year 9 guided preference information return deadline

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Year 9 Guided Preference Information

Return Deadline: Friday

18th January 2019

“Aspire, Achieve, Acclaim”

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Welcome Dear Parents, Carers and Students

At The Ferrers School, we provide every student with a core curriculum, which includes English, Mathematics, Science, Physical Education and Personal Development. From the start of Year 10, students will commence their personalised curriculum by expressing preferences for four additional subjects that they wish to study. This will result in them securing 9 Level 2 qualifications in total. Please note that students are expressing a preference and no guarantees are made at this time. The School will do its best to provide each student with their preferred subjects. However, should courses be oversubscribed, data systems will be used to select students for the available places. Should a course be undersubscribed, it may not run.

Students and their parents / carers should consider these preference choices carefully. Once a student has expressed their preferences, every effort is made to enable them to study the courses that they would like to. Preferences cannot be altered once they have been confirmed.

Making the right choice of Key Stage 4 subjects is very important for our Year 9 students. If good decisions are made, Years 10 and 11 will be rewarding and enjoyable. At the end of two years of hard work, students will have fulfilled their potential, achieving the qualifications they need as the basis for future success.

GCSE Reforms From September 2018, all GCSEs were reformed and their key features are:

• A new grading scale of 9 to 1 will be used, with 9 being the top grade. This will help distinguish the new GCSEs from previous versions.

• Assessment will be mainly by exam, with other types of assessment used only where they are needed to test essential skills.

• There will be new, more demanding content, which has been developed by the government and the exam boards.

• The majority of subjects will be assessed by one type of exam, rather than being split into ‘foundation tier’ and ‘higher tier’. The only exceptions will be GCSE Mathematics, GCSE Science and GCSE Languages (French, German & Spanish). These qualifications will retain tiered examinations.

The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) The EBacc is made up of 5 GCSE qualifications including English, Mathematics, Science, a Modern Foreign Language (French, German and Spanish) and a Humanities subject (Geography or History). We strongly recommend this pathway as some of the top universities often now insist on GCSEs in the academic subjects within the EBacc, known as “facilitating” subjects, as an essential entry requirement.

All students must opt for either History or Geography, however, it is also possible to opt for both

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Students’ identified to pursue one of the language courses are recognised by their application form

Triple Science At the end of Year 11, students will sit either Combined (known as Trilogy Science) or Triple Science exams. The subject content for both types of examination is largely similar with all students studying Biology, Chemistry and Physics throughout GCSE. However those who sit the Triple Science examination will require a greater subject knowledge than for Combined Science and each exam paper is for a longer duration. Entry to either Combined or Triple Science will be decided based on progress in Science throughout Year 9. Those who are entered in the Triple Science exams will gain three GCSEs and those who are entered in the Combined Science GCSEs will gain two GCSEs. Both of these courses allow students the opportunity to take higher tier exams as well as foundation, but the expectation would be that students on the triple science course would take the higher tier exam papers. Obtaining two GCSEs through Combined Science (Trilogy) as opposed to three GCSEs through Triple Science does not restrict students from applying for Science courses beyond GCSE. More Information

If you have any queries regarding the courses, please feel free to contact:

• Form Tutors

• Subject Teachers

• Curriculum Leaders

• Mr Judge (Deputy Head Teacher)

Stuart Judge Deputy Head Teacher

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Key Dates

Year 9 Guided Preferences Calendar 2018-19

Wednesday 21st November 2018

Year 9 Reports Sent Home

Look at the report and identify the subjects you are making good progress in and are likely to succeed with at Key Stage 4.

Wednesday 28th November 2018

Year 9 Assembly – Guided Preferences Launch

Information Booklet Published on School Website

Thursday 6th December 2018

Guided Preferences Information Evening

You will have the opportunity to find out more about the courses available and speak to curriculum/subject leaders about the content and assessment.

