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West Island School

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Core (I)GCSE Subjects ........................................................................................................ 1

English Language IGCSE ................................................................................................................................ 2 World Literature IGCSE ................................................................................................................................... 2 Mathematics IGCSE ........................................................................................................................................ 3 Additional Mathematics IGCSE ....................................................................................................................... 3 Mathematics Cambridge International Examination (CIE) .............................................................................. 4 Mathematics Edexcel International Examination ............................................................................................. 5 Science Double Award IGCSE ........................................................................................................................ 6 Science Triple Award IGCSE .......................................................................................................................... 6 Science BTEC Extended Certificate in Applied Science ................................................................................. 7 Foreign Language IGCSE: Chinese, French, Spanish .................................................................................... 8 First Language Chinese IGCSE ...................................................................................................................... 8 Second Language Chinese IGCSE ................................................................................................................. 8 Foreign Language Chinese Short Course GCSE ............................................................................................ 8

Accredited Electives – Your Choice................................................................................. 11

Adobe Certified Expert ACA .......................................................................................................................... 13 Cantonese Asset Languages: Speaking and Listening (OCR Examination Board) ...................................... 13 Computer Science IGCSE ............................................................................................................................. 14 Critical Thinking Advanced Subsidiary (AS) Level Course............................................................................ 15 Developing Enterprise Skills NCFE Certificate .............................................................................................. 16 International Basic First Aid Certificate .......................................................................................................... 17 Jamie Oliver Cooking Skills BTEC Level 1 .................................................................................................... 17 Practical Music and Music Theory ................................................................................................................. 18 Public Speaking, Presentations and Personal Presence .............................................................................. 18 SolidWorks – Certified SolidWorks Association ............................................................................................ 19 Statistics GCSE ............................................................................................................................................. 19 Sports Leadership (Sports Leaders UK)........................................................................................................ 20 Supervised Study ........................................................................................................................................... 21 Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) Certificate ....................................................................... 21

Options – Your Choice ...................................................................................................... 22

Art and Design: Fine Art GCSE ..................................................................................................................... 23 Drama GCSE ................................................................................................................................................. 24 Film Studies GCSE ........................................................................................................................................ 26 Music IGCSE ................................................................................................................................................. 27 Dance GCSE ................................................................................................................................................. 28 Physical Education GCSE ............................................................................................................................. 30 Business Studies IGCSE ............................................................................................................................... 32 Business Studies BTEC Level 2 .................................................................................................................... 33 Economics IGCSE ......................................................................................................................................... 34 Geography IGCSE ......................................................................................................................................... 35 History – “Modern World History” IGCSE ...................................................................................................... 36 Religious Studies GCSE ................................................................................................................................ 37 EAL Support Option ....................................................................................................................................... 38 English as a Second Language IGCSE ........................................................................................................ 39 EAP: English for Academic Purposes ........................................................................................................... 40 Strategies For School Support Option ........................................................................................................... 41 Core Literacy Skills Option ............................................................................................................................ 42 Workskills Option Edexcel ............................................................................................................................. 43 Engineering BTEC ......................................................................................................................................... 44 Hospitality BTEC ............................................................................................................................................ 45 Design & Technology: Resistant Materials GCSE ........................................................................................ 46 Design & Technology: Graphic Design GCSE .............................................................................................. 47 Design & Technology: Textiles Technology GCSE ....................................................................................... 48 Design & Technology: Food Technology GCSE ........................................................................................... 49

Useful Contacts ................................................................................................................. 51

This booklet is to be read in conjunction with the booklet

Pre16 Options Introduction and Overview 2013 – 2014

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Core (I)GCSE Subjects

Remember, these are the subjects that you have to study for (I)GCSE* unless advised otherwise.

ENGLISH and WORLD LITERATURE

MATHEMATICS

SCIENCE

LANGUAGE

GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES

Total of 7 or max 8 (I) GCSEs

West Island School

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ENGLISH FACULTY English Language IGCSE – (CIE 0500)

World Literature IGCSE – (CIE 0408)

During the two year course, all of you will study for two (I)GCSE qualifications - English Language and English

Literature. Although examined separately, these will be taught as one course during your weekly lessons of

English.

IGCSE stands for International General Certificate of Secondary Education. As an international school,

with many different cultures and beliefs, we feel that this course offers a greater range of opportunities and

challenges that relate well to our students. The IGCSE qualifications are run by Cambridge University in

England and are fully recognised by universities and centres of higher education worldwide.

In the English language component you will study a wide range of fiction and non-fiction, examining how

writers construct texts, as well as extracting information for your own writing tasks. Imaginative, personal and

creative writing will also be important elements of the course. You will be asked to write in a variety of ways

and for different purposes, ranging from descriptive to informative and argumentative writing. The coursework

requirement for this course makes up 50% of your final mark.

Other areas of English language that you will study are speaking and listening. You will be asked to use

appropriate language in a variety of situations, including personal anecdotes, speechmaking and debating.

You will develop an awareness of how language changes depending on situation in both speech and writing.

For the World Literature component you will read at least two different genres (poetry / prose / drama). You

will be asked questions on two of these texts in your final examination, which makes up 25% of your final

mark. You will also complete an unseen exam paper (worth 25%) and a portfolio worth 50%. Within the

portfolio you will be asked to write a critical essay, a creative piece of writing (based on a text) and a recorded

conversation. There will be an emphasis on learning about the literary techniques and language used by

authors as well as looking at themes and ideas in a variety of texts.

English language and literature are subjects that both allow a great deal of creativity, imagination and

personal writing. However, they also both require hard work and determination. With these pre-requisites we

believe you have every chance for success.

For Further Information: Please see Miss. Louise Davison, Head of English

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MATHEMATICS FACULTY

Mathematics IGCSE

Your mathematics course in Years 10 and 11 will be a continuation of your Year 9

course. You will follow one of two examination boards depending on your

mathematical background and your plans for Year 12 and 13.

Additional Mathematics IGCSE

This syllabus is intended for high ability learners who have achieved, or are likely to achieve, grade A* in the

Cambridge International GCSE Mathematics examination. Cambridge IGCSE Additional Mathematics enables

learners to extend the mathematical skills, knowledge and understanding developed in the Cambridge IGCSE

Mathematics course and use skills in the context of more advanced techniques. The syllabus has a Pure

Mathematics only content which enables learners to acquire a suitable foundation in mathematics for further

study in the subject, particularly Higher Level IB mathematics.

How will I be assessed?

All candidates will take two written papers. The syllabus content will be assessed by Paper 1 and Paper 2.

Paper 1

• 10–12 questions of various lengths

• No choice of question.

• 2 hours

Paper 2

• 10–12 questions of various lengths

• No choice of question.

• 2 hours

West Island School

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Grades A* to E will be available for candidates who achieve the required standards. Since there is no Core

Curriculum for this syllabus, Grades F and G will not be available. Therefore, candidates who do not achieve

the minimum mark for Grade E will be unclassified.

Mathematics Cambridge International Examination (CIE)

You will follow the Extended Cambridge Examinations International Mathematics IGCSE course. Please see

the website link at the bottom of the page to find full details of these specifications as well as examiners

reports, examples of past papers and relevant mark schemes.


Extended: There are three written papers with a total of 4½ hours.

Candidates should attempt to answer all the questions on each paper.

Paper 2 Time: 45 minutes 40 marks 20%

• 10-12 short response questions.

• No calculators are permitted on this paper.

• This paper is designed to assess knowledge and use of basic skills and methods.

• While any part of the syllabus content may be assessed in this paper, questions will focus on concepts

which can be assessed without access to a calculator.

Paper 4 Time: 2 hours 15 minutes 120 marks 60%

• 11-15 medium to extended response questions.

• A graphics calculator is required for this paper.

• Any area of the syllabus may be assessed.

• Some of the questions will particularly assess the use of the graphics calculator.

Paper 6 Time: 1 hour 30 minutes 40 marks 20%

• One investigation and one modelling question.

• A graphics calculator is required for this paper.

• Candidates will be assessed on their ability to investigate, model, and solve more open-ended problems.

• Clear communication and full reasoning will be especially important and mark schemes will reflect this.

• An extended time allowance is given for this paper to allow students to explore and communicate their

ideas fully.

Extended tier IGCSE includes grades A*to D.

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Mathematics Edexcel International Examination

You will be entered for either higher or foundation level in the Edexcel IGCSE in mathematics. Please follow

the link at the bottom of the page for more details.

The higher course is good preparation for IB mathematical studies. Both higher and foundation courses are

good preparation for the International Diploma.

How will I be assessed? The table below gives you an overview of the assessment for this course.

Foundation Tier

Paper 1 2 hours 100 Marks 50%


Higher Tier



Higher tier IGCSE includes grades A* to D, Foundation Level grades C to G. There is 40% common content

in these two tiers of examination to aid standardisation and comparability of the award given.

Your teaching and learning experience in mathematics will consist of a variety of approaches and techniques.

Group work, ICT based learning, research tasks and whole class teaching supported by dedicated textbooks,

and extension materials where appropriate, will support you in fulfilling your potential.

A Texas Instrument TI 84 Plus calculator is compulsory for all students studying IGCSE mathematics.

This same model will be used for all IB Diploma courses. Calculators will be available to buy through the

school.

For Further Information:

http://www.cie.org.uk/qualifications/academic/middlesec/igcse/subject?assdef_id=999

http://www.edexcel.com/quals/igcse/igcse09/maths/mathsA/Pages/default.aspx

For Further Information: Please see Mr. Bengey, Head of Maths

http://www.cie.org.uk/qualifications/academic/middlesec/igcse/subject?assdef_id=999

http://www.edexcel.com/quals/igcse/igcse09/maths/mathsA/Pages/default.aspx

West Island School

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SCIENCE FACULTY Science is a compulsory subject in Years 10 and 11, but

there are 3 courses being offered:

Science Double Award IGCSE

In your first three years at West Island School, you have studied a subject called “science”, and this will

continue into your IGCSE course. You will still cover the whole range of science – life and living processes,

the behaviour of matter and materials, physical phenomena such as waves and electricity – but you will now

appreciate the traditional divisions of science.

This course will therefore provide a strong foundation for future science courses at IB level (standard and

higher level) and beyond and helps to provide those who will not be continuing with science after IGCSE with

a firm idea of the nature of scientific ideas and principles.

