problems. They will also plan and carry out investigative activities, including appropriate risk management, in a range of contexts. They will collect, select, process, analyse and interpret both primary and secondary data to provide evidence and evaluate their methodology, evidence and data.


Students who achieve grades A*-C in Biology are well prepared to progress to appropriate A level qualifications in: Biology or Human Biology. This can then lead to a career in Scientific, Medical and Allied fields. Possible job options include Doctors, Veterinary Surgeon, Nurses, Physiotherapists, Teachers, and Scientific Journalists, Forensic Scientists as well as the more conventional fields of Science.


Dawn Sutton - Lead Practitioner of Science

Key Stage 4 2016

Chemistry

Subject Chemistry (Triple Science) Examination board AQA Introduction Chemistry provides students with a good understanding of organic and

inorganic chemistry and how chemistry is used in business and industry. It also covers how manufacturing can affect the global and local environment.

What will I study? Students will study atomic structure and the periodic table, bonding, structure and the properties of matter, quantitative chemistry, chemical and energy changes, the rate and extent of chemical change, organic chemistry, chemical analysis and atmosphere.


Externally at the end of year 11. 2 exams, 1 hour 45 minutes, each worth 50% of each GCSE. The exams are tiered foundation and higher. Internal assessments throughout year 10 and year 11.




Students who achieve grades A*-C in Chemistry are well prepared to progress to appropriate A level qualifications in Chemistry. This can then lead to a career in Scientific, Medical and Allied fields. Possible job options include Doctors, Veterinary Surgeon, Nurses, Physiotherapists, Teachers, and Scientific Journalists, Forensic Scientists as well as the more conventional fields of Science.



Key Stage 4 2016

Drama

Subject GCSE Drama

Examination board AQA

Introduction GCSE Drama is an opportunity to explore a range of dramatic content through a range of different medium. Students are able to work as individuals and within a group context to explore various practitioners, styles, genre and periods of drama. Through the means of scripted and devised unit’s student are able to build up a repertoire of skills as an actor/ actress.

What will I study? Component 1: Understanding drama - Allows students to present their knowledge and understanding of drama, theatre, play texts & live theatre through the means of written communication. Component 2: Devising drama (practical) - Students engage in the creative process by creating a devised piece of drama (20 marks). Alongside the devised piece student will compile a devising log (60 marks) analysing and evaluating their own work. Component 3: Texts in practice (practical) - Complete a performance of two extracts (each extract 25 marks) from one play which must contrast with the set play chosen for Component 1.


Component 1: Understanding drama - This component is marked by AQA. Written exam: 1 hour and 45 minutes (An open book exam worth 80 marks equating to 40% of GCSE). Component 2: Devising drama (practical) - This component is marked by teachers and moderated by AQA. (Worth 80 marks equating to 40% of GCSE). Component 3: Texts in practice (practical) - This component is marked by AQA. (Worth 50 marks equating to 20% of GCSE).


Students will work through a portfolio of work which enables them to explore theatre through a range of means such as performance based projects, practical exploration of traditional and contemporary playwrights, scripted and non-scripted (devising) performances.


The completion of GCSE Drama secures key knowledge of key drama practice allowing you to develop your skills further onto courses such as A-Level Theatre Studies, Performing Arts BTEC and Drama at Degree level. Birmingham has a number of well-respected theatres that would allow for future employment possibilities as well as television and news studios.


Head of Performing & Creative Arts Faculty: Yvette Crawford

Key Stage 4 2016

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

Subject & Examination board Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Opportunity to complete Bronze in year 1 and Silver in year 2.

Introduction The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a non-competitive, flexible, personal development programme of activities. It gives young people the opportunity to experience new activities and skills or develop existing ones. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme is all about personal choice and responsibility. Participants do their activities in supported curriculum time and in their own time, independently.

What will I study? The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award consists of four sections at Bronze and Silver level:

Volunteering: undertaking service to individuals or the community.

Physical: improving in an area of sport, dance or fitness activities.

Skills: developing practical or social skills and personal interests.

Expedition: planning, training for and completion of an adventurous journey in the UK.


The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is assessed internally by school and awarded on successful completion of all four sections.


Pupils will experience a range of teaching strategies, from group work to individual task, and classroom based to being out in the real world.


Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is an internationally recognised award due to the skills it embeds in young people. Many colleges look for this as an additional qualification when deciding on awarding places for their courses.