Thursday 17th January 2019

Year 9 Parents Evening

An opportunity to talk to your individual teachers about your progress and potential within a given subject

Friday 18th January 2019

Hand in Guided Preferences Form

Complete the Guided Preferences Form at the back of the booklet and hand back to your form tutor. Parents must have signed the form

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Contents Page Curriculum Area Subject Page Number

English English Language / English Literature GCSE 6

Maths Maths GCSE 7

Science Science Trilogy GCSE 8

Humanities Geography GCSE 9

History GCSE 10

Philosophy & Ethics GCSE 11

MFL MFL GCSE 12

BECIT Business & Enterprise BTEC 13

Business GCSE 14

Digital IT BTEC 15

Design Technology Design Technology GCSE 16

Food & Nutrition GCSE 17

Expressive Arts Art GCSE 18

Performing Arts - Production BTEC 19

Drama 20

Media BTEC 21

Music RSL 22

Dance BTEC 23

Physical Education PE GCSE 24

BTEC Sport Level 2 25

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Subject Information

English (Language and Literature) GCSE

Equivalent to 2 GCSE’s

Course Outline

All Key Stage 4 students follow the AQA specifications in GCSE English Language and GCSE English Literature. All students will now be examined at the end of Year 11 by exam only.

Language:

Paper 1: Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing Written examination: 1 hour 45 minutes - 50% of qualification In section A, reading a literature fiction text in order to consider how established writers use narrative and descriptive techniques to capture the interest of readers. (25%) In section B, writing their own creative text, inspired by the topic that they have responded to in section A to demonstrate their narrative and descriptive skills in response to a written prompt scenario or visual image. (25%)

Paper 2: Writers' Viewpoints and Perspectives Written examination: 1 hour 45 minute - 50% of qualification In section A, reading two linked sources from different time periods and genres in order to consider how each presents a perspective or viewpoint to influence the reader. (25%) In section B, producing a written text to a specified audience, purpose and form in which they give their own perspective on the theme that has been introduced to them in section A. (25%)

Literature:

Paper 1: Shakespeare and the 19th century novel Written examination: 1 hour 45 minutes - 40% of qualification

Paper 2: Modern texts and poetry Written examination: 2 hours 15 minutes - 60% of qualification

Future Learning Options (Post 16)

Attainment of a Grade 4 in the English Language examination will form entry into A level study of most subjects. This is a requirement of most Higher Level establishments. There are options to take A Levels in English Literature, English Language and Literature.

Career Opportunities

Successful attainment in English can lead to all manner of job opportunities, not just in the field of English.

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Subject Information

Mathematics GCSE

Course Outline

All students study Mathematics. It is one of the fundamental subjects underpinning all sciences and technology. We want students to see the learning of Mathematics as a lifelong experience, which will help them to approach situations with confidence.

Mathematics infiltrates, underpins and dictates much of our lives. Whether we are saving for a holiday, paying the mortgage, investing some hard-earned cash or redecorating the kitchen, a sound grasp of Mathematics, particularly numeracy, will help our lives run more smoothly.

There are 243 topics which are tested on the Mathematics papers. These are broadly divided into the areas of Algebra, Ratio and Proportion, number, Data and Statistics and Geometry.

Any of the topics on the specification can appear on either/all of the papers.

How will I be assessed?

Three (3) written papers

Each paper lasts: 1hr 30 minutes and contains 80 marks

Papers 1F and 1H: Non-calculator, Papers 2F, 3F and 2H, 3H Calculator allowed Tiered papers: Foundation Tier grades 1 - 5 available Higher Tier grades 4 - 9 available Each paper assesses the functional elements of mathematics: 30-40% on Foundation Tier papers 20-30% on Higher Tier papers

Mathematics is assessed in three skill based strands:

A01 Use and apply standard techniques (Percentage of final mark: 50% Foundation, 40% Higher)

A02 Reason, interpret and communicate mathematically (Percentage of final mark: 25% Foundation, 30% Higher)

A03 Solve problems within mathematics and other context (Percentage of final mark: 25% Foundation, 30% Higher)


This qualification prepares students for progression to further study of Mathematics at A Level. These Level 3 qualifications prepare students for a variety of further progression routes


Almost all jobs and careers require you to have Maths GCSE but there are also many careers in which you would make a lot of use of your Mathematics. These include Business Management, Psychology, Banking, ICT, Engineering and Medicine, to name just a few. You will also find that you will need a 5-9 grade for entry to most university courses.