This is such a vast subject that you will spend more time on science than any other single subject, and after

two years you will have the opportunity to gain a double IGCSE in Science. This course will have no

coursework component.

As in earlier years, the course will be firmly based on experimental work and on the development of your

scientific skills and understanding. As you get deeper into the subject, however, you will probably find that it

seems more theoretical. This is because you cannot exercise scientific skills without a firm base of scientific

knowledge and concepts. You will be taught by more than one science teacher, so that we can make the best

use of their specialist knowledge.

Your final grade for the whole subject will be a double one: for example, A*A*, BB or DD. The final grades are

calculated from the total science score from the 3 separate subject exams.

Science Triple Award IGCSE

This course has additional work beyond the double award course and means that students will be awarded a

separate grade for each of the 3 subject areas. For this reason it is often referred to as the separate science

course. Students taking this course will typically have a good grasp of the science covered in Years 8 and 9,

and have been working at a level 7 or 8. They will then be able to cover the IGCSE work at a faster pace and

do the additional content required in normal lesson time. Not much time will be spent revising Year 9 work in

these classes.

This option is recommended for students who already are thinking of science based courses in the future or

Higher IB sciences.

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Please note that entries for the IGCSE exams are not submitted until January in Year 11 so there is room for

changes between double and triple courses. However students initially registering for the double award will

have to catch up missed work to switch to triple award. Switches would typically take place at the end of Year

10.

Science BTEC Extended Certificate in Applied Science

(Edexcel Level 2) The Applied Science programme we offer is part of the Edexcel Level 2 BTEC Extended Certificate in Applied

Science. It is aimed at a small number of students who would benefit from continuous, project based

assessment. Potential students should discuss this with their science teachers or see Mr. Gilchrist/ Ms. Ross.

On successful completion of the course, students will receive both unit and course results, for chemistry and

physical science applications, as well as biological systems. Students will carry out experiments, data

collection and other practical applications to obtain raw data which is the basis for project work, and therefore

assessment. Assessment portfolios are collected rather than examinations and these are maintained and

added to during the course of the year. This allows students to further their knowledge and to help them

identify learning areas which are most pertinent to their development in the laboratory. The syllabus includes a

broad spectrum approach to applications and knowledge items such as the earth and the environment,

elements and the periodic table, rates of reactions in industries, electricity production and limitations, species

variation and adaptability, inherited conditions and current treatment and outcomes.

Please note that as this course involves a significant amount of coursework and therefore less content, it is not suitable preparation for science IB courses such as Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Students

taking BTEC science can still take an IB course such as Environmental Systems, Sports Science or Design

Tech to complete the Experimental sciences part of the diploma.

For Further Information: Please see Mr. Gilchrist, Head of Science

West Island School

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MODERN LANGUAGES FACULTY Additional Language Option

Please remember that Languages is a Core Subject and your

selection was made in Year 8. However, if timetabling and

staffing allow, we are offering the possibility of another language to be taken in option block 3.

Foreign Language IGCSE: Chinese, French, Spanish

First Language Chinese IGCSE

Second Language Chinese IGCSE

Foreign Language Chinese Short Course GCSE

The ability to speak modern foreign languages such as those listed above, which rank in the top ten most

spoken languages in the world today, is, without a doubt, a huge advantage in these days of growing

internationalism, competition and the global economy. The courses offered, faithful to the spirit of the

International Baccalaureate, are infused with an international flavour and emphasise the development of an

appreciation of the target language settings and cultures.

In each of the IGCSE language courses offered, you will develop your skills in speaking, listening, reading and

writing. Each of these skill areas is worth an equal proportion so finding one skill particularly difficult does not

mean disaster. When studying any of the languages, it is particularly important that you develop your

understanding of grammatical rules and are able to apply these. As a preparation for IB, it is particularly

important to improve your written skills as much as you can.

There are two tiers of examination: core (grades C to G) and extended (grades A* to G). Most WIS students

will be entered for the extended tier.

Core Tier Grades C to G

Extended Tier Grades A* to G

Paper 1 (33%): Listening (45 minutes)

Paper 1 (25%): Listening (45 minutes)

Paper 2 (33%): Reading and directed writing (1½ hours)

Paper 2 (25%): Reading and directed writing (1½ hours)

Paper 3 (33%): Speaking (15 minutes)

Paper 3 (25%): Speaking (15 minutes)

Paper 4 (25%): Continuous writing (1¼ hours)

You will study a variety of topics, many of which you have covered to some extent in Years 7 to 9. The main

IGCSE topics are:

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Topic Areas Topic Areas A Everyday activities -

Home life and school Food, health and fitness

D The world of work Continuing education Careers and employment Languages and communication in the work place

B Personal and social life Self, family and personal relationships Holidays and special occasions

E The international world Tourism at home and abroad Life in other countries and communities World events and issues

C The world around us Home town and local area Natural and made environment People, places and customs

Our courses make use of a wide variety of resources, including online exercises, videos, listening and reading

materials. We also encourage individual language home stays as well as one and two week language

immersion programmes in the target language countries themselves, where students speak nothing but the

target language and enhance their oral fluency in the language considerably as a result. It is possible to

participate in these in Year 9 as well, just before embarking on the (I)GCSE programme, as an added boost.

You will need to work hard but remember, having a qualification in a modern language can be a passport to

exciting career prospects in the future and the rewards can be very great indeed.

In French and Spanish, you are given the opportunity to learn more about French and Spanish culture, food

and music in addition to language structures and using the language for practical purposes. You will also find

out about famous people in French, Spanish and Latin American history as well as the countries where

French and Spanish are spoken.

In all the IGCSE foreign language courses, students are exposed to a wide range of grammar, equipping them

with the tools needed for further study of the language at IB level, where they can choose to continue either

with the language B Standard or Higher options.

In Chinese, in order to cater for the needs of the students from different pathways in Year 7 - 9, we also offer

IGCSE First Language, IGCSE Second Language, GCSE Foreign Language Chinese and GCSE Foreign

Language Chinese Short Course.

Living and studying in Hong Kong presents an ideal opportunity for students to learn Chinese in a natural and

authentic environment and acquire a skill which, in today’s world, could become a real asset in the future. Our

programmes’ emphasis is on supporting students to develop an understanding of the spoken and written

forms of Chinese, and using the language effectively in different contexts.

West Island School

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First Language Chinese IGCSE: For native or near-native speakers of Chinese. This course is aimed at

students from the First Language Programme.

The course aims to improve students’ confidence in expressing themselves in Chinese and places an

emphasis on accuracy, appropriateness and effectiveness in both written and oral communication. Students

will explore Chinese literature, studying a wide variety of texts, while also enhancing their knowledge of

Chinese culture, history, geography and philosophy. Students following this programme will sit the IGCSE

Chinese First Language examination at the end of Year 10. This is also a course to help students to move

towards a higher level qualification in the IBDP Chinese programme. We also hope some students will be able

to take Chinese A1 at IB.

Second Language Chinese IGCSE: For near-native speakers of Chinese but who are not confident enough

to take the First Language Chinese course. The course aims to improve students’ confidence in expressing themselves in Chinese and places an

emphasis on accuracy, appropriateness and effectiveness in both written and oral communication. Students

will explore a wide variety of texts, while also enhancing their knowledge of Chinese culture and language.

Students studying this course will be in a strong position to promote their educational and employment

prospects. Students following this programme will sit the IGCSE Chinese Second Language examination at

the end of Year 11. This is also a course to help students to move towards a higher level qualification in the

IBDP Chinese programme.

Foreign Language Chinese IGCSE: For students who have followed the Chinese foreign language

curriculum.

In all the IGCSE foreign language courses, students are exposed to a wide range of grammar, equipping them

with the tools needed for further study of the language at IB level, where they can choose to continue either

with the language B Standard or Higher options. Students will take the IGCSE at the end of Year 11; students

who are more confident with Chinese writing will take the IGCSE, while others will take the GCSE.

Foreign Language Chinese (Short Course) GCSE: For students who have followed the Chinese foreign

language curriculum.

This course gives some students an alternative way to become confident in using Chinese. This is a two year

course with an emphasis on speaking and listening skills and will suit students who are not so confident with

writing.

Students are strongly recommended to consult with Mr Diaz if considering opting for an additional language. For Further Information: Please see Mr Diaz, Head of Languages

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Accredited Electives – Your Choice

The Electives

Electives are selected in option block 3. If you decide to follow the electives path in option block 3 make sure

that your selections fit the 5 or 6 term framework on page 12 of this booklet.

Adobe Certified Expert ACA (Adobe Certified Associate) Cantonese Asset Languages: Speaking and Listening (OCR Examination Board) Computer Science IGCSE Critical Thinking Advanced Subsidiary (AS) Level Course Developing Enterprise Skills NCFE Certificate (Northern Centre of Further Education) International Basic First Aid Certificate Jamie Oliver Cooking Skills BTEC Level 1 Practical Music and Music Theory Public Speaking, Presentations and Personal Presence SolidWorks – Certified SolidWorks Association Sports Leadership (Sports Leaders UK Group) Statistics GCSE Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) Certificate Non Accredited: Supervised Study

The advantage of the electives is that in most cases you gain an accreditation in a short space of time and

gather a series of qualifications over 5 or 6 terms.

West Island School

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Electives Courses 2014 – 2015

2014 2015

TERM 1 TERM 2 TERM 3 TERM 1 TERM 2 TERM 3

Computing IGCSE (2 year course)

Critical Thinking AS Level Course (2 year course)

Statistics GCSE (2 year course)

Practical Music and Theory Practical Music and Theory Supervised Study

Adobe Suite ACA TEFL Certificate Supervised Study

Developing Enterprise Skills NCFE

Public Speaking Developing Enterprise Skills

NCFE Supervised Study

Jamie Oliver Cooking BTEC Level 1

Supervised Study Jamie Oliver Cooking

BTEC Level 1 Supervised Study

SolidWorks CSWA

Supervised Study SolidWorks

CSWA Supervised Study

Sports Leadership (L1)

Sports Leadership (L2) must have L1

First Aid Cert

Sports Leadership (L1)

Sports Leadership (L2) must have L1 Supervised Study

Cantonese OCR (L1)

Cantonese OCR (L2)

must have L1

Cantonese OCR (L1)

Cantonese OCR (L1 )

Cantonese OCR (L2)

must have L1 Supervised Study

First Aid Cert

First Aid Cert

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Adobe Certified Expert ACA

Students will follow the Adobe Visual and Digital Design Curriculum.

