All students at Key Stage 4 study English, Mathematics, Combined Science or Separate Sciences, Careers, French or Spanish, Physical Education, and Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education.
Pupils then choose three options from, Art & Design, Computer Science, Creative iMedia, Design Technology, Drama, Engineering, Geography, History, Health & Social Care, Hospitality & Catering, Music, Separate Sciences, Physical Education, and Religious Studies.
Teaching Groups
In Key Stage 4 pupils are taught in groups according to ability in Mathematics, English, French, Spanish and Science. Most other subjects are taught in mixed-ability groups.
Options
Wherever a choice of subjects is allowed, pupils will be given the opportunity to discuss their decision with relevant teachers and to consult with their parents. The staff will give careful consideration to the wishes of pupils and parents but should a problem arise the final decision must rest with the School. Our planned procedures mean this rarely happens.
The English Language GCSE course assesses descriptive or narrative writing and pupils will have to write to present a specific viewpoint. Pupils will have to demonstrate an understanding having read a range of different tests including one literature fiction text, one modern non-fiction text and one C.19 literacy non-fiction text. The Spoken Language aspect of the course will be assesses within class and will involve pupils presenting ideas and responding to questions in front of a peer group audience.
| English Language | ||
| Paper 1: Exploration in Creative Reading and Writing | Paper 2: writer's Viewpoints and Perspectives | Non-examination Assessment: Spoken Language |
| What's assessed? Section A: Reading one literature fiction text. Section B: Writing descriptive or narrative writing | What's assessed? Section A: Reading one non-fiction text and one Literacy non-fiction text. Section B: Writing writing to present a viewpoint | What's assessed?
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| **All texts in the examination will be unseen** | ||
In English Literature, pupils will study a range of texts including a play by Shakespeare, a 19th century novel, a modern play or novel and a range of different poetry.
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English Literature |
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| Paper 1: Shakespeare and the 19th Century novel | Paper 2: Modern texts and poetry |
| What's assessed? Shakespeare Students will answer one question on one Shakespeare play. They will be required to write in detail about an extract and then the play as a whole. 'Macbeth'. 19th Century Novel Students will answer one question on one novel. They will be required to write in detail about an extract and then the story as a whole. 'A Christmas Carol'. | What's assessed? Modern texts Students will answer one essay question from a choice of two on their studied modern prose or drama text. 'Blood Brothers' Poetry Students will answer one comparative question on poems they have studied from the anthology. Unseen poetry Students will answer one question on one unseen poem and on question comparing this poem with a second unseen poem. |
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| **Assessments are closed book - stimulus materials, in the form of extracts, will be provided in the examinations** | |
All pupils in year 10 will begin a course leading to examination at GCSE using the national Curriculum Mathematics Syllabus 8300. Each pupil will study one of two levels:
| Level in Syllabus | Target Grades |
| Foundation | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 |
| Higher | 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 |
| Paper 1 | ||
| Non calculator | worth 33 1/3 % | Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Paper 2 | ||
| Calculator | worth 33 1/3 % | Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Paper 3 | ||
| Calculator | worth 33 1/3 % | Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Topic | Foundation % | Higher % |
| Number | 25 | 15 |
| Algebra | 20 | 30 |
| Ratio | 25 | 20 |
| Geometry | 15 | 20 |
| Probability & Statistics | 15 | 15 |
| Assessment objective | Foundation % | Higher % |
| Use and apply standard techniques | 50 | 40 |
| Reason, interpret and communicate mathematically | 25 | 30 |
| Solve problems within mathematics and other contexts | 25 | 30 |
Most pupils will work towards a double GCSE qualification in science as follows: There will be 6 exams (two for each science), each exam will be 1 hour and 15 minutes and out of 70 marks. Each paper will contribute 16.6% to overall award of two GCSEs.
The exams will measure how students have achieved the following assessment objectives:
- AO1: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of: scientific ideas; scientific techniques and procedures.
- AO2: Apply knowledge and understanding of: scientific ideas; scientific enquiry, techniques and procedures.
- AO3: Analyse information and ideas to: interpret and evaluate; make judgments and draw conclusions; develop and improve experimental procedures.
