year 9 options - archbishop blanch

YEAR 9 OPTIONS

INFORMATION EVENING

15th January

2020

YEAR 9 OPTIONS EVENING BOOKLET CONTENTS

A letter from Mrs Madeloso - Headteacher

Information - Important Decisions

A Timeline for Guidance

Core Curriculum Section 1: English Language and Literature

Mathematics

Religious Studies

Physical Education

Science -Combined Science

Personal, Social, Health & Citizenship Education

Careers Information Advice & Guidance (CEAIG)

Options Section 2: Art

Business Studies

Child Development

Computing

Creative IMedia

Design & Technology

- Food

- Product Design

Geography

History

Music

Performing Arts

Prince’s Trust

Sports Studies

Science – Triple Science

Spanish

Options Online: How to register your option choices.

Dear Student,

What are you going to do with the rest of your life?

What a big question to ask! Perhaps you have a very clear idea about what you want

to do. Or perhaps you have no idea at all.

Soon you will need to make choices about what you study next. However, in some

areas, you do not have much choice. Everyone must continue to study English, Maths,

Science, RE and PE and most will continue to study a humanities subject and a

language. This makes up the suite of qualifications called the English Baccalaureate.

These are important decisions. They will affect the rest of your education, even after

you leave school. They could affect the rest of your life. It is important that you think

carefully about what you want to do, and choose wisely from the options you are

given.

It is often tempting to make choices based on subjects or teachers you like, what your

friends are going to study, or even based on what members of your family have

studied. Take the time to think about your choices, your skills and what will benefit

you in terms of your future aspirations.

We will help you choose – whether you have a clear idea about the future, or no idea

at all. If you are going to make a good choice, it needs to be an informed choice.

Think carefully about your choices and discuss them with people who you know have

your best interests at heart.

Yours sincerely,

C Madeloso

MRS C MADELOSO

Headteacher

Important Decisions!

The next few weeks mark a very special time in your life. Choosing the subjects you intend to

study over Key Stage 4 is a serious undertaking. You should take time to consider your talents

and ambitions. Your choices will lead you on a particular pathway that will shape your life.

The aim of the Archbishop Blanch Key Stage 4 Course Booklet is to help with these decisions.

It explains the curriculum on offer in our school and gives details of every subject’s course

content and assessment. It enables you to study the whole curriculum: the core subjects and

your optional subjects and will help you choose wisely.

So, besides reading this booklet carefully what else can you do to help make your decisions?

If you have a particular job or career in mind, then it is important to check if there are any

special subject requirements

If you do not yet have a clear career pathway that interests you, then it is best to keep a

wide choice of subjects, suitable for several careers

Try to choose subjects you like already or will interest you in the future. This booklet will

inform you of subjects you know and the ones you have not studied at KS3

Most important of all, however, is to seek the advice of your parents and teachers – they

know you best

Of course, excellent attendance, keeping up to date with assignments and your Controlled

Assessments and having a real commitment to working hard, are all essential to ensure your

success. It is an exciting time; choosing your subjects is the beginning of your career pathway.

In Key Stage 4 all students at Archbishop Blanch have to study:

English Language

English Literature

Mathematics

Science - Combined

Religious Education

Physical Education

Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship Education

The majority of students then have the choice of three subjects.

TIMELINE FOR GUIDANCE

15th January Careers Fair in school

15th January Key Stage 4 Curriculum Information Evening begins at 3.30pm.

- Information Booklet distributed.

- Talk from Mrs Madeloso at 3.45pm

- Departments presenting guidance and information on KS4

subjects.

16th January Students will receive an email to their school email account,

which will give them a link to “Options Online”. This can be

accessed from home where option choices can be selected with

parent(s)/carers.

7h February Completed options preferences to be submitted via options

online Please note Options Online will close on 7th February

at 3pm after which time no option choices can be made.

w/b March 23 Letter to parents to confirm final option choices for next

year.

CORE SUBJECTS INFORMATION

SECTION 1.