Visual Design is project based curriculum that develops skills in design and print production using Adobe

tools. Visual Design develops key digital communication skills such as design, project management and

graphic and print technology. Visual Design is delivered through project based learning.

Students will gain the ACA industry standard qualification (Adobe Certified Associate) a qualification

recognised by higher education and the industry as valuable and valid.

The course is useful for students who are not following a GCSE in the Arts or Design to maintain their creative

edge. For those following Design or the Arts it provides complimentary skills.

This is a one year course of three terms offered in Year 10 only.

For more information contact Mr. Hugh Brown.

Cantonese Asset Languages: Speaking and Listening (OCR Examination Board)

Preliminary (Course 1) / Intermediate/Advanced Level (Course 2)

Why choose this course?

Increasingly our students wish to stay in HK for work and for study. This course will look to develop students’

Cantonese speaking skills to allow them to communicate effectively in the community. Depending on the

specific needs of students it will be adapted to include terminology useful in Business or at HK universities

where Cantonese is used alongside English in academic classes.

Assessment

Students will be entered for external assessments during the year. Advanced students within the group can

gain UCAS tariff points on successful completion of the course.

This course is either one term or two terms in length and is run in Year 10 and repeated in Year 11.

For more information contact Ms. Daisy Cheng.

West Island School

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TECHNOLOGY FACULTY Computer Science IGCSE - Cambridge (0478)

If you have ever thought to yourself “I wonder how the computer does that?” when you have been playing a

computer game, working on a word processing file or simply browsing on the internet then this may be the

course for you. Particularly if you enjoyed the courses on Scratch and AppInventor which you did in Years 8

and 9.

Computer Science takes the skills you have learnt in these courses to the next level. You will learn how to use

industry standard programming languages to create your own software whilst also developing some

engineering knowledge of the internal workings of laptops, mobile phones, tablets and virtually any other type

of electronic device you can think of. You will learn about data and its different forms and how it is

deconstructed, transmitted and reconstructed having travelled around our planet in the blink of an eye.

The Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science syllabus aims are to:

• develop computational thinking

• develop an understanding of the main principles of solving problems by using computers

• develop an understanding of the component parts of computer systems and how they interrelate,

including software, data, hardware, communications and people

• acquire the skills necessary to apply this understanding to develop computer-based solutions to problems

using a high-level programming language.

The assessment is by written papers, but the learning will be done in a mainly practical way via problem

solving and programming. Questions will require you to think, use knowledge with understanding and

demonstrate understanding gained through practising practical skills. Questions will not revolve around pure

recall.

Components Weighting

Paper 1: Theory Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

This written paper contains short-answer and structured questions. There is no choice of

questions.

No calculators are permitted in this paper.

75 marks

Externally assessed.

60%

Paper 2: Problem-solving and Programming Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

This written paper contains short-answer and structured questions. There is no choice of

questions. 20 of the marks for this paper are from questions set on the pre-release material.

No calculators are permitted in this paper.

50 marks

Externally assessed.

40%

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Is this the right course for me?

Students who enjoy this course are used to working independently, as programming prowess only comes with

hours of practice outside of the classroom. You must enjoy problem solving as in order to create a software

solution you must fully understand what the problem is before you can even think of designing a programme.

You must be mathematically minded. Computers use a range of numbering systems such as binary and

hexadecimal. Also Boolean logic takes a major role when creating the interfaces between electronic hardware

and the software you will be designing. Students who take this course will be able to specialise further by

taking the Computer Science course offered at IB and then on to university where you can select many types

of software engineering courses such as medical and biotechnical software, business software, military

software, nanotechnology, computer games, mobile devices and human interfaces.

The course covers 6 terms in Year 10 and 11.

For more information contact Mr. Mark Lewis.

INDIVIDUALS & SOCIETIES FACULTY

Critical Thinking Advanced Subsidiary (AS) Level Course

Why choose this course? This course is designed to challenge the most able and is most useful for students wishing to challenge

themselves as well as those looking to access top universities globally who value critical thinking such as

Oxbridge.

An AS carries UCAS tariff points for university entry.

Course description During the course, you might work from a variety of materials, from newspaper articles to current affairs

programmes. You will be asked to discuss them and draw conclusions about the way arguments are

presented. You might have to decide, according to the evidence put forward, which side of an argument you

believe, and what sources of information you would see as reliable. You will learn how to set out your

conclusions clearly, in writing, and explain how you reached them. Critical Thinking involves a large amount of

discussion and debate and is an excellent course for those who wish to analyse the truth of the world around

them!

You could take this course to complement other GCSE or IGCSE courses or to prepare for the OCR AS in

Critical Thinking, which could lead onto higher education in areas of critical thinking, social sciences or more

general higher education courses. With further training, you could go into a job related to critical thinking by

working in areas of research, marketing, public relations, and human resources. The AS GCE is a recognised

qualification that will help you develop the basic skills, knowledge and understanding that many employers

across lots of industries are looking for.

West Island School

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Critical Thinking is a skills-based rather than content-based AS Level. It develops the ability to interpret,

analyse and evaluate ideas and arguments and can support thinking skills in all subject areas, from arts and

individuals and societies to sciences. The AS Course at West Island School carries on from the skills learned

during the Year 9 course.


There are two units at AS Level that you will take towards gaining the overall qualification:

• Unit 1: Introduction to Critical Thinking - a written examination (1 hr 30 minutes)

• Unit 2: Assessing and Developing Argument - a written examination (1 hr 30 minutes)

There is also a section of multiple-choice questions.

The course covers 6 terms in Year 10 and 11.

For more information contact Mr. Eugene Calver

Developing Enterprise Skills NCFE Certificate (Northern Centre of Further Education)


In today’s world it is vital students can understand management of money and have financial awareness. The

qualification is designed to provide recognition of enterprise education, skills and attributes. It will provide

students with a series of lessons which offers enterprise education and aims to ensure that students

understand what enterprise skills are, and can develop their own enterprising skills.

Students will complete 3 units:

• Unit 01- Understand and explore enterprise skills

• Unit 02 - Plan and carry out an enterprising project

• Unit 03 - Evaluation of enterprise project and self-development

Assessment There are no exams for this course. Students are required to create a portfolio of work which demonstrates

knowledge and understanding of key enterprise skills such as teamwork and leadership. Students will create

their own small enterprise either as a small group or class and gain experience setting up and running a small

business. This further requires students to understand financial capability including profit and loss, budgeting

and forecasting. Students will receive the Northern Centre of Further Education Certificate; a recognised

higher education qualification.

This is a hands on, fun but challenging practical approach to setting up a business whilst gaining key skills

which will help students understand the importance of taking calculated business risk, financial awareness,

teamwork and leadership.

This course is two terms in length and a repeated course in Year 10 and Year 11.

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For more information see Ms. Rebecca Gossage

International Basic First Aid Certificate


This course will teach students first aid i.e. the management of a sudden illness or injury provided before the

emergency services arrive to provide professional medical care. Courses at WIS have been very successful

outside of the classroom; we feel such a course should form a part of our curriculum. Students will gain

knowledge as well as practical skills to respond to scenarios such as CPR need; shock management; asthma

attack; injury management.

Assessment

Students will be given written assessment tests on knowledge as well as practical tests on use of medical

aids, CPR, injury approach and emergency aid. The course will be taught by First Aid International certified

staff from First Aid Plus who have worked closely with the school over a number of years. At the end of the

course students will receive an internationally recognised Basic First Aid certificate valid for 3 years.

This course is one term in duration in Year 10.

For more information please contact Mr. Paul Tough

Jamie Oliver Cooking Skills BTEC Level 1

All students of all abilities need to know how to look after themselves beyond home. This course is a very

practical hands on course that focuses on a range of home cooking skills. A folder of evidence of all practical

work is kept which includes a practical skills record and leads to a BTEC accreditation at Level 1 or possibly

Level 2.

The course is practical and fun. Students will have the opportunity to learn new skills, food hygiene and

independence for the future.

This course runs for two terms concurrently in either Year 10 or Year 11.

For more information contact Ms. Helen Revans.

West Island School

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Practical Music and Music Theory


This elective is suitable for students who learn music privately and wish to take graded music and or music

theory exams. Students who have private practical music tuition and are working towards their Grade 4 exam

or above are eligible for this elective. Students who are also working toward their Grade 5 (or above) music

theory certificate may enrol in this elective. During the lessons associated with this elective, students will

participate in the following learning activities:

• weekly private music lesson (with a specialist instrumental or voice teacher)

• supervised practice

• aural training

• sight reading sessions

• music theory classes.

Assessment Students would have to commit and complete an official external exam (practical and or theory) such as

ABRSM. Graded music exam entries would be the responsibility of the private music teacher and all exam

fees, tuition and other related costs are the responsibility of the parent. The school will register students for

music theory exams, however, exam fees are the responsibility of the student and parents.

This course is three terms in duration in Year 10 and 2 terms in Year 11.

For more information please see Ms. Leigh Dalgarno

Public Speaking, Presentations and Personal Presence

Increasingly our students need to know how to present themselves in interviews for universities and jobs.

They need to know how to present effectively to audiences of different sizes and for different reasons.

Communication skills are mentioned in university guides and increasingly as a skill lacking in applications for

prestigious jobs globally. Students need to know how to confidently present themselves in a variety of

complex situations.

This course will provide opportunities for students to learn skills of speaking publically on a topic; presenting

their viewpoints powerfully and creating effective presentations using a variety of approaches.

We are currently working to externally accredit the course.

This course is one term and offered in Year 10 term three only.

For more information see Ms. Jane Foxcroft.

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SolidWorks – Certified SolidWorks Association (CSWA)

The CSWA certification is an industry standard qualification and will allow students to develop their ability to

use 3D computer aided design software. This course is particularly useful for students with an interest in

product design, engineering (aerospace, automotive, mechanical) and architecture.

The course will provide an excellent foundation for students wishing to pursue IB Design and Technology and

BTEC Engineering as it enables them to access higher industry related qualifications.

This course is two terms in length and is run in Year 10 and repeated in Year 11.

For more information contact Mr. Paul Cooper.

MATHS FACULTY

Statistics GCSE

Why choose GCSE Statistics?