There are two tiers of assessment:
The qualification will be graded on a 17-point scale: 1–1 to 9–9 – where 9–9 is the best grade. A student taking Foundation Tier assessments will be awarded a grade within the range of 1–1 to 5–5. Students who fail to reach the minimum standard for grade 1–1 will be recorded as U (unclassified) and will not receive a qualification certificate.
A student taking Higher Tier assessments will be awarded a grade within the range of 4–4 to 9–9. A student sitting the Higher Tier who just fails to achieve grade 4–4 will be awarded an allowed grade 4–3. Students who fail to reach the minimum standard for the allowed grade 4–3 will be recorded as U (unclassified) and will not receive a qualification certificate.
Separate Sciences
Some pupils may follow a course leading to GCSEs in the 3 separate sciences, biology, chemistry and physics.
Pupils following this course will need to have attained the highest levels in KS3 science and maths, and opted to take the separate science subjects.
Assessment for each separate science is as follows:
- Two written exam papers both 1 hour 45 minutes and out of 100 marks.
- Each paper will be worth 50% towards the single GCSE.
- Students must study all 3 sciences and therefore will have a total of 6 exams leading to the award of 3 separate GCSE.
- Foundation and Higher Tiers will be available just like the double award, but each science will have a separate score from 1-9, (1-5 Foundation and 4-9 for Higher).
Pupils follow a two year French course leading to entry for the full GCSE. The course covers and assesses the four skills of Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing. The GCSE course builds on topics, skills and grammar rules which have been learned in years 7 and 8. In year 9 pupils have the opportunity of developing their language skills in different contexts and they are able to build up a more extensive knowledge of linguistic structures and vocabulary.
The emphasis of the GCSE course is to enable candidates to use French for successful communication. A pass at GCSE grade 6 or above also provides a sound basis for continued language learning to Advanced Level French. The GCSE offers a choice of interesting topic areas for the writing and speaking examinations and topics are taught using a range of methods to engage pupils in their language learning. All four skills of Writing, Speaking, Listening and Reading are assessed via summative examinations at the end of the three year GCSE course, in the Summer Term of Year 11.
Subject content:
Students study all of the following themes on which the assessments are based.
- Theme 1: Identity and culture.
- Theme 2: Local, national, international and global areas of interest.
- Theme 3: Current and future study and employment.
- Theme 1: Identity and culture.
- Theme 2: Local, national, international and global areas of interest.
- Theme 3: Current and future study and employment.
- In a similar format to Years 7 to 9, pupils will follow a balanced programme of sporting activities.
- Pupils will have the opportunity to concentrate on performing, competing, improving their fitness and developing their leadership skills.
- Pupils will often be given more responsibility for their own learning and development.
- Badminton
- Boxercise
- Cricket
- Dance
- Fitness
- Football
- Netball
- Rounders
- Rugby
- Table Tennis
- Tennis
- Volleyball
- As in Key Stage 3, pupils will be expected to bring and change into correct Physical Education kit for each of their lessons – whether they are actively participating or not.
- Pupils should put maximum effort and concentration into each of their Physical Education lessons and good behaviour is expected throughout.
- It is essential that pupils take part in every possible Physical Education lesson.
- If for any genuine reason pupils are unable to do so, they will be expected to participate in the lesson by taking on another role such as referee or coach.
- Developing as a citizen
- Personal, social, health & economic education
- Economic wellbeing
- Financial capability
- Careers education & guidance
- To support the growth of self-awareness, self-confidence and a positive self-image.
- To provide pupils with access to information and guidance relevant to their personal and working lives.
- To help pupils to communicate with others about their concerns, needs and views.
- To help pupils appreciate the concerns, needs and views of others.
- To develop understanding of effective decision making and planning.
- To assist pupils in making the transition from school to adult life.
- Personal Wellbeing - understanding yourself and handling relationships units cover: developing identity and image, managing emotions, relationships, coping with crisis, challenging offensive behaviour, managing study time, developing own values, marriage and commitment, parenthood and parenting.
- Personal Wellbeing - keeping healthy units cover: healthy eating, safer sex and contraception, drinking, smoking, health matters, managing stress an dealing with depression, drugs, emergency first aid.
- Economic Wellbeing & Financial Capability units cover: thinking ahead, planning your future, managing your money, financing businesses, enterprise challenge, the UK economy, the global economy.
This is an exciting course which leads to a GCSE in Art and Design.