English Language & Literature

THIS SUBJECT IS ASSESSED IN THE FOLLOWING WAYS:

Paper 1 Creative Reading and Writing 50% Paper 2 Writers’ Viewpoints and Perspectives 50% Non-examination assessment 0% Spoken Language Paper 1 Shakespeare and the 19th Century novel 40% Paper 2 Modern Texts and Poetry 60%

REQUIREMENTS OF THE COURSE:

Students study a range of English based skills, building on their knowledge and learning from KS3

Students focus on both fiction and non-fiction extracts and write both creatively and with a viewpoint

Gain a high level of knowledge and understanding of Romeo and Juliet, A Christmas Carol, An Inspector Calls and Poetry skills

Students should have their own copies of all texts, poetry anthologies will be provided

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

English is a compulsory core subject. The vast majority of students will be entered for both GCSE English and GCSE English Literature. Due to changes to the nature of GCSEs, papers are no longer tiered; all students will be entered for the same examinations allowing them to access the full range of grades.

GRADING:

9-1

Head of Department: Mrs A de Middelaer

Examination Board: AQA

Mathematics


Three written papers in the summer of Year 11 One non-calculator and two calculator papers Each paper is worth 80 marks totalling 240 marks Two tiers of entry, Higher and Foundation, assessment of pupils

KS3 will influence their tiering


Core subject so compulsory for Year 10 and 11 As pupils sit a calculator paper, pupils should have their own

calculator. A Casio FX-85 GTX is recommended and can be purchased from school for £8.50.

GRADING:

Higher tier: 9-4

Foundation tier: 5-1

Examination Board: EDEXCEL

Head of Department: Miss H Stuttard

Religious Studies


Two exams, each lasting 1 hour and 45 minutes in May 2022


Students are required to study the following topics and will then be examined on each:

Paper 1: Christian beliefs, teachings and practices Paper 1: Islamic beliefs, teachings and practices Paper 2: Relationships and families Paper 2: Religion and life Paper 2: Religion, crime and punishment Paper 2: Religion, peace and conflict


The Religious Studies Department will provide your daughter with all the necessary revision materials as she progresses through the course.

GRADING:

9-1


Head of Department: Mr J McLaren

Combined Science


Six examinations at the end of the course. Each examination is 1 hour and 15 minutes. Pupils may be entered for Higher tier or

Foundation tier. REQUIREMENTS OF THE COURSE:

Pupils study all three sciences (Biology, Chemistry and Physics), taking on their knowledge from KS3 to a higher level.

There are a number of required practicals taught and each required practical may be assessed in the examinations.

Maths skills are assessed in each examination. Pupils will need a scientific calculator for all lessons and all

examinations.


This course is the minimum compulsory expectation for the majority of pupils at KS4.

The course is a double award so is worth two GCSE grades. The grades awarded will either be the same grade (eg. 7-7) or will be one grade apart (eg. 8-7 or 7-6).

Some pupils may choose to take triple sciences which would use up their free option choice. For these pupils they would gain three GCSE grades, one in each science.

GRADING:

Higher tier: 9-9 to 4-4

Foundation tier: 5-5 to 1-1


Head of Department: Mrs E Wilkinson

All students take PSHE in form groups for one lesson per week in year 10 and one lesson per fortnight in year 11. The PSHE course is structured in order to deliver the three core themes of Health and Well-Being, Relationships and living in the wider world as well as the statutory Relationships and Sex Education content outlined by the Department for Education. The course aims to develop students awareness of their personal strengths and weaknesses, build confidence and help students to meet the demands of adolescence and adulthood through their development of self-awareness and careers, health education (including mental wellbeing), environmental education, citizenship and economic and industrial understanding. It also stimulates an interest in current affairs and wider social issues. The study skills required for successful academic learning are also developed with particular attention being paid to the demands of GCSE coursework and external examinations. Many aspects of career choices and guidance on education Post 16 (CEIAG) will also form part of the PSHE curriculum

Examination Board: N/A

Subject Leader: Miss C Roberts

Personal, Social, Health & Citizenship Education

Careers Information, Advice & Guidance (CEAIG)

Careers Education, Information Advice and Guidance is a vital part of the education of our pupils here at Archbishop Blanch. We are committed to delivering a full Careers Programme to fulfil the 2018 Government’s Careers Strategy and we work towards fulfilling all the criteria within the Gatsby Benchmarks and the Careers Development Institute Framework for Careers, Employer and Enterprise Education.