In addition to helping students acquire subject knowledge, this specification:

• Actively engages students in the process of enquiry to develop as effective and independent learners and

as critical and reflective thinkers with enquiring minds

• Develops knowledge, skills and understanding in statistical methods and concepts and in probability,

including an awareness of the potential and limitations of data and methods.

• Provides a critical appreciation of Statistics that is increasingly important in a wide variety of careers and

in everyday life.

• Focuses on handling data, which is used in many IB subjects and the wider world. Statistics GCSE will

support and complement your studies in Science, Economics, Business, Geography, and Psychology and

prepare you for IB courses in these subject areas.

A specification with you in mind

• More modern approach providing a truer representation of modern Statistics.

• Greater focus on inference and interpretation. A greater emphasis is also placed on the data handling

cycle and associated statistical thinking to equip students with a higher appreciation of statistical issues.

• An innovative approach to controlled assessment specifically designed to be flexible and manageable.

Foundation Tier and Higher Tier available This specification follows a modular structure and offers a Foundation Tier and a Higher Tier.

Throughout their course of study, students are expected to interpret their results and comment constructively

and critically on the suitability, appropriateness and limitations of the techniques used.

West Island School

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Subject content:

• Planning a strategy

• Data collection

• Tabulation and representation

• Data analysis

• Probability

• Data interpretation

This specification offers a two-tier assessment with a controlled assessment task covering both tiers.

Assessment Unit One: Statistics written paper

75% of the total marks

Foundation Tier

1 hour 30 min

Grades C – G

80 Marks

Higher Tier

2 hours

Grades A* – D

100 marks

Unit Two: Statistics in Practice: Controlled Assessment

Untiered

25% of the total marks: 12.5% investigation, 12.5% written assessment

40 marks across the investigation and written assessment.

Students must complete an investigation worth 20 marks and an associated written assessment worth 20

marks.

For Further Information: Please see Mr. Andrew Cockayne

Sports Leadership (Sports Leaders UK)

Level I in Sports Leadership and Level 2 in Community Sports Leadership


These courses are accredited courses through the internationally recognised Sports Leaders UK group. Both

courses develop leadership skills for all students and use the medium of sport to do so. The courses are

therefore open to students who are passionate about sport in terms of their own commitment but also open to

those who wish to develop leadership capacity more generally.

Level 1 Units:

• Plan, lead and review sport/activity

• Developing leadership skills

• Leading activities to promote a healthy lifestyle

• Fair play in sport

• The role of the official

• Opportunities for recreation

Level 2 additional Units:

• Lead a session to improve fitness

• Safe sports and activities

• Organise, deliver a sports event

• Pathways: Sport and Recreation

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Assessment is via practical and written assessments.

Level 1 is one term in length and offered in Year 10 and repeated in Year 11.

To access Level 2 students need to have completed Level 1. Level 2 is offered in term two of Year 10 and

repeated in term two of Year 11.

For more information see Mrs. Charlotte Luck or Mr. Richard Lant.

Supervised Study

Students will be given additional intervention and support to complete coursework or to study in a supervised

teacher lead session focussing on key skills.

This opportunity is offered in Term 3 of Years 10 and 11.

For more information contact Mr. Paul Tough.

Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) Certificate


This course develops students as Global Citizens but gives them a skill vital for communication generally.

English is the language of communication across the world and the demand to learn English by non-native

speakers continues to grow apace providing employment opportunities for many. Students will receive

instruction in TEFL from accredited TEFL teachers involved in the Trinity Certificate in TESOL.

Assessment

The course will be structured especially for our students and will lead to a special WIS certificate of

assessment and participation and to assessments including a practical lesson taught to second language

learners linked to the full TESOL certification.

English For Asia will provide course instructors and accreditation for this highly desirable course which will be

limited in terms of student numbers. We expect this course to be very popular and would urge early decisions

consequently.

The course is only offered in Year 11 for term one and two due to the need for mature candidates for the

course completion.

For more information contact Mr. John Mason.

West Island School

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Options – Your Choice

The Options

These are the selections you make in option block 1 and 2. You may under guidance also make one further

selection in option block 3 if you want to extend yourself and if you do not take the electives strand.

CREATIVE ARTS

PE AND SPORT

INDIVIDUALS AND SOCIETIES

EAL SUPPORT

STRATEGIES FOR SCHOOL SUPPORT

INDIVIDUAL NEEDS

TECHNOLOGY

Total of 2 GCSEs and an Elective block or 3 GCSEs

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CREATIVE ARTS FACULTY Art and Design: Fine Art GCSE (2FA01) Edexcel

What will the course be like?

It is about having an adventurous and enquiring approach to art and design and the

desire to develop your skills and knowledge. You will gain an understanding of art

from the past and present and be able to produce personal responses embracing a

range of ideas. You will learn about materials, working practices and the technology

of art and design. You will develop skills to investigate, analyse and experiment using

art, craft and design.

You may choose to work in one or more of the following areas:

We offer students experiences in printmaking, mixed media, drawing and painting, so whether you see

yourself in the future as a painter, fashion designer or photographer, you will be introduced to the underlying

principles of art and design.

What will I be assessed on?

Student Portfolio (Coursework): You will produce 2 major units of work for this section. They will be based

on different themes and will explore a variety of media. There are controlled assessment periods that count for

60% of the final mark. Externally Set Assignment: The externally set assignment is another theme set by the exam board. You are

given a question paper 8 school weeks prior to the exam and must produce research and development

studies during this period in preparation for the exam. At the end of this preparatory period, there will be a 10-

hour controlled assessment period, over two days, when a final outcome should be produced (e.g. a painting

or sculpture etc.) This externally set assignment is worth 40% of the overall mark.

Assessment Objectives: AO1: develop ideas through investigations informed by contextual and other sources, demonstrating

analytical and cultural understanding

AO2: refine ideas through experimenting and selecting appropriate resources, media, materials, techniques

and processes

AO3: record ideas, observations and insights relevant to their intentions in visual and/or other forms

AO4: present a personal, informed and meaningful response demonstrating analytical and critical

understanding, realising intentions and, where appropriate, making connections between visual, written, oral

or other elements


Studying art could lead to careers in such diverse fields as advertising, marketing, design, architecture,

publishing and the media, fashion and textile design and product design. Art is also useful for many other

careers where creative thinking and problem solving skills are required. The Art and design GCSE course

prepares you equally well for the following IB Visual Arts course or BTEC 3 Art and Design programme.

West Island School

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You must be able to work hard, co-operatively, creatively, imaginatively and be willing to give and receive

constructive criticism. Above all you must be someone who has interest in and enjoys art.

For Further Information: Please see Mr. Stanley, Head of Visual Art

Drama GCSE - Edexcel 1699

Student Guide to Edexcel Drama GCSE Is this the right subject for me? Do you enjoy:

Expressing yourself in an active and exciting way? � Working in a group? � Contributing your own ideas and respecting those of others? � Exploring ideas by putting yourself in other people’s shoes? � Playing many parts in different imaginary situations? � Creating your own drama work? � Looking at plays written by other people? �

If you have ticked any of the boxes above, then this GCSE drama course is the ideal subject for you.

What do I need to know before, or be able to do, taking this course?

You will probably have had experience of drama in drama lessons during Years 7, 8 and 9. You may also be a

member of a drama club. Any of these experiences can help if you choose drama as a GCSE subject. You will

develop your improvisation and acting skills to a higher level. You will also look at plays in more detail and at

different ways of bringing a script to life on stage. If you are more interested in the technical aspects of drama

(for example set design or lighting) you could focus on these for part of the course.

What will I learn? You will learn how drama is created, including all the acting and staging skills that are needed to put a piece

of drama on to the stage. You will learn how to create a character and play this character in a performance.

You will also learn many other skills that are highly valued in any walk of life. These include teamwork and

confidently presenting yourself in public.


Almost all assessment is practical. There are no written examinations although you will be required to keep a

written record of your practical work.

You will explore themes, ideas and plays in a wholly practical way and your teacher will assess how well you

have done. You will also be required to perform in a play or contribute a form of design to a production such

as costume, lighting or sound. You will perform the play with visiting examiner in the audience.

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Assessment overview The grid gives you an overview of the assessment for this course.

Edexcel GCSE Drama - New Specification

Unit 1: Drama Exploration (30%) This is an exploration of creative and structural aspects of drama: • forms of stimuli • explorative strategies • drama medium • elements of drama You will take part in a controlled assessment which is a six hour practical exploration which is internally assessed and externally moderated. You will also write documentary evidence which is a maximum of 2000 words and is internally assessed and externally moderated.

Unit 2: Exploring Play Texts (30%) This is the exploration of a play text chosen by your drama teacher involving: • exploration of character • interpretation of the play • design implications of the play • visits to live theatre performances You will take part in a controlled assessment which is a six hour practical exploration which is internally assessed and externally moderated. You will also write a documentary response which is a maximum of 1000 words and a response to live theatre seen which is a maximum of 2000 words. Both pieces are internally assessed and externally moderated.

Unit 3: Drama Performance (40%) This is a devised or scripted play performance to an audience, for which you may offer; • acting skills, or • performance support and design skills You will be assessed by a visiting examiner. What can I do after I’ve completed the course?

After you have completed GCSE drama you can go on to study IB theatre arts or take a BTEC pathway in

performance.

For further information: Please see Ms Rochester, Head of Drama and Dance

West Island School

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Film Studies GCSE

Welsh Joint Education Committee

There is a powerful force sending its messages to virtually everyone on the planet. It is using every form of

communication tool available. It is in your sitting room, your bedroom and maybe even in your bathroom. No

matter how hard you might try, you cannot escape it. The name of this driving force is “the media” and,

whether you like it or not, the film industry helps to define your life and the way you think. Because of this, it is

important to be media literate and film studies will help you to decode the messages and meanings that are

embedded in the films that we see.

Assessment – the key question

50% of the course is assessed through coursework which is aimed at allowing students to demonstrate their

technical and creative ability through their analysis and production of visual texts. 30 marks are assigned to

the critical analysis of a film that the students choose to study. 30 marks are given to students who are

required to pitch an idea for a feature film and then the presentation of the pre-production artefacts which may

include a short script, a storyboard and animatic for the opening sequence or a variety of marketing materials

which could include the layout designs for a magazine cover. 30 marks are awarded for a production task

which could include the filming and editing of their opening sequence, a film poster campaign marketing their

film, a feature article about their film or a dedicated website devoted to their film. For a majority of the

coursework, students may choose to work in either AV texts (film) or print-based designs (Photoshop). The

final 10 marks are assigned to a discursive essay highlighting what the student has learnt about the main

study area for film from their production work (film language, film organisations and audiences).