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Subject Information

Science (Trilogy) GCSE

Equivalent to 2 GCSEs

Course Outline

You study all 3 areas of science (Biology, Chemistry and Physics)

The topics covered are:

Where possible lessons are practically based and part of the assessment is knowing key practical’s in the subjects. Many of the topics are similar to those studied in Year 7, 8 and 9, but are taught to a higher level.

You will receive two grades that reflect your ability across all three subjects. They are not given for individual subjects.


Having a good science qualification is a key requirement for many careers. Most employers like the logical thinking that science provides.

If you want to be a primary school teacher you need a grade 4 in science.

Even if the career/ course is not science based you may still need a good science qualification.


• Analytical chemist. • Animal technician. • Biomedical engineer. • Biomedical scientist. • Clinical psychologist. • Clinical research associate. • Clothing/textile technologist. • Colour technologist.

Note: Triple Science students will be identified during Year 9.

Biology: • 1. Cell biology

• 2. Organisation

• 3. Infection and response

• 4. Bioenergetics

• 5. Homeostasis and response

• 6. Inheritance, variation and evolution

• 7. Ecology

Chemistry: • 8. Atomic structure and the

periodic table

• 9. Bonding, structure, and the properties of matter

• 10. Quantitative chemistry

• 11. Chemical changes

• 12. Energy changes

• 13. The rate and extent of chemical change

• 14. Organic chemistry

• 15. Chemical analysis

• 16. Chemistry of the atmosphere

• 17. Using resources

Physics: • 18. Energy

• 19. Electricity

• 20. Particle model of matter

• 21. Atomic structure

• 22. Forces

• 23. Waves

• 24. Magnetism and electromagnetism

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Subject Information

Geography GCSE

Course Outline

There are three assessed units in the Geography course:

Unit One – Living with the Physical Environment

Students focus on the physical (natural) aspects of Geography and study:

• The Challenge of Natural Hazards (Earthquakes, Hurricanes, Climate Change)

• The Living World (Rainforests and Hot Deserts)

• Physical Landscapes in the UK (Coasts and Rivers)

Unit Two – Challenges in the Human Environment

Students focus on the human aspects of Geography and study:

• Urban Issues and Challenges (Life in London and Lagos)

• The Changing Economic World (Economies of the UK and Nigeria)

• The Challenge of Resource Management (UK Resources & Energy) Unit Three – Geographical Applications

Students use their own experience of fieldwork to answer theoretical questions and make a decision about a Geographical Issue.


A-Level Geography is taught in the 6th Form (TENC), and is the AQA course. The units studied are:

• Physical Geography – Water and Carbon Cycles; Coastal Landscapes & Hazards

• Human Geography – Global Systems & Global Governance; Changing Places & Contemporary Urban Environments

• Individual Investigation – a 4,000-word investigation into an aspect selected by the student from the areas covered.


Advertising, architecture, cartography, landscape design, agriculture, environmental health, estate management, nature and conservation, archaeology, law, libraries, museums, publishing, business, marketing, leisure and tourism, civil engineering, meteorology, mining, navigation, photography, sport and recreation services, banks, building societies, secretary, police, army, health service, surveyor, planner, teacher, emergency services, TV researcher, aid worker, accountant, lawyer, banker and retail management are just some of the hundreds of jobs that value this subject.

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Subject Information

History GCSE

Course Outline

There are four units in the History GCSE Course:

Paper 1 – Medicine in Britain c1250-present

This means that pupils will be studying:

• Beliefs on the causes of disease in different periods

• Methods of preventing and treating disease in different periods

• Specific case studies of disease in different periods

Paper 2 - Period Study and Depth Study; Anglo Saxon and Norman England c1060-1087 and Superpower Relations and the Cold War 1941-91

This means that you will be studying:

• The Norman conquest of England- invasion, rebellion and control

• The causes, development and end of the Cold War

Paper 3 - Modern Depth Study; Weimar and Nazi Germany 1918-39

• What happened to Germany after World War One

• Weimar Germany

• How Hitler gained and kept power

• What life was like for different groups of people living in Nazi Germany

Further Learning Options (Post 16)