GCSE Art and Design is a valuable examination for all pupils of all abilities but requires a positive attitude, self-discipline, motivation and a commitment to hard work. Clearly a drawing ability is an advantage. Pupils will build on the experience and skills developed in KS3 Art and Design.
The coursework element is made up of one portfolio with the resultant practical work completed during the course; this is then submitted for final assessment. This accounts for 60% of the final grade.
The portfolio may include the use of:
- Painting and drawing
- Graphic design
- Textiles/batik
- 3D work (including clay and card sculpture)
- Print making
- Mini Project - Distortion
- Portfolio theme 1 - Change
- Portfolio theme 2 - Choice of starting point from the previous year's exam paper.
GCSE Computer Science is a course designed for those pupils who wish to investigate how computers work. Pupils will be required to develop a technical understanding of computer systems and programming. This course will count towards the English Baccalaureate qualification.
Topics covered by the course will include -
Paper 1:
- Systems architecture
- Memory and storage
- Data representation
- Networks
- Computer crime and security
- Systems software
- Legal/ethical/environmental issues when developing new technology.
- Algorithms
- Programming fundamentals
- Producing robust programs
- Boolean logic
- Programming languages.
How will Pupils be assessed?
Assessment will consist of two written examination papers worth 50% each:
- Computer systems - 1 hour 30 minutes
- Computational thinking, programming and algorithms – 1 hour 30 minutes.
- Pupils who wish to take the programming aspect from KS3 to a higher level.
- Pupils who enjoy the technical aspects of computing.
- Pupils who are thinking of taking an A level computing course.
OCR Level 2 Cambridge National Certificate in Creative iMedia is a hands on qualification for those looking to develop and hone creative ICT, Graphics and Media Skills. Students will build upon skills they have learnt at Kay Stage 3 and will be able to use software packages to produce products for a set audience or purpose. Students will also investigate how the media industry works focussing on film, music, theatre, journalism, games and literature. The course is split into four units which include: Unit 1: Pre-Production
- Purpose and content of pre-production
- Planning pre-production
- Producing pre-production documents such as mood boards, scripts, and story boards
- Properties of digital graphics
- Edit, Enhance and Repurpose digital graphics
- Plan, create and review digital graphics.
- Understanding the need for different types of multimedia products
- Plan, create and review your own.
- Create and edit sound sequences.
- Assessment consists of 4 units
- One written examination and three coursework units which are internally assessed and externally moderated.
- Unit 1 has a 1 hour written exam.
- Units 2, 7 and 8 are all coursework units. Work is assessed in school and moderated by the exam board. Approximately 10 hours of work in each unit, not including preparation work.
- Units 7 and 8 are chosen by the teacher and may change depending on availability of software and the skillset and interests of the cohort.
- Pupils who are interested in aspects of the media industry.
- Pupils who enjoy the creative side of using computer software to create products such as graphics and sound editing.
- Pupils who are interested in taking ICT and media based course at A-Level or BTEC Level 3.
- involves using your imagination and creativity to design products.
- involves learning about properties of different materials.
- involves learning how to select, shape and combine materials to make useful products.
- gives you the opportunity to investigate how existing products and technologies work.
- gives you the opportunity to be innovative and try out different ideas to meet the needs of a client.
Our GCSE Drama qualification will equip pupils with a range of skills much sought after in the wider world of work and education. It will:
- Develop ways of communicating confidently and creatively
- Encourage co-operation and the understanding of others
- Provide the skills of working with others – learners can choose to work individually, in pairs or in a group of up to 6 for both units
- Introduce the tools and the language of drama
- Look at actions and their consequences in a dramatic setting
- Explore the creative work of the designer, deviser and director… as well as the performer.
The most important element in your assessment for your coursework will be the quality of your performances in front of your chosen audiences. These will be supported by a written log or record that you will complete during the rehearsal process together with a final evaluation. These are marked in an overall balance of 50% performance / 50% portfolio. The performances will be recorded on DVD to help with moderation. You will also perform to a visiting examiner. You will usually work on your performances in a small group, but may work with one other person (the minimum group size is two). As you can see above, there will be a written examination at the end of the course which will be worth 40% of your final grade.
Will I Like It?