50% of the course is evaluated in a final examination with two distinct papers. Paper 1 is focused on the study

of a specified genre. For the last few years, the exam will focus on superhero films, but this genre focus will

change for the next intake of GCSE students. In the exam, students are required to respond to an unseen film

extract and answer questions about the creative and technical aspects. Students will also be required to

discuss issues of audience appeal, marketing and promotion as well as develop a creative idea like design a

teaser poster for a nominated disaster film. Paper 2 is designed to expose students to films outside Hollywood

and the difficulties faced in defining a national cinema. The exam board identifies a list of films from which we

will select 1 or 2 for close analysis. Students will need to understand how themes are delivered through

characters, film language and the director’s intent when placed in an historical or cultural perspective.

If you intend to take GCSE Film Studies, you must be interested in films and the industries that produce,

promote and control them. You need a good standard of written English because the examination requires

timed essay skills over extended periods. Coursework tasks will require creative and technical skills involved

in film making and also print design using Photoshop. While it is not an easy course, students who apply

themselves have been rewarded with very good grades at the end of the course.

For further Information: Please see Mr. Tranent, Head of Film

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Music IGCSE – Cambridge International Examinations

Is this the right subject for me? Yes, it is if you enjoy

• performing music

• composing music

• learning an instrument or singing

• improvising and making music with others

• learning about all types of music, including classical, popular, jazz and world music.

What do I need to know, or be able to do, before taking this course? You have already gained many of the basic skills needed for this course in your music lessons over the last

three years at West Island School. If you are new to the school your previous musical experience should be

enough or if you have been learning an instrument privately this should be sufficient.

Previously, you should have been introduced to creating music and this is developed further in the IGCSE

course. You are required to compose two pieces of music of your own choice. For example, this could be a

popular song and a dance piece of music, a classical piece or a piece of world music. There is a wide choice

and it can be tailored to your own musical interests and strengths.

You should have already listened to a variety of music and these skills are developed as you study some

set pieces taken from the western classical and world music styles.

You enjoy making music, either as a soloist or in a group e.g. in a band, in a duet, or mixed ensemble. The

IGCSE course encourages you to perform music of your own choosing and in any style, as a soloist and also

in a group. To take this course, you must be able to offer at least one instrument/or voice. What will the course be like?

IGCSE music is about creating and listening to music. It covers performing, composing and listening to a wide

variety of musical styles – popular music, world music and classical music and there are opportunities to use

music technology.

What will I learn, how does it follow on from what I have learned before?

You will learn how:

• To improve your performing skills

• Music is constructed from initial ideas through to the finished product

• To analyse music in a variety of styles and discover the social and historical context in which music has

been composed over the last 400 years or so.

West Island School

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Performing Composing Listening & Appraising

You will need to play one solo piece and one ensemble (group) piece. 30%

You will need to create two compositions in any style you choose. 30%

You will sit a 75 minute written paper with questions on the prescribed set works. Questions such as these are asked: • ‘Name the instrument playing the solo’ • ‘Give two musical reasons why you like or dislike this piece of music.’ • ‘This theme is shared between two instrumental families? What are they?’ 40%

What other skills might I develop?

IGCSE music offers opportunities to develop your ability to be creative, be original and confidence when

working with others.

What could I do next with IGCSE Music?

IGCSE music is good preparation for further musical study. You may wish to take an IGCSE in music for its

own sake, perhaps to form the basis of a future interest. Alternatively, you may wish to go into a job where it is

useful to have had experience of music or where you will need to use some of the skills developed during this

course. These might include careers in the music industry, publishing, media entertainment and teaching or

any job, which involves communication and expressive skills. For further information: Please see Ms Dalgarno, Head of Creative Arts (& Music)

Dance GCSE - AQA

“Dance is vital, an activity both exhilarating and liberating to watch or do. The instinct to dance is

fundamentally joyous and no matter how hard you try you can’t get away from that for long’’. Richard Alston

CBE, Dance UK


Can you express yourself through movement; enjoy creating and learning new ways to move? Can you work

as part of a team and as an individual from a variety of starting points? Are you enthusiastic about dance,

watching or taking part? If you have answered yes and you have a minimum of two years dance experience

then this is the course for you!

What will I learn?

You will learn how to deconstruct professional and existing dance works, applying various techniques and

methods into your own choreography. You will learn and embody contemporary dance technique that will

inform good practice in theory and practical tasks. Throughout the two years you will study cultural and world

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dance through performing, viewing and experiencing dance. You will consistently as a dancer explore stimuli

as a soloist and be part of a company.

You will also develop fundamental skills that will be useful in other day to day activity; communication,

expression, cultural awareness and perception to name just a few.


You will be assessed on both theory and practice across four different units:

Unit 1: Critical Appreciation of Dance

Written Paper: 1 hour 20%

Topics to be covered include health & safety, good practice and choreographic terminology. You will also

study five professional dance works and will be able to compare and contrast the movement, set and

costumes.

Unit 2: Set Dance

Practical Examination Solo Performance: 1 hour 30 minutes 20%

You will perform a choreographed contemporary dance solo to a visiting examiner that will be provided by

AQA.

Unit 3: Performance in a duo/group dance

3 minutes Controlled Assessment 20%

In a duet or trio you will demonstrate your performance skills in a partly set and partly choreographed dance in

any particular dance style. You will show understanding of spatial and group awareness, contrasting

dynamics, contact work and your own personal style with the necessary applied focus and energy.

Unit 4: Choreography

Task 1: Solo Composition 1 hour 30 minutes 15%

Task 2: Choreography - solo/duo/group 25%

Unit total: 40%

You will respond to a range of stimuli and choreograph a solo that supports your knowledge and

understanding from Unit 1. A variety of choreographic terminology should be used and you will be influenced

by any or elements of the five professional dance works suggested below.

Front Line (2005) by Henri Oguike

Car (1995) by Lea Anderson

Nutcracker (2002) by Matthew Bourne

Still life at the Penguin Café (1987) by David Bintley

Swan Song (1987) by Christopher Bruce

For further information: Please see Ms Rochester, Head of Drama and Dance

West Island School

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PHYSICAL EDUCATION & SPORT FACULTY

Physical Education GCSE – Edexcel 1825

The objective of the course is to develop your knowledge and understanding of

what it means to be a healthy, active person. This will entail a part practical

(60%) part theory (40%) based program with the aim of making students more

aware of their lifestyle choices and what it means to be truly healthy.

What will I learn on this course?

You will:

• develop your knowledge and skills in specialist sporting activities

• examine the effects of exercise on the body

• examine the relationships between training and performance

• analyse sporting performance and give feedback

• enhance your understanding of the role of technology and testing in sport

• find ways to improve your own performance through your greater understanding of the subject

• Understand the components that affect your healthy active lifestyle, including media, socio economic

groups and geography.

• Examine, develop and understand your cardiovascular, respiratory, muscular and skeletal systems How will I be assessed? The assessment is split into two sections

1. 60% of the final grade is based on your practical ability in 4 sports, coaching ability in a chosen sport or

your officiating ability in a chosen sport. Part of this will also be based on a Personal Exercise Program

and your ability to analyse your own and others performance. All assessments are carried out under

controlled assessment conditions.

You will be assessed in a variety of sports over the two year course with the final assessment day being

held around March of year 11. This is a practical exam with those marks achieved on the day going

towards the final grade.

The majority of sports are catered for but if you participate in a specialist sport (golf, sailing or equestrian

for example) you can still be assessed.

2. 40% of the final grade is based on a theory examination taken at the end of Year 11. The paper consists

of multiple choice questions as well as short and long answer questions.

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Is this the right course for me? To do this course you must be able to:

• Train and develop fitness

• Enjoy challenge and sport

• Work co-operatively with others

• Give and receive constructive feedback

ABOVE ALL YOU MUST BE SOMEONE WHO LOVES SPORT For Further Information: Please see Mr. Lant, Head of Physical Education

West Island School

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INDIVIDUALS AND SOCIETIES FACULTY

Business Studies IGCSE

GCSE Business Studies is an exciting course which helps you develop your

critical understanding of organisations, the markets they serve and the process

of adding value. This will involve consideration of the management of

organisations and in particular the process of decision-making in a dynamic business world.

You will study business behaviour from the perspective of different stakeholders including customers,

managers, shareholders and employees. You will be aware of the economic, environmental, ethical, legal,

social and technological issues associated with business activity. Business Studies draws on a variety of

disciplines which are interrelated.

Some of the topics you will cover include: business ownership, human resource management, marketing,

production, accounts and economic concepts. This will be achieved through a variety of teaching methods

such as business simulation, case studies and use of internet. Visiting speakers are welcomed in lessons to

share their experiences with you.

This IGCSE course is an excellent foundation for the IB Business and Management or BTEC Level 3 in

Business course in the Upper School.

Topics include

• Understanding Business Activity

• People in Business

• Marketing

• Operations Management

• Financial Information and Decision Making

• External Influences on Business Activity

How will I be assessed? Paper 1 – Short answers and structured data responses (1 hour 30 minutes) 50% of final marks.

Paper 2 – Four questions based on a case study (1 hour 30 minutes) 50% of final marks.

Is this course for me?

• You must have strong Mathematical and English skills.

• You must be able to contribute to class discussion and offer opinions.

• You must be interested in the economic environment.

• You must be able to solve problems and make business decisions.

• You must enjoy a challenge!

For Further Information: Please see Miss Gossage, Head of Business Studies

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Business Studies BTEC Level 2

Course Outline

BTEC level 2 in Business is an alternative course to IGCSE Business Studies which is more suitable for

students who prefer to use a wider range of assessment methods. Equivalent to either one or two GCSEs.

Students will study business behaviour from the perspective of different stakeholders including customers,

managers, shareholders and employees. They will be aware of the economic, environmental, ethical, legal,

social and technological issues associated with business activity. However rather than being assessed during

an exam at the end, they will be given the opportunity to use a range of assessment methods which better

reflect skills used in the workplace. These include presentations, reports, meetings, observed team activities

and even creating a website.