Mr C Freeman

Key Stage 4 2016

English

Subject GCSE English Language GCSE English Literature

Examination board AQA Introduction Studying English will equip you with skills to think analytically whilst

learning how to distil your thoughts onto paper in an organised, thoughtful and intelligent way. You will learn to appreciate English Literature texts and begin to understand the impact these texts have had on the world. You will learn how to appreciate other viewpoints and articulate your own in a purposeful manner. You will learn the art if self-discipline and the importance of succeeding through your own efforts.

What will I study? Language Paper 1: Explorations in creative reading and writing Paper 2: Writers’ viewpoints and perspectives Literature Paper 1: Shakespeare and 19th Century Novel Paper 2: Modern Texts and Poetry


Both English Language and Literature are linear qualifications and are not tiered. Language Two exams at the end of the second year: 50% Paper 1 – 1hr 45 50% Paper 2 – 1hr45 Literature Two exams at the end of the second year 50% Paper 1 – 1hr45 50% Paper 2 – 2h15


Students will be exposed to a range of teaching styles to suit their needs. These will include group work, pair tasks, and individual activities, along with University style lectures.


Studying English will develop a range of reading and writing skills which will be transferable to any career path you choose.


Ms F Ahmed

Key Stage 4 2016

Food Preparation and Nutrition

Subject GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition Examination board AQA Introduction

This new GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition is an 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. At its heart, this qualification focuses on nurturing students' practical cookery skills to give them a strong understanding of nutrition.

What will I study?

Within the new Food Preparation and Nutrition GCSE you’ll master culinary skills and appreciate the science behind food and cooking. This is an exciting and creative course which will allow you to demonstrate your practical skills and make connections between theory and practice. Our GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition specification sets out the knowledge, understanding and skills required to cook and apply the principles of food science, nutrition and healthy eating.


This qualification is linear. Linear means that students will sit their exam and submit all their non-exam assessment at the end of the course. Paper 1 – Food Preparation and assessment

What's assessed - Theoretical knowledge of food preparation and nutrition.

How it's assessed - Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes/ 100 marks/ 50% of GCSE

Questions - Multiple choice questions (20 marks) - Five questions each with a number of sub questions (80 marks)

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 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.

How it's assessed: Task 1: Written or electronic report (1,500–2,000 words) Task 2: Written or electronic portfolio.


The majority of the specification will be delivered through preparation and making activities. Students must be able to make the connections between theory and practice to apply their understanding of food and nutrition to practical preparation. There will be lots of opportunities to work in groups, experiments, projects and the use of IT.


Where will GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition take you? GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition will equip you to go on to further study. After taking this course, you could embark on AS or A-level study, begin an apprenticeship or perhaps begin employment in the catering or food industries. You’ll also have the knowledge and skills to feed yourself (and others) affordably and nutritiously for life. Courses - Upon completion of this course, students will be qualified to go on to further study, or embark on an apprenticeship or full time career in the catering or food industries. A level food Technology at sixth forms Hospitality and catering at colleges. Food science and nutrition degree Food development and nutrition degree Hospitality management degree Life skills – Learning a variety of different recipes. Learning about the nutrients needed to have a happy and healthy life. Transferable skills – Team work, leadership, organisation, time management, written and verbal communication.

Key Stage 4 2016

French

Subject GCSE French Examination board Edexcel Introduction In the Modern Foreign Languages Faculty, we believe in developing

communicative skills and encouraging intercultural knowledge and understanding. Taking a French GCSE opens students’ minds to different cultures, allows students to find out about other people and countries and nurtures a lifelong passion for language learning.

What will I study? French language contexts will be organised in a specified number of broad themes, addressing relevant matters relating to:

Identity and culture

Local, national, international and global areas of interest

Current and future study and employment Content of the course How and when will I be assessed?

Linear GCSE (Foundation and Higher tier). All content examined at the end of the two year GCSE course and externally assessed. Skills weighting:

Listening 25% , Speaking 25%, Reading25%, Writing 25% What teaching strategies will be used?

A variety of teaching methods and resources are employed in French lessons, such as Multi-Sensory Techniques and Mnemonic devices that allow all students to have equal access to languages and to experience success and enjoyment in their work.


In French classes you will develop: •Speaking to interact, explain and present ideas •Listening to understand and respond to spoken language •Reading to understand and respond to written language •Writing to communicate present facts and express ideas and opinions.

We aim to help every student achieve the highest standard of which he or she is capable so that they are confident linguists in their future studies, personal and professional lives.