Edexcel A Level History is taught in the 6th Form (TENC). The units of study are:

• Russia 1917-91 from Lenin to Yeltsin

• The German Democratic Republic 1949-91

• The British Experience of Warfare 1790-1918

• Coursework on interpretations of the Holocaust

Career Opportunities and Personal Development

Advertising, architecture, archaeology, law, libraries, historian, anthropologist, archivist, journalist, politician, museum curator, publishing, business, police, army, leisure and tourism, drama and theatre, surveyor, planner, teacher, TV researcher, film production, tour guide, accountant, lawyer, banker and retail management are just some of the many jobs that value this subject.

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Subject Information

Philosophy and Ethics GCSE

Course Outline

Students will study two different modules on this course:

1. Religion and Ethics 2. Religion, Peace and Conflict

The beliefs and practices of Christianity and Islam will be explored, considering the influence of the religion on individuals, communities and societies. Students will also study the views of followers on topics such as marriage and the family, crime and punishment, and matters of life and death. The non-religious beliefs of atheists and Humanists are discussed too to give students a contrasting perspective of these topics.

There are two final exams at the end of Year 11. There is no coursework requirement for this course.


A Level Religious Studies is taught in the 6th Form (TENC). The units of study are:

1. The Philosophy of Religion

2. Religion and Ethics

3. Developments in Religious thought


Philosophy and Ethics is a subject that allows you access to any job. It gives you skills of analysis and evaluation that employers really value. It shows that you can empathise and be tolerant of other’s opinions which are also things that employers want. Journalism, law, medicine, social work, business and finance, politics, marketing and advertising, education, charity work, policing, civil service, the armed forces are just some of the jobs that value this subject.

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Subject Information

Modern Foreign Languages GCSE

Course Outline

There are 3 different languages you can choose from at The Ferrers School: French, German and Spanish. We encourage students to take a Modern Foreign Language, in order to maximise their options for further education.

Modules of Study

Local area, holiday and travel

Future aspirations: school and work

Identity and culture

International and global dimension

Examinations

Students sit four final examinations at the end of Year 11, assessing each language skill: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Each skill counts for 25% of the final exam grade.


A GCSE in a Modern Foreign Language is a useful addition to anyone’s CV and also offers progression to further study of a foreign language at A level.

The study of languages is highly valued by universities and it forms part of the preferred subjects list from the Russell Group Universities.


People with language skills are highly sought after. However, languages are particularly valued for careers in journalism and media, law, engineering, business and marketing, ICT, sport and leisure, travel and tourism, customer service, civil service (immigration, customs and excise, diplomatic service), banking and teaching (UK and abroad).

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Subject Information

Technical Award in Enterprise (BTEC)

Equivalent to 1 GCSE

Course Outline

This gives learners the opportunity to:

• Gain a broad understanding and knowledge of a dynamic and vocational area

• Investigate working areas of Business and Enterprise

• Develop essential skills and attributes prized by employers, further education colleges and higher education institutions

Students learn and have the opportunity to gain specific knowledge and understanding of the skills including analysing existing businesses and creating their own new business pitch. Students also develop market research and financial accounting skills.

Modules covered:

• Component 1 – Exploring Enterprises

• Component 2 – Planning and Pitching an Enterprise

• Component 3 – Promotion and Finance for Enterprise

Students gain an introduction to the specific knowledge and understanding of the relevant skills that are required within Business.

The course is 67% coursework and 33% examination.


Learners can progress to other vocational qualifications, such as the BTEC Level 3 in Business, or on to A-level Business. Many of our students successfully move on to study a Business-related degree at University. Students can also move forward into Level 3 Apprenticeships in areas such as Business Administration.

Learners have the opportunity to develop a range of skills and techniques, personal skills and attributes essential for successful performance in working life.


The course will allow students the opportunity to gain a deeper application of a range of Enterprise skills and Business theory, developing their employability. Any area within the Business and Enterprise will be available to a student with this qualification. Students will also be equipped with the knowledge and skills to start-up a small business.