BTEC level 2 is perfect to develop the skills identified in the WIS Skills framework. The course has been

specifically designed to develop the following PLTS (personal learning and thinking skills). The PLTS skills

groups are Team Workers, Self-managers, Independent enquirers, Reflective learners, Creative thinkers and

Effective participators.

Topics include

• Enterprise in a Business World

• Finance for Business

• Principles of Marketing

• Promoting a brand

• Recruitment, selection and employment

• Building Successful Business Teams

• Business Online


Unit 2 – Finance for Business – online examination

All other units – coursework tasks

Benefits of this course?

Flexible in terms of pace – students within the same class can enter for either the award (1 GCSE equivalent)

or the certificate (2 GCSE equivalent) depending on the pace at which they are working.

There is future potential for Year 12 and 13 students as this course could be offered as an introduction to

BTEC Business level 3 for students who are not ready to access that course yet.

Flexible in terms of learning styles – students can present their work in a variety of different methods, giving

different students opportunities to demonstrate their strengths and to challenge areas of weakness throughout

the course.

The different presentation methods used mean that students will get the opportunity to perfect presentation

styles used in business today.

West Island School

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Internal assessment allows ongoing feedback to students on their work.

This course is most suitable for students who want to study Business without an end examination and who do not wish to study Business at HL or SL in the IB. Students who wish to study Business in the IB must do the Cambridge (I)GCSE course. Students who complete the BTEC course in Business will not be eligible to study Business in the IB except under very unusual circumstances. The course could link to BTEC Business in the upper school but can be taken by potential IB students who are not taking Business at IB also. For Further Information: Please see Miss Gossage, Head of Business Studies

Economics IGCSE - Edexcel

What is the course about?

Economics is the study of how humans deal with the universal problem of scarcity and how society attempts

to solve it through making choices. It is a modern and dynamic subject which looks at modern economic

issues.

Economics has theory but also deals with how economics is put into practice and therefore looks at policies

and current economic issues and problems. Economics is a constantly changing subject so an interest in

current affairs is very important. While economics does not examine specific businesses, it does look at the

markets in which business operates and what the role of business is in producing goods and services to solve

the economic problem.


Two final examinations (100%). There is no coursework.

Is this the course for me?

• You must be interested in current events.

• You must be prepared to think independently and consider alternatives.

• You must be prepared to offer your opinion and to back it up.

• You need to have good mathematics skills.

For Further Information: Please see Mr. Wray, Head of Economics

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Geography IGCSE - Edexcel 4370

Geography at IGCSE involves an integrated study of the earth’s places people, environments and societies.

The course is divided into 4 units and will include the following topics within those units:

Section A: - The natural environment and people

Complete two of the three topics:

1. River environments

2. Coastal environments

3. Hazardous environments

Section B: - People and their environments

Complete two of the three topics:

4. Economic activity and energy

5. Ecosystems and rural environment

6. Urban environments

Section C: Practical Geography Enquiry

The development of practical geographical enquiry skills related to the investigation of the selected topics

from sections A and B.

Section D: - Global Issues

Complete one of the three topics:

7. Fragile environments

8. Globalisation and migration

9. Development and human welfare


• IGCSE geography is assessed through one 3 hour examination paper.

• There is a single tier of entry.

• Question styles include multiple choice, short and extended answer questions, graphical and data

questions and fieldwork questions based on the options chosen in section A and B.

During the course you will learn through an enquiry approach to think geographically and investigate world

issues. Wherever possible, practical fieldwork will be used to enhance your understanding of the topics

covered. Geography will help you make informed judgements about stewardship of the environment. You will

learn how to sustainably manage physical and human environments both globally and locally.

For Further Information: Please see Mr Bell, Head of Individuals and Societies

West Island School

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History – “Modern World History” IGCSE – Edexcel 4H10

Examination Units

• A Study in Change: ‘Conflict, Crisis and Change: China, c1934-89

• A Theme Study: A Divided Union. Civil Rights in the USA, 1945-1974

• A Theme Study: Russia: Autocracy & Revolt, 1881-1914

• A Depth Study: Colonial Rule and the Nationalist Challenge in India, 1919-1947

Twentieth century events have shaped our world and have an effect on our lives today. In the GCSE history

course you will study four twentieth century international history options through a variety of sources, from

political speeches to newspaper cartoons. We also make extensive use of excellent archive videos and

DVDs.

This syllabus gives you the opportunity to study history in outline and in depth. The course is focused on the

key events which shaped the twentieth century world; the key themes feature a study of politics, the economy,

individuals and social change across the world.

The course will help you develop a range of skills which will help you investigate and form judgements about

events of the past. You will learn to evaluate and analyse evidence from the past and develop the skills to

communicate your own ideas effectively.

History will continue to be a subject which will make you think for yourself and one where independent study

habits will be encouraged. It will help you to make more sense of the world in which you live!

The skills you have learned over the past three years will be developed and extended. The course will require

you to cover a substantial amount of private study reading but you will be given time and support in class to

help you with this.


Your final grade is based around 2 examination papers, each of 90 minutes in length. Each paper is divided

into two sections. There is no coursework element. This is something you should think about when you

make your options choices.

Progression Routes

Developing the disciplines involved in the study of History will equip you for a range of career opportunities

including law, management, administration and education.

For Further Information: Please see Mr. Massarella, Head of History

~ 37 ~

Religious Studies GCSE – Edexcel 2RS01

Religious studies at GCSE is interesting, relevant and fun. We have the opportunity to study philosophy,

ethics and comparative religion.

While it is not essential for you to have studied religious studies at GCSE to take IB philosophy, often students

find it useful as the course prepares you to think in a philosophical way, giving you the skills to analyse,

evaluate and argue different points of view.

Students study religion and life from a Christian perspective in Year 10. Students will study four units which

are:

1. Believing in God- this explores if it is possible to prove God exists and how this affects faith and action.

2. Matters of life and death- this explores life after death, abortion, euthanasia and world poverty.

3. Marriage and the family- this explores marriage, divorce, sexuality and family life

4. Religion and community cohesion- this explores sexism, ethnicity, racism, and multi faith society.

In Year 11 the students take a course called religion and society in which they consider issues of social

responsibility including politics, war, crime and punishment, as well as the environment and science. They are

given the opportunity to extend their religious knowledge through adding a religion of their choice to the study.

Within each unit, we look at religious attitudes to the issues, beliefs and teachings and how these relate to

non-religious beliefs. We then aim to under-pin these ideas through looking at real life situations and locate

their learning in the world we live in.


Your final grade is made up of one exam (2 hours) in Year 10 and one exam (2 hours) in Year 11. There is no

coursework.

This is an excellent course which inspires many debates; we use film and other forms of media as stimuli for

these discussions. The exam questions require concise written answers that reflect the understanding and

evaluation that we practise in class.

For Further Information: Please see Mr Calver, Head of PRS

West Island School

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EAL Support Option

Students who have English as their second or additional language are

advised to take the EAL support option instead of an 8th or 9th GCSE

subject.

These small group lessons take place twice a week and are taught by a language specialist. Students are

given an intensive academic language skills programme which includes grammar and vocabulary as well as

advice on efficient study habits in the context of their GCSE work in other subjects. They also get language

tips and advice on drafting, editing and improving coursework pieces from across the curriculum. Students

are encouraged to bring challenging homework and class work tasks to these lessons for consultation, review

and clarification. All EAL lessons are closely linked to GCSE subject work across the curriculum.

EAL specialist teachers maintain close links with staff teaching other GCSE subjects to ensure the relevance

and transferability of the work done in these lessons. Wherever necessary, work from other GCSE subjects is

pre-taught, revised or followed up during this time.

What does the EAL Support Option offer you?

• A SMALL GROUP environment with supportive teachers to help you.

• TIME to revise what you have learnt in other subjects.

• HELP and ADVICE with drafting and editing coursework assignments, projects and homework.

• CLARIFICATION of the language and vocabulary used in subjects.

• STUDY SKILLS to make revision for tests and exams easier.

• LEARNING STRATEGIES like mind-mapping, concept mapping and brainstorming to improve your

knowledge and understanding of subject work.

• ACADEMIC LANGUAGE SKILLS to make you more confident in every subject.

• ACCESS to INTERACTIVE language activities online.

For Further Information: Please see Ms. Koshy, Head of EAL

~ 39 ~

English as a Second Language IGCSE

This course is designed for students who have English as their second or additional language. It is a full

IGCSE course that is accepted at A-level and universities around the world as a valid English language

qualification.

The IGCSE ESL is a skills based course that aims to enable students to do the following:

• To develop the ability to use English effectively for the purpose of practical communication in a variety of

situations.

• To form a sound base for the skills required for further study and employment using English as the

medium.

• To develop an awareness of the nature of language and language learning skills along with skills of a

more general application, (e.g. writing for specific purposes, analysing and synthesizing material).

Students are examined on reading and writing for 2 hours and on listening skills for 40 minutes. There is also

a 15-minute oral examination.

All students are currently required to take the English language (first language) exam – which takes place in

May at the end of Year 11. The IGCSE ESL exam is therefore taken in October/November, soon after

students enter Year 11 and offers students an additional English language qualification.

What are the advantages of taking IGCSE ESL?

• No long coursework assignments – improve your speaking confidence with the 15-minute oral

assessment. Very useful for IB and International Diploma oral presentations in the future.

• Better English language reading and writing skills, that are useful in all subjects.

• Improved general knowledge and vocabulary from exposure to newspapers and magazines.

• Exposure to radio and television excerpts to enhance listening skills.

• Developing oral confidence and speaking skills through short group discussions, presentations and

speeches.

• Summarizing, skimming, scanning and note-taking skills.

• Writing in different registers, both formal and informal. Writing for specific purposes - reports, business

letters, letters of complaint, persuasion, transactions, arguments etc.

• Less examination pressure in May, because you take this one in October /November, the year before.

Lots more time after November in Year 11 to work on improving subject coursework in other subjects and

developing revision and study skills.

• Two useful English Language GCSE grades – IGCSE ESL and the English as a First Language.