Mrs Dani - Acting Director of Modern Foreign Languages Faculty

Key Stage 4 2016

Geography

Subject GCSE Geography Examination board AQA Introduction Geography helps you to make sense of the world around you. It is hands on, it is

relevant and it is useful as a GCSE subject. This course will give you the chance to get to grips with some of the big questions which affect our world and understand the social, economic and physical forces and processes which shape and change our world. It is a solid academic subject and well respected by universities and employers alike.

What will I study? The course is divided into 4 units: 1. Living with the physical environment

Section A: The challenge of natural hazards Section B: The living world Section C: Physical landscapes in the UK

2. Challenges in the human environment Section A: Urban issues and challenges Section B: The changing economic world Section C: The challenge of resource management

3. Geographical applications Section A: Issue evaluation Section B: Fieldwork There will be two opportunities to undertake fieldwork related to topics studied on the course. Two enquiries will be undertaken. 4. Geographical skills This section will include map skills, numerical and statistical skills, use of data, enquiry skills and will also support students’ literacy skills.


This is a linear course, meaning that all examinations will be taken at the end of the course. There are three examinations: Paper 1 (Physical) is 90 minutes; Paper 2 (Hyman) is 90 minutes; Paper 3 (Applications) is 75 minutes.


A wide variety of teaching strategies will be used to deliver this diverse course. There will be a focus on developing literacy and independent study skills. Students will use a variety of resources and undertake two fieldwork activities.


Geography will help you develop your communication and teamwork skills, as you’ll often work on group projects. You’ll also develop your research and analysis skills including in IT, lab and fieldwork, which means you will be able to collect and look for patterns in data. Employers love the mix of technical and social skills people get from studying geography, which they see as very transferable, i.e. useful for a whole range of jobs. Geography is great for any kind of career that involves the environment, planning, or collecting and interpreting data. Popular careers for people with geography qualifications include: town or transport planning, surveying, conservation, sustainability, waste and water management, environmental planning, tourism, and weather forecasting. The army, police, government, research organisations, law and business world also love the practical research skills that geographers develop. Because geographers learn about human and population development, geography can be useful for jobs in charity and international relations, too.


Mr Whelan

http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/geography/gcse/geography-8035/subject-content/living-with-the-physical-environment#id-Section_A_The_challenge_of_natural_hazards_1_1_1

http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/geography/gcse/geography-8035/subject-content/living-with-the-physical-environment#id-Section_C_The_living_world_1_1_3

http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/geography/gcse/geography-8035/subject-content/living-with-the-physical-environment#1_1_2

http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/geography/gcse/geography-8035/subject-content/challenges-in-the-human-environment#id-Section_A_Urban_issues_and_challenges_1_2_1

http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/geography/gcse/geography-8035/subject-content/challenges-in-the-human-environment#id-Section_B_The_changing_economic_world_1_2_2

http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/geography/gcse/geography-8035/subject-content/challenges-in-the-human-environment#id-Section_C_The_challenge_of_resource_management_1_2_3

Key Stage 4 2016

History

Subject GCSE History

Examination board Edexcel

Introduction Why choose GCSE History? History is continuously changing the world around us and historic events have helped to shape our society. Studying GCSE History will help you to answer important questions such as:

• Why do wars happen? • Why do we have a welfare system? • How have we come to live in a multi-cultural society?

Learning about past events and the people who’ve influenced history will allow you to understand how the world got to the point it is at now and how it will continue to develop in the future.

What will I study? The course is divided into 4 units: Paper 1: Thematic study and historic environment

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 British depth study Anglo-Saxon and Norman England, c1060–88 Period study The American West, c1835–c1895

Paper 3: Modern depth study Weimar and Nazi Germany, 1918–39


This is a linear course, meaning that all examinations will be taken at the end of the course. There are three examinations: Paper 1: Thematic study and historic environment

Written examination: 1 hour and 15 minutes 30% of the qualification 52 marks (16 for the historic environment, 36 for the thematic study)

Paper 2: Period study and British depth study Written examination: 1 hour and 45 minutes 40% of the qualification 64 marks (32 for the period study and 32 for the British depth study

Paper 3: Modern depth study Written examination: 1 hour and 20 minutes 30% of the qualification 52 marks


History teaching will focus on developing key knowledge and skills using a variety of techniques. During the course there will be a focus on the use of: role play, documentaries, cooperative learning, debates, ICT projects, hot seating and Creating Board games.


Look ahead at possible future careers, studying history can lead on to some exciting career options, including:

• Teaching • Law • Business • Politics • Archaeology • Marketing • Journalism - to name but a few!


Mr Mohammed

Key Stage 4 2016

Mathematics

Subject GCSE Mathematics - Foundation or Higher Examination board Edexcel Introduction Mathematics is a core subject which must be studied by all students.