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Subject Information

Business GCSE

Course Outline


• Gain a broad understanding and knowledge of a dynamic and vocational area

• Investigate working areas of Business

• Develop essential evaluative and analytical skills and attributes prized by employers, further education colleges and higher education institutions

Students learn specific knowledge and understanding of relevant theory, enabling them to explore a wide range of real businesses.

Modules covered:

• Theme 1 – Investigating Small Business

• Theme 2 – Building a Business

Students gain an introduction to the specific knowledge and understanding of the relevant skills that are required within in Business.

The course is 100% examination.


Learners can progress to other qualifications such as the BTEC Level 3 in Business, or on to A-level Business. Many of our students successfully move on to study a Business-related degree at University.



The course will allow students the opportunity to gain a deeper application of a range of Business theory, developing their employability. Any area within Business and Enterprise will be available to a student with this qualification.

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Subject Information

Technical Award in Digital Information Technology (BTEC)


Course Outline


• Gain a broad understanding and knowledge of a dynamic and forward thinking sector

• Investigate working areas of Digital Information Technology


Students learn and have the opportunity to gain specific knowledge and understanding of the skills including analysing existing products and creating products to meet a client brief.

Modules covered:

• Component 1 – Exploring User Interface Design Principles and Project Planning Techniques

• Component 2 – Collecting, Presenting and Interpreting Data

• Component 3 – Effective Digital Working Practices

Students gain an introduction to the specific knowledge and understanding of the relevant skills that are required within the IT industry.

The course is 67% coursework and 33% examination.


Learners can progress to progress to other vocational qualifications, such as the BTEC Level 3 in Information Technology, or on to GCE A level, and, in due course, to enter employment in the IT Industry.



The course will allow students the opportunity to gain a deeper application of a range of IT

skills developing their employability. Students will be able to move confidently on to an

apprenticeship with the IT sector or University course. Any area with the IT industry will be

available to a student with this quality.

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Subject Information

GCSE Design & Technology

Course Outline

The aim of the D&T GCSE course is for students to acquire and demonstrate a range of skills and understanding of materials, components, processes, techniques and industrial practice when designing and making quality products in quantity.

The course is made up of:

Coursework - self-directed design and make projects based around a given theme

Exam – Individual written exam

A demanding course that requires a consistent, committed effort over the two-year duration. Students are encouraged to learn independently throughout.

On this course, students will examine everyday products and look at how and why things are made, identify possible weaknesses and suggest how a particular product could then be improved, through sketching, 3D modelling, Prototyping and Computer Aided Design (CAD).

Students will complete a number of mini projects in Year 10 to develop a range of skills; then a final coursework project in Year 11, which will require them to design and make a unique and exciting product of their choice.

D&T: Textiles (working with fabrics and threads)

D&T: Product Design (working with wood, metal and plastics primarily)

D&T: 3D Design (working with Computer Aided Design & Manufacturing, Electronics and some Resistant Materials)

Where possible theory work will be learned through focused practical tasks, requiring a logical mind and attention to detail. It should be noted that, although there is a practical outcome in the coursework, there is still a requirement for a significant amount of written work for design folders, including maths and science knowledge.


A Level Product Design


D&T: Textiles (interior design, fashion, furnishing, upholstery)

D&T: Product Design (practical trades such as carpentry, plumbing and building, product design)

D&T: 3D Design (design, graphics, product design, industrial design, CAD designer,

architecture)

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Subject Information

Food Preparation and Nutrition GCSE

Course Outline

The syllabus is made up of 50% coursework and 50% written exam. During this course, students will work with a range of ingredients to develop an understanding of combining ingredients for desirable outcomes. This will in turn help to refine a range of high quality skills, which would be relevant for those wanting to work in the food and catering industries.

Year 10

During Year 10 you will work through a series of traditional practical skills which prepare you for the GCSE assessments. You will:

• Do practical work most weeks

• Do written work every week

• Start preparation for the Yr11 Non Examination Assessment (NEA)

• Coursework tasks

Year 11

In Year 11, you will:

• Continue with the practical skills.