West Island School

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EAP: English for Academic Purposes

This course acknowledges that many students face a significant challenge in becoming familiar with the

demands of an examination syllabus, critical jargon, subject terminology and the specific academic genres of

their subjects at IGCSE/GCSE level. At WIS, we wish to scaffold and support the development of key

academic language skills associated with success at coursework and examinations while building long-term

skills for a future in either the International Baccalaureate (IB) or the International Diploma.

Students chosen for this non-examined course will have their Learning for Life lessons and Supported Study

lessons (2 hours per cycle), with a dedicated EAP teacher who is an academic language specialist. Students

will be chosen for this course based on their academic language proficiency and through teacher referral from

various subjects or Heads of Year. Class sizes will be between 12-14 students per teacher. Students will be

taught and supported with the following skills in the context of their on-going subject work:

• Study Skills: Including self-management, time-management, planning for deadlines, revision, note-

taking, graphic organisers, summary skills, colour coding and mnemonics as well as digital literacy to aid

efficient study skills.

• Reading to Study: Analysis and synthesis of textbook language and worksheets, reading for meaning,

skimming, scanning, deep comprehension, directed reading and thinking and reading to gain vocabulary.

• Writing Skills: Writing for specific audiences and purposes and writing to meet specific coursework and

examination criteria in various subjects.

• Speaking & Listening: Developing confidence with delivering formal presentations using ICT, chairing

discussions, giving opinions and arguing a point of view with confidence and clarity.


~ 41 ~

INDIVIDUAL NEEDS FACULTY

Strategies For School Support Option

The Strategies for School (S4S) Option exists as a choice for students where,

instead of 1 or 2 GCSE courses, they can receive direct support for their learning

needs, with specific emphasis being placed on study and literacy skills as well as

assistance with the coursework they get in their chosen GCSE subjects.

Places are reserved for students that the Strategies for School team has worked with during their lower school

years or those who exhibit substantial need for support. Such students need to be invited by the Strategies for

School team.

What does the strategies for school option have to offer students?

Small Class Size Dedicated Resource Skill Reinforcement Study Skills Focus Teaching Time for Seminars

Small Class Sizes: The option has sessions each week in small classes that enhance learning by providing

support for coursework, organisation and supplementary assignments. Small classes enable students to

benefit from focus teaching and targeted support.

Focus Teaching: Literacy and study skills are reinforced and consolidated through focus teaching where

programmes are tailored for individuals based on student’s ability and need.

Dedicated Resources: Strategies for School is based in a classroom equipped with access to 4 desktops

computers as well as specialized study books which cover many areas of the KS4 curriculum. CD-ROM

resources are also available. Students may also book access to the ICT and library resources by arrangement

with the School Librarian.

Skill Reinforcement: Through a structured programme that embeds core skills in English, Maths and ICT,

students will have the opportunity to reinforce their skills in practical situations. The following skills are

included:

• writing in a variety of ways for different purposes

• using descriptive, informative and argumentative techniques

• speaking and communicating to different audiences

• using and applying mathematical skills for life

• applying the capabilities of technology in realistic situations

West Island School

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Revision Techniques: Students develop their own techniques for revision as different strategies work for

different people, and depending on the type of subject being revised, some techniques are more suitable than

others. Students learn to develop revision cards, mnemonics, post-its, and graphic organisers that include

flow charts, spidergrams and mindmaps. Refined note-taking and note-making techniques are also taught.

For Further Information: Please see Ms. Wright, Head of Individual Needs Faculty

Core Literacy Skills Option

The Core Literacy Skills (CLS) course has been written to support the literacy requirements in other

curriculum areas and in particular, English.

A major component is Reading Comprehension and the 12 reading strategies that good readers use to

understand text – skimming and scanning, note-taking, finding the main idea; recalling facts and details;

understanding sequence; recognising cause and effect; comparing and contrasting; making predictions;

finding word meaning in context; drawing conclusions and making inferences; distinguishing between fact and

opinion; identifying author’s purpose; interpreting figurative language; summarising.

Fiction : Narrative (journals, diaries, narrative essays) ; Creative writing (stories, poetry, plays, monologues,

dialogues)

Non-fiction Reading: Expository (summaries, cause effect essays, comparison/contrast, essays, process,

travel); Persuasive (persuasive essays, editorials, problem/solution essays); Workplace Documents

(applications, emails, brochures, CVs, request/complaint letters)

Similarly, another focus will be Forms of Writing – developing the ability to identify various types of writing

and their purpose; generating appropriate forms of writing for a particular purpose; identifying audience; and

presenting information in the appropriate tone (eg., formal/informal).

A third component addresses the GCSE English Literature and Language exams. Students are carefully

acquainted with the components of both exam papers as well as the demands of each section through

scaffolding and explicit teaching. Test taking strategies are taught so that students can best maximise their

time during the examination. Students perform exam deconstruction to identify the reading and writing

strategies that are required in each part of the exam paper. In addition, students are given in-class

opportunities to complete exam questions and receive in-depth feedback upon their responses.

For Further Information: Please see Ms. Wright, Head of Individual Needs Faculty

~ 43 ~

Workskills Option Edexcel

By Invitation Only

The Edexcel Entry 3 Award and Certificate in WorkSkills have been designed to offer learners a flexible,

relevant course to improve their understanding and application of work-based skills.

This is an Edexcel qualification which has been accredited to the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF)

in the United Kingdom.

In Year 10, students will pursue the Entry Level Certificate in Workskills, with the view of them progressing to

Level1/Level2 in Year 11. During the course students will be expected to compile a portfolio showing

evidence that they have met the particular outcomes for each completed unit.

To achieve the Certificate in Workskills award, students must earn a total of 13 credits for all the units.

Students will be exposed to both realistic and stimulated work environments to enable them to practice and

develop practical skills needed for the work environment

Sample of units covered:

• Searching for a Job

• Applying for a Job

• Preparing for an Interview

• Interview Skills

• Self-management Skills

• Self-assessment

• Conduct at Work

• Working in a Team

• Investigating Rights and Responsibilities at Work

• Setting and Meeting Targets at Work

• Speaking Confidently at Work

• Preparing for Work Placement

• Learning from Work Placement

The BTEC Workskills course aims to allow students the means to:

• Engage in learning that is relevant to them and which will provide opportunities to develop a range of skills

and techniques, personal skills and attributes essential for successful performance in working life.

• Achieve a UK-recognized Entry Level 3 Workskills qualification.

• Progress to employment in a particular vocational sector.

• Progress to related general and/or vocational qualifications.

For Further Information: Please see Ms. Charles, Head of Learning Centre

West Island School

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TECHNOLOGY FACULTY Engineering BTEC First Level 2 Extended Certificate Edexcel

The Edexcel Level 2 BTEC in Engineering is a 180 guided learning hour

qualification which offers an opportunity for learners to experience a vocational

qualification. The course offers a focused qualification for learners who wish to

follow a programme of study related to an aspect of employment that they might

wish to move into; or a taster qualification which can extend their programme of

study and provide an initial experience of a course in Year 12 such as a BTEC National qualification in

Engineering or the International Baccalaureate in Design and Technology (HL/SL).

The Edexcel Level 2 BTEC in Engineering has been designed to develop the knowledge, skills and

understanding required in the engineering sector and focuses on:

• providing opportunities for engineering employees to achieve a nationally-recognised Level

• 2 vocationally-specific qualification equivalent to 2 GCSE’s

• giving learners opportunities to enter employment in the engineering sector or to progress to

• further education vocational qualifications such as the Edexcel Level 3 BTEC Nationals in Engineering

• giving learners opportunities to develop a range of skills and techniques, personal qualities

• and attitudes essential for successful performance in working life

• providing education and training in the areas of electronics, maintenance and manufacturing

• which is directly relevant to the changing needs of employees, employers and the professions

• providing learners with the necessary knowledge and skills concerning health and safety,

• the environment, legislation, and customer care in the engineering sector.

What will you be doing? The Edexcel Level 2 BTEC in Engineering consists of two core units plus specialist units that provide for a

combined total of 180 guided learning hours (GLH) for the completed qualification.

What are my career options?

If you wish to consider a career in Mechanical or Structural Engineering, Computer Aided Design, Computer

Aided Manufacture, Product or Industrial Design. This course is also a good foundation for your studies

towards IB Design Technology or Advanced Diploma in Engineering.

For Further Information: Please see Mr. P. Williams, Teacher of D&T, or Mr. P. Cooper, Teacher of D&T

Unit Mandatory Core units GLH Level

1 Working Practices in Engineering 30 2

2 Using and Interpreting Engineering Information 30 2

Unit Specialist Units

10 Using Computer Aided Drawing Techniques in Engineering 60 2

14 Selecting and Using Secondary Machining Techniques to Remove Material 60 2

~ 45 ~

Hospitality BTEC First Level 2 Certificate Edexcel

The Edexcel Level 2 BTEC in Hospitality is a 90 guided learning hour qualification which offers an opportunity

for learners to experience a vocational qualification. The course offers a focused qualification for learners who

wish to follow a programme of study related to an aspect of employment that they might wish to move into; or

a taster qualification which can extend their programme of study and provide an initial experience of a

possible course in Year 12 such as a BTEC National qualification in Hospitality or the International

Baccalaureate in Design and Technology (HL/SL).

The Edexcel Level 2 Certificate BTEC in Hospitality has been designed to develop the knowledge, skills and

understanding required in the Hospitality sector and focuses on:

• providing opportunities for hospitality employees to achieve a nationally-recognised Level

• A vocationally-specific qualification equivalent to 1 GCSE

• giving learners opportunities to enter employment in the Hospitality sector or to progress to further

education vocational qualifications such as the Edexcel Level 3 BTEC Nationals in Hospitality

• giving learners opportunities to develop a range of skills and techniques, personal qualities and attitudes

essential for successful performance in working life

• providing education and training in the areas of food preparation of a wide range of world food products,

exploring the hospitality industry

• products, services and support in the Hospitality industry

• providing learners with the necessary knowledge and skills concerning health and safety, the

environment, legislation, and customer care in the Hospitality sector.

What will you be doing? The Edexcel Level 2 BTEC in Hospitality consists of two core units plus specialist units that provide for a

combined total of 90 guided learning hours (GLH) for the completed qualification.


If you are considering a career in the Hospitality Industry in the areas of food preparation and service, front of

house or event management then this course will give you a good basic knowledge to prepare you for the

world of work. This course is also a good foundation for your studies towards IB Design Technology or

Advanced Diploma in Hospitality.