The skills learnt in this subject are also well used in other areas such as geography, science and technology.

What will I study? The course includes modules on number, algebra, geometry and statistics with an emphasis on problem solving.


The course is externally assessed with 3 papers at the end of year 11; one without a calculator and two with a calculator.


You will have worked modelled to you and will have plenty of time to practice the skills.


KS5 courses all require a level of mathematics and for that reason students may be asked to re-sit mathematics at college if they do not reach the required level. Mathematics is essential for many careers including medicine, accounting and engineering


Mrs Parsons - Director of Mathematics and Computer Science

Key Stage 4 2016

Physical Education

Subject GCSE Physical Education

Examination board OCR

Introduction GCSE Physical Education gives a clear insight into the sports field – The combination of physical performance and academic challenge provides an exciting opportunity for students. GCSE PE encourages students to immerse themselves in the world of sports and PE. The course also provides transferable skills for the Skills for the modern world – students have the opportunity to develop a practical set of key skills, including interpretation and analysis.

What will I study? The course is split with assessment based upon 60% theory, and 40% practical work Theory includes:

Applied anatomy and physiology, Physical training

Socio-cultural influences, Sports psychology, Health, fitness and well-being

Practical includes:

Three activities, one team, one individual, and one from either team or individual.


Two 1 hour tests marked externally and making up 60% of the overall grade, plus an internal practical assessment of three activities worth 40% of the overall grade and externally moderated.


Group work, independent learning, practical, and use of IT and a possible residential.


The course is an excellent pathway towards A-Level Physical Education but also lends itself to BTEC Sport and other leisure related qualifications.


OCR Website: http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse-physical-education-j587-from-2016/ Mr Freeman (Head of PE and Fitness) and the PE department.

http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse-physical-education-j587-from-2016/

http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse-physical-education-j587-from-2016/

Key Stage 4 2016

Physical Education – Core

Subject & Examination board

Core Physical Education

Introduction The aim of core PE is to allow you to develop a passion for exercise and sport which will encourage you to continue once you leave school.

What will I study? You will study a variety of different sports over the course of the year. In addition to this, you will develop leadership skills and a good level of fitness.


The course is not assessed.


Throughout the course pupils will experience a range of teaching styles to include: Group work, independent learning, practical and use of IT.


You will learn important like skills such as; teamwork, leadership, communication and resilience. In addition you will develop your confidence. Most importantly, you will have the skills and knowledge to ensure that you lead a healthy active lifestyle.


Mr Freeman (Head of PE and Fitness) and the PE department.

Key Stage 4 2016

Physics

Subject Physics (Triple Science) Examination board AQA Introduction Physics provides students with a good understanding of physics concepts

and applications. Students will be able to construct a scientific approach to solving problems and asking and answering questions about the fundamental laws that govern natural phenomena.

What will I study? Students will study energy, electricity, particle model of matter, atomic structure, forces, waves, magnetism and electromagnetism and space.


Externally at the end of year 11. 2 exams 1 hour 45 minutes each worth 50% of each GCSE. The exams are tiered foundation and higher. Internal assessments throughout year 10 and year 11.




Students who achieve grades A*-C in Physics are well prepared to progress to appropriate A level qualifications in Physics. This can then lead to a career in Scientific, Medical and Allied fields. Possible job options include Doctors, Veterinary Surgeon, Nurses, Physiotherapists, Teachers, and Scientific Journalists, Forensic Scientists as well as the more conventional fields of Science.



Key Stage 4 2016

Religious Studies

Subject GCSE Religious Studies Examination board Edexcel (TBC) What will I study?

The new syllabus is still being developed by the examination board, however, the course will cover both Christianity and Islam.


You will take two exams in Religious studies. The first examination will be in Islam and the second examination will be answered on Christianity. There will be 2 papers and each will be worth 50%. This is a 2 year course and the examination will take place in May and June of year 11.


Group work, independent study, projects.


You will develop your ability to understand and be tolerant of other faiths and communities. You will be able to give your opinion and analyse different points of view. Religious Studies is a useful GCSE because the skills you gain are so wide ranging that they are useful for almost every career type: Research, law and accountancy, communications, travel and tourism, politics, publishing and the arts, academia and education Religious Studies helps us to develop our views about the world we live in without prejudice and discrimination.


Miss R Clayton

Key Stage 4 2016

Contact Us

Ark Boulton Academy

Golden Hillock Road | Birmingham | B11 2QG

[email protected]

0121 773 8156

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