• Complete 2 NEA tasks

• Sit a 1 hr 30 mins written exam

Yr11 – NEA Task1

Food investigation – Here students will investigate an aspect of food preparation or an ingredient – this is set by the exam board

Yr11 – NEA Task 2

The completion of an extended practical task which is to prepare and cook a 2 or 3 course meal

Students need to be prepared to complete written work in class and at home every week. They must also bring ingredients every week.


A Level Food Preparation & Nutrition


Catering, Food Scientist, Chef, Hotel Industry, Dietician

The Food Industry provides a wide range of jobs in the UK, currently employing half a million people. The Food Industry provides a wide range of jobs in the UK, currently eploying half a million people.

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Subject Information

Art (Art and Design- Fine Art) GCSE

Course Outline

There are two components:

Component 1 Portfolio: produce a sustained project and a selection of further work that represents the course of study. This is worth 60% of your overall marks. You will create this portfolio of work through three assignments, Jar project, Man-made and Natural forms. Within each theme you will create work to meet the following learning objectives:

AO1: Develop ideas through investigations, demonstrating critical understanding of sources.

AO2: Refine work by exploring ideas, selecting and experimenting with appropriate media, materials, techniques and processes.

AO3: Record ideas, observations and insights relevant to intentions as work progresses.

AO4: Present a personal and meaningful response that realises intentions and demonstrates understanding of visual language.

Students must show their knowledge and understanding of how artists create their work in relation to individual, social, historical, environmental, cultural, ethical and issue based ideas or stimuli. They should be able to demonstrate how ideas, themes, feelings and concerns can inspire their own response to artists’ work and how this inspires their own creativity.

Component 2 Externally set assignment: The externally set task is the exam element to Art GCSE. It features seven tasks and you have to complete one of them. You get preparation time, plus ten hours of supervised time over two days where you will complete a final piece. This is worth 40% of your total marks. The skills and techniques learnt in Component 1 should be used purposefully and independently to complete the externally set assignment.


You can continue your Art and design studies at A-level where you can also choose areas of study to specialise in for example photography, painting, sculpture or textiles. There are also BTEC options where you continue learning art techniques and processes in foundation courses which cover a range of new ways of making or creating art.


Fashion design • Graphic design • Theatre designer • Animator • Video game designer • Illustrator • Museum curator • Photographer • Architecture • Product design • Textiles design • Ceramics • Advertising • Publishing • Interior design • Fashion and media journalism • Hair and make-up design • Retail design • Exhibition design • Jewellery design • Artist • Visual media • Teaching.

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Subject Information

Technical Award – Performing Arts (BTEC)


Course Outline

The BTEC Level 1/Level 2 Technical Award in Performing Arts, is for learners who want to acquire technical knowledge and technical skills through vocational contexts by studying technical theatre roles and responsibilities as part of their Key Stage 4 learning. The qualification recognises the value of learning skills, knowledge and vocational attributes to complement GCSEs. The qualification will broaden the learners experience and understanding of the varied progression options available to them.

The Award gives learners the opportunity to develop sector-specific knowledge and skills in a practical learning environment. The main focus is on four areas of equal importance, which cover the:

• Development of key skills that prove your aptitude in Performing Arts such as responding to stimuli

• Process that underpins effective ways of working in the Performing Arts, such as development of ideas, research and design

• Attitudes that are considered most important in the Performing Arts, including personal management and communication

• Knowledge that underpins effective use of skills, process and attitudes in the sector such as roles, responsibilities, performance disciplines and styles.


Study of the qualification as part of Key Stage 4 learning will help learners to make more informed choices for further learning, either generally or in this sector. The choices that learners can make post-16 will depend on their overall level of attainment and their performance in the qualification.

Learners who generally achieve at Level 2 across their Key Stage 4 learning might consider progression to:

• A Levels as preparation for entry to higher education in a range of subjects

• Study of a vocational qualification at Level 3, such as a BTEC National in Performing Arts, which prepares learners to enter employment or apprenticeships, or to move on to higher education by studying a degree in the Performing Arts or Production Arts areas.