For Further Information: Please see Ms. H. Revans, Teacher of Food Technology

Unit Mandatory Core units GLH Level

1 Investigate the Catering and Hospitality Industry 24 2

2 Products, Services and Support in the Hospitality Industry 6 2

Unit Specialist Units

9 Contemporary World Food 60 2

West Island School

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Design & Technology: Resistant Materials GCSE – AQA (4562)

If you enjoy creating items in materials such as wood, plastic and metal then consider this course which builds

on the experience and skills you have developed at Key Stage 3. Over the two-year course you will develop

your designing and making skills as well as gaining an understanding of the technology behind the subject.

You will learn about the methods used by industry to manufacture the products we use every day and gain an

insight into issues related to design and technology that affect us all. Both computer-aided-design (CAD) and

computer-aided-manufacture (CAM) will be practised.


Coursework Project 60% of total marks: This is for an extended personal design assignment consisting of a 3-

dimensional product and a concise design folder.

Written Paper (2 hour examination) 40% of total marks: The final examination that tests the student’s ability to

understand the design process and the theory and techniques behind their knowledge and understanding of

designing and making based on the resistant materials range.


Students who enjoy this course are hardworking, well organized, able to meet deadlines, solve problems,

creative and enjoy practical activity. Above all, they have a personal passion and interest of how products we

use on a daily basis are designed and made.

What are my Career Options? If you wish to consider a career in Architecture, Computer Aided Design, Product Design, Environmental

Design, Furniture Design, Industrial Design or Mechanical or Structural Engineering then this course would be

an excellent choice for you! This course is a good foundation for your studies towards IB Design Technology

or Advanced Diploma in Engineering.

For Further Information: Please see Mr Playford, Head of Technologies, and Mr Cooper, Teacher of D&T

~ 47 ~

Design & Technology: Graphic Design GCSE – AQA (4552)

If you enjoy creating items in materials such as paper, plastic and card then consider this course which builds

on the experience and skills you have developed at Key Stage 3. This course is concerned with the designing

of graphic products and presenting solutions through drawings and models. Graphic Products are items such

as display posters, packaging and promotional items. There are a wide range of graphic products used to

enhance advertising and marketing such as advertisements, promotional merchandise, displays, packaging,

poster and magazines as well as presentation drawings for products and architecture. There are also many

elements of graphical design that enhances the styling and colour of everyday products, such as your laptop

or mobile phone. All of these areas offer the student the opportunity to express their creativity and skills. For

much of the course the student will be placed in a situation, much like a professional graphics studio, where

real life design problems will have to be solved within the restraint of the commercial environment. Students

will also have to study industrial manufacturing processes so that their designs could be produced in quantity.


Coursework Project 60% of total marks: This is for an extended personal design assignment consisting of a 2-

and 3-dimensional product and a concise design folder.

Written Paper (2 hour examination) 40% of total marks: The final examination that tests the student’s ability to


designing and making based on the graphic products range.


Students who enjoy this course are hardworking, well organized, able to meet deadlines, solve problems,

creative and enjoy practical activity. You should enjoy designing and making using card, paper and other

modelling materials and be willing to work as part of a team. Above all, they have a personal passion and

interest of how products we use on a daily basis are designed and made. Students who are strong in the use

of CAD will also benefit greatly.

What are my Career Options?

If you wish to consider a career in Web Design, Architecture, Product Design, Computer Aided Design, Game

Design, Graphic Design, Promotion & Advertising (Marketing) or Interior Design then this course would be an

excellent choice for you!. This course is a good foundation for your studies towards IB Design Technology or

Advanced Diploma in Engineering.

For Further Information: Please see Mr Playford, Head of Technologies, and Mr Ross, Teacher of D&T

West Island School

~ 48 ~

Design & Technology: Textiles Technology GCSE – AQA (4572)

Are you a creative individual who enjoys designing new products using unusual fabrics and surfaces? If so,

then maybe Textiles Technology is the course for you. If you choose Textiles you will have the opportunity to

further develop your skills and knowledge gained in KS3 through a series of skills based workshop activities

and practical design projects. You will be encouraged to be experimental with fabric design and gain a greater

understanding of how to manipulate surfaces to create a desired effect. Techniques such as synthetic heat

distortion, sublimation printing, batik, handmade felts and needle punched surfaces are but a few. See below

for more detailed course information.

What will you be doing in Year 10?

Within Year 10 you will take part in a series of skills based sessions, in which you will be encouraged to

explore fibre and fabrics, through synthetic and natural materials and how both these can react to processes

in different ways. You will be encouraged to be creative through your use of decorative techniques, such as

free-hand embroidery, stencilling, beadwork, resist dying, appliqué, printing and many more. You will also be

introduced to creating your own materials to stitch into, such as wax and plastic entrapped surfaces. You will

develop constructional skills within the manufacture of textile products, such as machine stitching and

application of specific components such as zips, pockets, hems and seams. We also encourage a strong use

of ICT within Textiles, such as CAD/CAM processes using the laser cutter, heat press and computerized

sewing machines.

Along with continued development of skills, Year 10 will consist of 3 focused practical tasks:

• An interior design project in which you will explore textile lighting design through a chosen culture.

• A Fashion Accessory project, in which you will design and make an item of your choice inspired by

contemporary architecture.

• A printed 3D screen divider inspired by Japanese interior design.

What will you be doing Year 11? Coursework Project 60% of total marks: This is an extended personal design assignment consisting of a

manufactured textile product and a concise design folder which evidences the students design process.

Written Paper (2 hour examination) 40% of total marks: A written examination that tests the student’s ability to


designing and making within Textile Technology

~ 49 ~


If you wish to pursue a career in Textile Design (print, constructed and embroidery), Interior Design,

Interior/Fashion Styling, Visual Merchandiser, Wall Paper and Gift Design, Theatrical Costume Design, Set

Design, Fashion Accessory and Garment Design, Fashion Forecasting, Textiles Science, Fashion and Textile

Manufacture, Merchandising, Retailing, Quality Control, Shoe Design, Bag Design, Jewellery Design, then this

course would be an excellent choice for you! This course is a good foundation for your studies towards IB

Design Technology.

For Further Information: Please see Miss E. Hadfield, Teacher of Textiles

Design & Technology: Food Technology GCSE – AQA (3542)

This is a fun, creative and technological course where you get to play the role of the Food Technologist, the

Designer, the client and use ICT!

What will you be doing in Year 10? • Lots of COOKING!

• A foundation practical skills unit : you will make various cakes, pastry and sauces

• Special diets e.g. vegetarianism, food allergies

• Food hygiene and preservation – jam making and risotto

• Christmas cookery: Chocolate Logs

• Product analysis / sensory analysis using chilled desserts, soft drinks, cheeses etc.

• Nutrition – with focused practical tasks of your own choice

• The famous Pizza Factory Project – including a visit to San Marzano Pizza Express restaurant to make

pizza to their design specifications

• The functional properties of food –focused practical tasks to help you to understand why sauces thicken,

eggs set, how egg whites form foams, etc.

• Designing food for colour, taste, texture – make cheesecakes

• Food processing

• Food additives and labelling

• Nutritional analysis using one of the latest computer programmes

What will you be doing Year 11?

• A major coursework project over 6 months from September to March. This counts for 60% of your final

GCSE grade. The 2 hour written exam in June accounts for the other 40%.

• You will choose a coursework outline and develop new food products in response to a design brief

• Example of an Outline: Design and make a luxury dessert product that includes fresh fruits to be sold at a

food outlet of your choice

West Island School

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You will further your knowledge and understanding in concepts for example:

• Food Product Development & it’s stages

• Food Product Design, Development & market influences

• The application of appropriate screening and checking procedures in the food production system in order

to provide feedback, monitor performance and ensure quality control

• Nutrition labelling, information, legislation and codes of practice

• Awareness of the social and economic implications of food production and processing technology

• Food Processes and Product Manufacture

• The effect of combining different ingredients and the interaction of foods during preparation and cooking

• The importance of appropriate proportions on the structure, shape and volume of mixtures

• The need and effect of additives on the appearance, flavour, consistency and storage of food

• Selection and use of equipment for a particular task or process to produce a consistent result in both test

kitchen and industrial production

• The beneficial and detrimental effect of micro organisms and enzymes on food

• Preparation and preservation methods that affect quality and storage of food

What are my career options? If you wish to pursue a career in Food Product Development, Food buying, Quality Assurance and Control,

Food Science, Food Technology, Hospitality, Dietetics, Food Manufacture, Food merchandising, Food

Manufacture, Costing, Retailing, CAD or CAM then this course would be an excellent choice for you! This

course is a good foundation for your studies towards IB Design Technology.

For Further Information: Please see Miss. Revans, Teacher of Food Technology

West Island School

~ 51 ~

Useful Contacts

Vice Principal Director of Learning Pre16 Head of Year 9 Paul Tough Clare Haworth Jonathan Cornes

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Area Name Email Head of English Louise Davison [email protected] Head of Mathematics Ian Bengey [email protected] Head of Science Jonathan Gilchrist [email protected] Head of Languages Carlos Diaz [email protected] Head of Creative Arts & Music Leigh Dalgarno [email protected] Head of Art Roger Stanley [email protected] Head of Drama and Dance Kerry Rochester [email protected] Head of Film Studies Andrew Tranent [email protected] Teacher of Dance / Drama Scarlett Keyworth [email protected] Head of Physical Education Richard Lant [email protected] Head of Individuals & Societies Tariq Bell [email protected] Head of History Dominic Massarella [email protected] Head of PRS Eugene Calver [email protected] Head of Business Studies Rebecca Gossage [email protected] Head of Economics Peter Wray [email protected] Head of Technologies James Playford [email protected] Teacher of D&T Paul Cooper [email protected] Teacher of D&T Paul Williams [email protected] Teacher of Food Technology Helen Revans [email protected] Teacher of D&T Stewart Ross [email protected] Teacher of Textiles Emily Hadfield [email protected] Head of EAL Shubha Koshy [email protected] Head of Individual Needs Gail Wright [email protected] Teacher of Individual Needs Kelly Thorp [email protected] Head of Learning Centre Tricia Charles [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]


Page | 52

West Island School

250 Victoria Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Tel: 2819 1962 Fax: 2816 7257 Email: [email protected] Website: www.wis.edu.hk


http://www.wis.edu.hk/