All pupils in school will find out about technical education qualifications and apprenticeships opportunities, as part of a careers programme which provides information on the full range of education and training options available.

All pupils will hear from a range of local providers about the opportunities they offer, including technical education and apprenticeships – through options events, assemblies and group discussions, taster events and inspirational talks.

Pupils will be given the information to understand how to make applications for the full range of academic and apprenticeship courses.

CEIAG is built into weekly PSHE time. Each year group’s learning builds on the previous year and links closely to taught subjects. Each term we have a dedicated ‘CEIAG Focus Week’ in school, each focus week connects to one of 6 growth sectors within Liverpool. We run a successful ‘Meet the Professional’ scheme, for all members of our school community to meet working professionals from across the city. These professionals visit our pupils for one hour slots where they present, run a workshop or informally chat to our pupils. They provide information about the job they do, the roles they have undertaken and their work life balance. They discuss what they have achieved, what they may have put in place and what they have overcome to be in the position they are now. The pupils find these experiences invaluable.

Examination Board: N/A

Head of Department: Mrs H Rimmer

http://www.liverpoolcollege.org.uk/images/downloads/careers/A_CDI-Framework-web_March_2018.pdf

http://www.liverpoolcollege.org.uk/images/downloads/careers/A_CDI-Framework-web_March_2018.pdf

OPTION SUBJECTS SECTION 2.

Art


The way pupils develop ideas through investigations, demonstrating critical understanding of sources.

The way pupils refine their work by exploring ideas, selecting and experimenting with appropriate media, materials, techniques and processes.

The way pupils record ideas, observations and insights relevant to their intentions as work progresses.

The way pupils present a personal and meaningful response that realises their intentions and demonstrates their understanding of visual language.


Pupils are required to actively engage in the creative process of art, craft and design in order to develop as effective and independent learners, and as critical and reflective thinkers with enquiring minds.

To become confident in taking risks and learn from experience when exploring and experimenting with ideas, processes, media, materials and techniques.

To develop critical understanding through investigative, analytical, experimental, practical, technical and expressive skills.

To acquire and develop technical skills through working with a broad range of media, materials, techniques, processes and technologies with purpose and intent.

To develop knowledge and understanding of art, craft and design in historical and contemporary contexts, societies and cultures.


The GCSE examination course in Art builds on the knowledge and understanding providing students with a wide range of creative and stimulating opportunities to explore their interests in Art, which can lead to exciting career possibilities in Architecture, Landscape Design, Fine Art, Fashion Design, Teaching, Interior Design, Museum and Gallery work, Advertising and Product Design. Candidates are encouraged to develop interesting and exciting practical skills and explore a variety of relevant materials, processes and techniques. They are also encouraged to explore the work of artists, craft persons and designers from their own and other cultures through research and gallery visits.

GRADING:

9-1 there are two components to the course: 60% coursework and 40% Externally set assignment.


Head of Department: Mrs H Rimmer

Business Studies


2 Exams 1 Hour 45 Minutes 90 Marks Per Paper Our assessment will use a mixture of question styles such as

multiple choice, short answer and extended response questions.


Interest in how the business world works Sound mathematical ability Ability to write in a synoptic fashion


Units include:-

Human Resources Finance Marketing Operations Influences on Business Business in the Real World

GRADING:

9-1


Head of Department: Mr A Cornmell

BTEC Level 1/2 Tech Award in Child Development


Component 1 – Children’s growth and development (internal assessment)

Component 2 – Learning through play (internal assessment) Component 3 – Supporting children to play, learn and develop.

(external synoptic)


In addition to guided learning, other required learning directed by teachers or assessors will include private study, preparation for assessment and undertaking assessment when not under supervision, such as preparatory reading, revision and independent research


This course will inspire and enthuse learners who are looking to

develop skills and knowledge through vocational contexts by developing, planning and adapting play opportunities suitable for young children.

Learners will develop an understanding of how children learn through play and how meeting the needs of individual children will support their development, play and learning.