This will prepare students for a wide variety of careers, not just technical theatre related,

but also any career where good communication skills, leadership skills and teamwork skills

are at their heart.

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Subject Information

Drama GCSE

Course Outline

This qualification has a straightforward structure with three components, one that focuses on devising, one that focuses on performing in or designing for a performance from a text and one that focuses on practical understanding of a performance text.

There is a practical focus – this qualification focuses on the practical exploration of performance texts. The performance text that will be studied for the examination will require students to articulate how they would perform in certain roles, and direct and design for certain extracts, putting practical work at the heart of the qualification.

We use engaging texts – we have selected a list of performance texts that will engage students and will inspire all, playing to students’ individual strengths and personalising learning at all stages of the course.


Develops transferable skills for progression to A Level – students will develop a multitude of skills, including collaboration, communication and an understanding of how to amend and refine work in order to make a smooth transition to the next level of study. This supports progression to A Level. This ensures sensible progression of knowledge, understanding and skills from GCSE to A Level and similar approaches to assessment, so that students will have a coherent experience of Drama while following this pathway.


This will prepare students for a wide variety of careers, not just performance related, but

also any career where good communication skills, leadership skills and teamwork skills are

at their heart.

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Subject Information

Technical Award - Creative Media Production (BTEC)


Course Outline

The BTEC Technical Award in Creative Media Production is a practical hands-on introduction to life and work in the industry. Students get the chance to develop valuable skills and techniques in different disciplines and explore potential careers in the industry.


• Developing technical skills and techniques

• Produce a digital media product in response to a brief


Modules covered:

• Component 1: Exploring Media Products

• Component 2: Developing Digital Media Production Skills

• Component 3: Create a Media Product in Response to a Brief

Components 1 & 2 each represent 30% of the course and are internally assessed. Component 3 represents 40% of the course and is externally set and assessed.


Gives full-time learners the opportunity to progress to other vocational qualifications, GCE A level, or to enter an apprenticeship in the creative media sector.

What’s more, the transferable skills students master during their studies such as self-reflection, communication, teamwork and problem solving will also support their progress in the present and future.


This will equip any learner for progression towards a career in the creative media industries, such as; digital media marketing, web-designer, moving image editor, journalist to name but a few.

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Subject Information

Certificate in Technology/Performance for Music Practitioners (RSL)


Course Outline

Through this qualification you will learn the knowledge and range of skills needed to progress towards being able to operate successfully as performing musicians and producers/composers. You will develop a skill set that will allow you to perform and record in a professional capacity.

Learners will:

• demonstrate knowledge of theoretical and contextual issues relating to music style, audience and the music industry with practical music making and learner centred activities;

• perform effectively on their instrument/voice;

• rehearse and display musicianship skills in a number of professional scenarios;

• initiate and develop repertoire;

• Understand relevant aspects of music technology.

Assessment

All assessment takes place through practical coursework and a write up of what you have done. Depending on the route you chose in music, you will study three units two of which that are internally assessed and one which is externally assessed.

Performance Route: 201ta: Music Knowledge Development (Internally Assessed) 202ta: Live Music Performance (Externally Assessed) 204ta: Instrumental Study (Internally Assessed) Technology and Composition Route: 201ta: Music Knowledge Development (Internally Assessed) 203ta: Music Sequencing and Production (Externally Assessed) 206ta: Sound Recording (Internally Assessed)


Completing the Level 2 qualification will allow you to progress to BTEC Level 3 at post 16 and continue your studies in the 6th Form (TENC).

Post 16, you will be able to progress to further/higher education courses such as degrees in popular music, music technology, music composition and business. This can ultimately lead to careers in areas such as a performing/recording artist, music producer, composer, music entrepreneur or industry professional.


Employment opportunities in the music industry is centred on self-employment or small-

team operations rather than contracted employment with large companies and

organisations. This course will teach you the transferable skills students master during

their studies such as self-reflection, communication, teamwork and problem solving will

also support their progress in the present and future.