This is a performance based qualification and so if you don’t like getting up in front of an audience to perform, this is certainly NOT the course for you. If, however, you enjoy acting as a skill and want to learn more about it, to find out about possible careers in acting (or in the theatre generally) or simply to improve your levels of confidence when dealing with people, this could be just the thing you are looking for!
Do I Have To Be Able To Sing?
Absolutely not! This is an acting based course and taking part in musical performances is not necessary. That does not mean of course that you CAN’T introduce a musical element to your work if you so choose. One of the great things about the course is its flexibility. Whatever kind of acting you are interested in, there should be something to suit you.
Further information is available from OCR: http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse-drama-j316-from-2016/- will give you plenty of opportunities to develop your practical and making skills.
- Allows you to take products apart and investigate how they work.
- Involves learning about computer aided design and the use of computers in engineering.
- Design briefs, design specifications and user requirements (25% exam)
- Product analysis and research (25% portfolio)
- Developing and presenting engineering designs (25% portfolio)
- Design realisation (making) (25% portfolio).
This is a linear course which means all assessment takes place at the end of the course.
Subject content
1: Living with the physical environment Section A: The challenge of natural hazards Section B: Physical landscapes in the UK Section C: The living world How it's assessed Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes 88 marks (including 3 marks for spelling, punctuation, grammar and specialist terminology) 35% of GCSE 2: Challenges in the human environment Section A: Urban issues and challenges Section B: The changing economic world Section C: The challenge of resource management How it's assessed Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes 88 marks (including 3 marks for SPGST) 35% of GCSE. 3: Geographical applications There will be two field trips one to study an urban environment and one to study a rural environment.- Section A: Issue evaluation
- Section B: Fieldwork
What is Level 2 health and social care all about? It's all about learning the skills and knowledge to help people. Careers in healthcare are about helping people who are having problems with their physical health. Careers in social care are concerned with helping vulnerable people in the community and providing them with support so that they can benefit from a much more improved way of life. Students will learn how high standards of acre are achieved in health and social care settings. It not only looks at the practicalities of providing care for people at all stages of life but also the care values and legislation involved in doing so. Will I enjoy the course? You will enjoy this course if you want to study a subject that:
- will allow you to learn about an incredibly broad and varied career sector.
- Allows you to gain a qualification through continuous assessment. This means that from start to finish the work you produce counts towards your final grade and not just the exam you sit at the end of the course.
- Essential values of care for use with individuals in care settings (1 hour exams)
- Communicating and working with individuals in health, social care and early years settings.
- Understanding body systems and disorders
- Understanding life stages
- Planning for employment in health, social care and young people's workforce
- Creative activities to support individuals health, social care and early years settings
- Understanding the development and protection of young children in early years settings
- Understanding the nutrients needed for good health
- Using basic first aid procedures.
Paper 1: Thematic study and historic environment
Written examination: 1 hour and 15 minutes 30% of the qualification.
Content overview : Crime and punishment in Britain, c1000–present and Whitechapel, c1870–c1900: crime, policing and the inner city.
Assessment overview Section A: historic environment students answer a question that assesses knowledge plus a two-part question based on two provided sources.
Section B: thematic study Students answer three questions that assess their knowledge and understanding. The first two questions are compulsory. For the third question, students answer one from a choice of two.
Paper 2: Period study and British depth study
Written examination: 1 hour and 45 minutes 40% of the qualification.
Content overview:
- Section A: Superpower relations and the Cold War, 1941–91
- Section B: Early Elizabethan England, 1558-88
Paper 3: Modern depth study
Written examination: 1 hour and 20 minutes 30% of the qualification.
Content overview a modern depth study: Weimar and Nazi Germany, 1918–39.
Assessment overview:
Section A: Students answer a question based on a provided source and a question that assesses their knowledge and understanding.
Section B Students answer a single four-part question, based on two provided sources and two provided interpretations.
Further information is available from Pearson: http://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/history-2016.html(Level 2 qualification - equivalent to GCSE) Board: WJEC
What is Level 2 hospitality and catering all about? It's all about developing students' practical skills for planning, preparing, cooking and presenting nutritional dishes meeting the needs of the client. It will provide students with essential knowledge and understanding of the hospitality and catering industry. Will I enjoy this course? You will enjoy this course if you want to study a subject that:- allows you to develop your ability to plan, prepare and cook dishes.
- will equip you with the skills required for working within the catering industry.