GRADING:

Pass ▶ Distinction*

Head of Department: Miss K Gillin

Examination Board: Pearson

Computing


Students will complete two examined papers Computational Paper / Computer Systems Paper both papers are marked out of 80 and 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Computational Paper consists of Algorithms, programming Techniques, computational logic, translators and data representation

Computer Systems consists architecture, memory, storage, networks (wired, wireless, protocols, layers), security, software, ethical and legal.


An interest in how we use computing in all aspects of our lives Being able to analyse problems and use logic to solve them.


Students will be completing programming tasks in the preparation of their programming paper. Careers that that this course could lead to are cyber security, app development, game development and web developer.

GRADING:

9-1

Examination Board: OCR

Head of Department: Mr P Love

Creative iMedia


1 Examined unit and 3 coursework units 1 examined unit in pre-production skills which will taken at the end

of year 10 and again at the end of year 11 Creating a digital graphic Creating a digital sound sequence Creating interactive multimedia products.


An interest in a range of media products such as films, social media and music

To be able to come up with creative solutions to a client brief.


Units may change depending upon interest of students. Other units that can be offered are animation, game development, photography and webpage development. Careers that this course could lead are in the creative industry such film, radio and advertising.

GRADING:

Pass ▶ Distinction*


Head of Department: Mr P Love

Design Technology- Food


Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes 100 marks (consisting of multiple choice, short and long answer

questions). 50% of GCSE.

- Exam based on 5 topics (Food, Nutrition and Health, Food Science, Food Safety, Food Choice and Food Provenance.

Food Investigation (15%) 10 hours of lesson time. - Write a report on a topic. - We will research this and work on this as a class activity

Food Preparation assessment (35%) 20 hours of lesson time. - Plan, prepare, cook and present a 3 course menu within a 3

hour practical session. - Produce a portfolio (folder) of your work.


Students must provide their own apron, ingredients and containers for the course – cooking will take place once every 2 weeks most of the time.

Students should have a knowledge of basic cookery skills through studying food at KS3.


GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition is an exciting and creative course, which focuses on practical cooking skills to ensure students develop a thorough understanding of nutrition, food provenance and the working characteristics of food materials. At its heart, this qualification focuses on nurturing students' practical cookery skills to give them a strong understanding of nutrition.

GRADING:

9-1


Head of Department: Mr P Cousineau

Design Technology- Product Design


Non-exam assessment (NEA): 30–35 hours approx. - 100 marks - 50% of GCSE

Students will be required to undertake a small-scale design and make task and produce a final prototype based on a design brief produced by the student. Contextual challenges to be released annually by exam board on 1 June in the year prior to the submission of the NEA.

Written exam: 2 hours • 100 marks • 50% of GCSE


An interest in designing and making products Imagination, ambition, openness to explore and take design risks Critical thinking skills Confidence to sketch and communicate ideas


This GCSE will prepare you to participate confidently and successfully in an increasingly technological world. You will study core technical & designing and making principles, including a broad range of design processes, materials, techniques and equipment.

A GCSE in Design Technology will equip you with a range of transferable skills.

By studying design and technology, you will be able to build up your creativity, problem solving, planning, communication, and teamwork and evaluation skills.

Ultimately Design Technology is a subject that transforms; you will learn about designing solutions to improve people’s lives, you will develop skills so you are able to make better decisions and you will develop understanding about the impact of products on the world.

GRADING:

9 to 1


Head of Department: Mr P Cousineau

Geography


Living with the Physical Environment (35% of the total GCSE marks) 1½ hours

Challenges in the Human Environment (35 % of the total GCSE marks) 1½ hours

Geographical Applications (30% of the total GCSE marks) 1¼ hours Contains 2 sections, the first is about evaluating an issue for which pre-release material will be issued by the examination board 12 weeks before the exam. The second section based on field work enquiries.


Students study a range of topics in Physical geography including the challenge of natural hazards (Tectonics, Weather and Climate change), the living world (Ecosystems, Tropical Rainforest Cold Environments) and UK physical landscapes (River landscapes & Glacial landscapes)and Human geography including Urban Issues and challenges, the changing economic world, the challenge of resource management and food.