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Subject Information

Technical Award in Dance (BTEC)


Course Outline

The BTEC Technical Award in Performing Arts Dance is a practical hands-on introduction to life and work in the industry. Students get the chance to develop valuable skills and techniques in different disciplines and explore potential careers in the industry.


• Students explore the processes used to create a performance

• Students develop performance skills and techniques by reproducing existing performances

• Students pull together all they have learned and apply their knowledge in a performance

Modules covered:

• Component 1: Exploring the dance industry

• Component 2: Developing skills and techniques in Dance

• Component 3: Performing to a brief

Components 1 & 2 each represent 30% of the course and are internally assessed. Component 3 represents 40% of the course and is externally set and assessed.


Give full-time learners the opportunity to progress to other vocational qualifications, GCE A level, or to enter an apprenticeship in the Performing Arts and Dance industry.

What’s more, the transferable skills students master during their studies such as self-reflection, communication, teamwork and problem solving will also support their progress in the present and future.


This will equip any learner for progression towards a career in the Performing Arts

industries, such as; dance teacher, choreographer, performer, journalist, dance therapist,

costume designer, set designer, circus performer to name a few.

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Subject Information

Physical Education GCSE

Course Outline

Written Exam - Component 1: Fitness & Body Systems - 90 marks (36%)

• Applied anatomy and physiology

• Movement analysis

• Physical training

Written Exam - Component 2: Health & Performance - 70 marks (24%)

• Health, fitness and well-being

• Sports psychology

• Socio-cultural influences

Practical Moderation - Component 3: Practical Skills - 105 marks (30%)

Three assessments from a set list of activities;

• One team activity, one individual activity and the final is a choice between the two.

Coursework – Component 4: Personal Exercise Programme (PEP) – 20 marks (10%)

• Analysis of performance in one of the practical activities

• Carrying out and monitoring a PEP

GCSE Physical Education is suitable for students who have ability in at least three different sporting areas. Students must be highly motivated and enthusiastic about Physical Education and be aware that the theoretical component will form 60% of the course. Students will, therefore, need a very good understanding of English, Maths and Science.


A Level Physical Education

BTEC Level 3 Tech Award in Sport, Activity and Fitness.


• Fitness Instructor • Leisure and Sports Manager • FE Teaching Professional • Secondary Education Teaching Professionals • Physiotherapist • Youth and Community Worker • Sports Player • Sports Coaches, Instructors and Official • Vocational and Industrial Trainers and Instructor • Sports and Leisure Assistant • Sports Scientist

Note: Students may pursue GCSE PE or BTEC Sport, but not both. Guidance will be

provided by the PE staff as to the best course option for the learner

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Subject Information

Technical Award in Sport, Activity and Fitness BTEC


Course Outline

Coursework - Component 1: Understand the body for Sport and Activity - (30%)

• Investigate the impact of sport and activity on the body systems

• Explore common injuries in sport and activity and methods of rehabilitation

• Understand the use of technology for sport and activity.

Written Exam – Component 2: The Principles of Training, Nutrition and Psychology for Sport and Activity - 70 marks (40%)

• Demonstrate knowledge of the principles of training to improve fitness, nutrition and psychological influences

• Demonstrate understanding of training to improve fitness, nutrition and psychological influences when applying to sport and activity

• Analyse and evaluate data and information in relation to fitness, nutrition and psychological influences when applying to sport and activity

Synoptic Assessment - Component 3: Applying the Principles of Sport and Activity - (30%)

• Understand the fundamentals of sport and activity leadership

• Planning sessions for target groups

• Delivering and reviewing sessions for target groups.


BTEC Level 3 Tech Award in Sport, Activity and Fitness.

A Level Physical Education


• Fitness Instructor • Leisure and Sports Manager • FE Teaching Professional • Secondary Education Teaching Professionals • Physiotherapist • Youth and Community Worker • Sports Player • Sports Coaches, Instructors and Official • Vocational and Industrial Trainers and Instructor • Sports and Leisure Assistant

Note: Students may pursue GCSE PE or BTEC Sport, but not both. Guidance will be

provided by the PE staff as to the best course option for the learner

year 9 guided preference information return deadline

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