- allows you to develop your passion for food and work in a practical way.
- the different types of providers within the hospitality and catering industry
- the legislation that needs to be adhered to
- the personal safety of all of those involved in the business
- the operation of hospitality and catering establishments and the factors affecting their success
What is GCSE Music all about?
GCSE Music is all about making and listening to music. It covers performing, composing and listening to a wide variety of musical styles including popular music, world music and classical music. There are opportunities to use music technology (Sibelius) to notate your own music.
Will I enjoy this course?
You will enjoy this course if you want to study a subject that:
- involves performing as a soloist and a group member
- involves listening to all kinds of music
- involves composing music
- There will be a 1.5 hour written/listening exam in the summer of Year 11. You will listen to a CD and answer questions on different genres of music ranging, dating from 1600AD - present day, from all around the world and write two essays on pieces of music you have studied (40%).
- You will be required to perform (sing or play) and record two pieces - one as a soloist and one as a group member (30%).
- You will also compose two pieces of your own music. One of these is free choice, the other is set by the examiners. You must introduce a score and a recording for each of these.
Do I need to be able to play a musical instrument or read music?
You need to be willing to play a musical instrument or sing in order to record the performance requirement. You do not need to have instrument lessons to do this (though it does help), but you will need to practice your chosen instrument daily to be able to perform to a minimum of grade 1 standard by the end of Year 11. for upper grades a grade 4-5 standard is expected. You do not need to know how to read music to take GCSE music but you do need to be willing to learn. This is taught as part of the course in order to be able to answer questions on the written paper and to use the composition software Sibelius. What could I do with GCSE Music?GCSE Music is a good preparation for further musical study and a solid foundation for the AS/A Levels in Music and Music Technology as well as BTEC National Diplomas (in music, popular music and music technology). You may wish to take music for its own sake, perhaps to form the basis for 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 skills developed during the course. These might include careers in the music industry, publishing, entertainment and teaching or any job which involves communication and expressive skills.
Further information is available from AQA: http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/music/gcse/music-8271/specification-at-a-glanceWhat is GCSE Physical Education all about?
You will learn about:-
- Applied anatomy and physiology
- Movement analysis
- Physical training
- Use of data
- Sports psychology
- Socio-cultural influences
- Health, fitness and well-being
- You will sit two exams at the end of year 11
- Both written papers will be 1 hour 15 minutes long
- The exams are 60% of GCSE.
- You will be assessed in three different physical activities in a role of player/performer (one in a team activity, one in an individual activity and a third in either team or individual activity) (30% of GCSE)
- You will also complete an analysis and evaluation of a performance to bring about improvement in one activity (10% of GCSE)
- This is a full GCSE and a good grade would indicate that you were able to cope with the academic and practical demands of this stimulating course.
- It would prove an excellent foundation for any advanced Physical Education course or more vocationally related course such as leisure and recreation.
- Employment opportunities where your skills will be particularly valued include the sport and leisure industry, travel and tourism, physiotherapy and teaching.
The GCSE Religious Studies qualification is designed to develop your knowledge of religious and non-religious beliefs, such as Christianity, Judaism, Atheism and Humanism. Pupils will also develop the ability to construct well argued, well informed, balanced verbal and written responses. This course will challenge pupils to reflect upon their own beliefs and values and give them the opportunity to explore their own views which will help contribute to their preparation for adult life.
What does the course involve? There are three areas of study as outlined below: Area of study 1: Religious, Philosophical and Ethical Studies in the Modern World Written examination: 2 hours (50% of qualification) Topics include:- Issues of Relationships (including sex, contraception, cohabitation, marriage, divorce, homosexuality).
- Issues of Life and Death (including abortion, euthanasia, creation, the environment, animal rights, the afterlife).
- Issues of Good and Evil (including crime and punishment, forgiveness, the death penalty, suffering).
- Matters of Life and Death (including human rights, social justice, prejudice and discrimination, poverty).
- Beliefs and teachings (including God, the life of Jesus, the afterlife, creation).
- Practices (including forms of worship, sacraments, pilgrimage and celebration, the worldwide church).
- Beliefs and teachings (including God, Messiah, the afterlife, creation, life on earth).
- Practices (including forms of worship in Britain and elsewhere, the synagogue, festivals, rituals, daily life).