Fieldwork will take place outside the classroom and school grounds on at least two occasions and will be carried out in contrasting environments to show an understanding of both physical and human geography. In at least one of the enquiries students will be expected to show an understanding about the interaction between physical and human geography.


Throughout the GCSE Geography course students have the opportunity to consider a variety of geographical issues and in doing so, become knowledgeable and critical geographers. There is an emphasis on the understanding of physical processes in the environment, as well as the management and mismanagement of resources by people. Students also have the opportunity during this course to develop their fieldwork skills and build on their knowledge from Key Stage 3.

GRADING:

9-1


Head of Department: Miss J Bruce


UNIT 1 – Thematic Study and British Depth Study (40%) 1hr45mins UNIT 2 – History Around Us (20%) 1hr UNIT 3 – Period Study and World Depth Study- (40%) 1hr45mins


The OCR B GCSE in History consists of three externally examined papers based on the following skills: knowledge and understanding; explaining and analysing events and periods, using sources, understanding interpretations. The options for each study cover a wide range of fascinating history, introducing different periods, places and cultures, and engaging learners with different approaches to studying history. The five studies across three exams are equally weighted, each representing 20% of the GCSE (9–1). ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

In Unit 1, pupils study The People’s Health, c.1250 to present. This is a thematic study analysing the changes and continuities in public health in Britain from c.1250 to the present. Pupils will also study The Elizabethans, 1580–1603. In this depth study pupils will identify and describe the main features of late-Elizabethan England and develop an understanding of the diverse lives and experiences of the Elizabethans at this time. Unit 2 is a local history unit, based on a historic site and we will focus on the changing importance and significance of the Liverpool Albert Dock. In Unit 3, pupils study The Making of America, 1789–1900. This period study will help the girls understand how and why American territory expanded during these years and the impact of this expansion. As well as Living under Nazi Rule, 1933–1945. This study includes the use of historical sources that shed light on people’s experiences of living under Nazi rule. It should also enable learners to understand different interpretations of aspects of life under Nazi rule.

GRADING:

9-1

Head of Department: Miss J Bruce


History

Music


Component 1: Understanding Music - 40% 1 hour and 30 minute written exam (end of yr 11) Section A: Listening (68 marks) Section B: Contextual Understanding (28 marks)

Component 2: Performing Music - 30% Practical and written coursework Performance 1: Solo performance (36 marks) Performance 2: Ensemble performance (36 marks)

Component 3: Composing Music - 30% Compositions and written coursework Composition 1: Composition to a brief (36 marks) Composition 2: Free composition (36 marks)


Basic knowledge of music theory The ability to read from staff notation Desirable - Grade 3+ in singing/instrument Confidence and enthusiasm


Music GCSE is suitable for students who have a love of practical music making and performance. It is expected that pupils choosing this course will participate in at least one of the departmental choirs or orchestras on a regular basis.

GRADING: 9-1


Head of Department: Miss K Melluish

Performing Arts


Component 1: 30% Internally assessed Written Portfolio & Recorded Workshops

Component 2: 30% Internally assessed Written work, Recorded Rehearsals & Final Performance

Component 3: 40% Externally assessed 3 x 1 hr written controlled assessments & Final Performance

Please note; there are no end of year 11 exams.


Previous performance experience Confidence, self-motivation and enthusiasm


Component 1 ‘Take Three’ (Exploring the Performing Arts) aims to give students a secure theoretical and practical knowledge and understanding of existing practitioners and their repertoire.

Component 2 ‘Agents Showcase’ aims to develop student’s vital

practical performance skills and techniques in their preferred discipline.

Component 3 ‘Performing to a Brief’ requires students to create their own highly original and effective performance idea in response to a given stimulus.

Throughout the course students are offered an abundance of additional extracurricular activities & experiences to enhance learning and progress. This course develops and nurtures student’s transferable skills including confidence, creativity, communication, collaboration and commitment. As such, this course would be highly beneficial to all students, regardless of what career path they choose to follow in the future! GRADING: Pass ▶ Distinction*

Examination Board: Pearson BTEC


Prince’s Trust: Achieve Programme


The Personal Development and Employability Skills qualifications are 100% centre assessed using portfolios of evidence and are graded as pass or fail.

The assessment process is as follows: • Activities are internally set by the centre to meet the requirements detailed in the unit assessment criteria •The learners are assessed internally at the centre by an Assessor whilst they engage in activities • The learner’s evidence is collated into a portfolio, which is referenced using a unit Tracking Sheet


Students will be completing a portfolio of module workbooks working at level 1 or 2. Assessment will consist of written work, observations, presentations, visual display and enterprise schemes.


The Prince’s Trust qualifications in Personal Development and Employability Skills recognise a breadth of personal skills, qualities and attitudes required by employers across a range of sectors.

They give learners the opportunity to:

• Develop their own personal growth and engagement in, and through, learning

• Engage in learning that is relevant to them and support their development of personal skills and attributes that are essential for working life and employment

• Prepare themselves for progression into further education programmes, apprenticeships or other work based learning

The menu of units available is split into six modules:

Skills for school & life skills Personal, social development Active citizenship Enterprise projects Preparation for work

Grading:

N/A

Head of Department: Miss S Warrior

Examination Board: Prince’s Trust Qualifications

Sports Studies


1 hour written paper - comprises short answer questions, extended response questions and some use of multiple choice questions. 60 marks set and marked

2 x Practical performance units- 60 marks per unit. Centre assessed and OCR moderated

Written Coursework - 10 hours internal assessment 60 marks (60 UMS) Centre assessed and OCR moderated


Pupils need to have a passion for sport Pupils should ideally take part in at least 1 sport for school or

outside of school Self-motivation


Mandatory Units

Unit R051: Contemporary issues in sport (exam) Unit R052: Developing sports skills (practical) – 1 team sport, 1

individual sport Optional Units

Unit R054: Sport and the media (written coursework) Unit R056: Developing knowledge and skills in outdoor activities

(practical and written) GRADING: Pass ▶ Distinction*


Examination Board: OCR Cambridge Nationals L1/2 in Sports Studies

Triple Science


Six examinations at the end of the course, two examinations for each science subject.

Each examination is 1 hour and 45 minutes. Pupils may be entered for Higher tier or

Foundation tier. REQUIREMENTS OF THE COURSE:

Pupils study all three sciences (Biology, Chemistry and Physics), taking on their knowledge from KS3 to a higher level.

There are a number of required practicals taught and each required practical may be assessed in the examinations.

Maths skills are assessed in each examination. Pupils will need a scientific calculator for all lessons and all

examinations.


This course is optional, and pupils who choose it instead of the Combined Science route will use their free option choice to gain an extra Science GCSE.

Pupils taking this route will gain a GCSE grade in each of Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

GRADING:

Higher tier: 9 to 3.

Foundation tier: 5 to 1.

Head of Department: Mrs E Wilkinson


Spanish


Unit 1 exam (25%) - Listening Unit 2 exam (25%) - Speaking Unit 3 exam (25%) - Reading Unit 4 exam (25%) - Writing

REQUIREMENTS OF THE COURSE: The Pearson Edexcel GCSE in Spanish consists of four externally examined papers based on the following skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Each paper is available at foundation tier or higher tier and students must be entered for a single tier across all papers. Students study a range of topics and sub-topics linked to five core themes. These build on those studied ay Key Stage 3 and prepare students for Spanish at A Level. The course requires students to speak and write in different tenses, give opinions and justifications and to understand texts of varying lengths. Students are also required to translate texts into both Spanish and English and to read and understand extracts of literary texts. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Questions across all four language skills are set in common contexts, addressing a range of relevant contemporary and cultural themes. They are organised into five themes, each broken down into topics and sub-topics. The five themes are:

Identity and culture Local area, holiday and travel School Future aspirations, study and work International and global dimension.

GRADING:

9-1

Head of Department: Mr S Davenport

Examination Board: EDEXCEL

OPTIONS ONLINE HOW TO REGISTER YOUR

OPTION CHOICES.

1. You will firstly be required to join SIMS Online Services using the Online Portal – Instructions given in the email sent to your child’s school email account.

2. Next – Register your details and input the validation code as shown on the previous screen

3. Answer the security question:

4. This will now take you to Option Online where you can select and submit your option choices.

year 9 options - archbishop blanch

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