Key Stage 4

Level: GCSE

AQA GCSE English Language 8700 and AQA GCSE English Literature

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All pupils will have the opportunity to study English Language and English Literature, leading to examination at GCSE using the AQA syllabi. Both GCSEs are examined at the end of year 11 and all pupils sit the same paper.
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 write about a range of different texts including one literature fiction text, one non- fiction text and one literary non-fiction that will be taken from different periods in time. The Spoken Language aspect of the course will be assessed within class and involves the pupils presenting ideas and responding to questions.
In 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.
The course is very demanding with high expectations placed on students in terms of class and homework.

http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/english/gcse/english-language-8700/introduction

http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/english/gcse/english-literature-8702/introduction

Level: GCSE    Board: AQA     Exam 100%

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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

Pupils will be working towards an appropriate level of entry in one of six sets during years 10 and 11. Movement of pupils between sets can be made so that maximum progress is made by each individual.

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

http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/mathematics/gcse/mathematics-8300

Level: GCSE     Board: AQA    Exam: 100%

Combine Science Trilogy 8464

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The information is taken from the latest draft specification.
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 GCSE.
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 judgements 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.

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, and opted to take the 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)

http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/combined-science-trilogy-8464

What does Physical Education in years 10 & 11 involve?

• In a similar format to Years 7 to 9, you will follow a balanced programme of sporting activities.
• You will have the opportunity to concentrate on performing, competing, improving your fitness and developing your leadership skills.
• You will often be given more responsibility for your own learning and development.

What modules will be available to me in years 10 and 11?

These are some of the areas which we aim to offer:

• Badminton
• Boxercise
• Cricket
• Dance
• Fitness
• Football
• Netball
• Rounders
• Rugby
• Table Tennis
• Tennis
• Volleyball

What is expected of me in Physical Education lessons during years 10 & 11?

• As in Key Stage 3, you will be expected to bring and change into correct Physical Education kit for each of your lessons – whether you are actively participating or not.
• You should put maximum effort and concentration into each of your Physical Education lessons and good behaviour is expected throughout.
• It is essential that you take part in every possible Physical Education lesson.
• If for any genuine reason you are unable to do so, you will be expected to participate in the lesson by taking on another role such as referee or coach.

Level: GCSE     Board: OCR     Coursework: 60%      Exam: 40%

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This is an exciting course which leads to a GCSE in Art and Design (Fine Art).

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

Work done in Year 10 includes:

• New skills in both 2 and 3 dimensions in the autumn term.
• Work on the portfolio theme in the spring and summer term.

The portfolio themes are -

• Face/Figure
• Built structure
• Natural Form

These starting points could include:

• Experimentation using different materials and techniques, both 2 and 3D.
• Direct observational study focusing on observing and recording.
• The study of other artists, designers and craftspeople.

Within year 10, pupils have the opportunity to take part in a portrait workshop where they work with portrait artist, John Denaro and complete large scale chalk pastel portraits. In year 11 they have a clay workshop day creating a large scale piece of work that feeds directly into the portfolio.
When necessary, year 11 pupils visit a gallery in order to broaden their experience and see at first hand the work of other artists; previous trips have included visits to the National Portrait Gallery and the Tate, Liverpool.
The exam set task is chosen from a selection of 10 topics set by the examination board and is completed within a 10-hour examination period.
This accounts for 40% of the final grade and is given to the pupils in January.
Pupils wishing to follow a wide range of design as well as specific art and design courses at Higher and Further Education should seriously consider this course. In particular BTEC and ‘A’ level courses will require a good portfolio of work that can be built up over the two years.
It is important that pupils are able to draw quite well; they are able to sustain independent study and are self-motivated.

http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse-art-and-design-j170-j176-from-2016/

Level: GCSE       Board: Edexcel       Exam: 100%

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As you may be aware the History GCSE course is changing for first teaching in September 2016, at the moment none of the new specifications have been fully accredited by OFQUAL so we are not 100% sure of what the new History GCSE will comprise of. Below is information regarding what the GCSE course will probably entail however this may be open to change.

Examination board EDEXCEL
Grading numbers 1-9

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: Anglo-Saxon and Norman England, c1060–88
Section B: Superpower relations and the Cold War, 1941–91
Assessment overview Section A: Period study Students answer three questions that assess their knowledge and understanding. The first two questions are compulsory. For the third question, students select two out of three parts.
Section B: British depth study Students answer a single three-part question that assesses their knowledge and understanding. The first two parts are compulsory. For the third part, students select one from a choice of two.

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.

http://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/history-2016.html

Level: GCSE         Board: Edexcel      Exam: 100%

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This is a linear course which means all assessment takes place at the end of the course.

New grading and assessment structure

Previously, a grade A* represents the highest grade and G is the lowest. For GCSE, there will be a new grading system to report achievement:
Grades 1 – 9
New Grade 4 roughly equivalent to current Grade C
New Grade 7 roughly equivalent to current Grade A.

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
   How it's assessed
   Written exam: 1 hour
   76 marks (including 6 marks for SPGST)
   30% of GCSE
   Pre-release resources made available from 15 March in the year of the exam.
4. Geographical skills
   Geographical skills will be tested in all three exams.

http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/geography/gcse/geography-8035/specification-at-a-glance

Level: GCSE     Board: AQA

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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 - popular music, world music and classical music. There are opportunities to use music technology such as sequencing, recording and composing.

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
• gives you the opportunity to play music with others in e.g. rock group, bands, orchestra
• gives you the opportunity to learn more about and use music technology.

How does it follow on from what I have learned before?
You will improve your skills in performing and composing different types of music. You will listen to a wide variety of music and learn more about how and why it was written and/or performed.
What about exams?
There is an exam in the summer of Year 11. You will listen to a CD and answer questions on areas of study which cover: the elements of music texture, timbre, melody, harmony, dynamics structure and form (40%).
Is there any coursework or controlled assessments?
Yes, 60% of the course is coursework or controlled assessment

• Coursework - You will perform (sing or play) 2 pieces - one as a soloist and one as a group member (30%)
• Controlled Assessment - You will also compose 2 compositions which are based on the Area of Study: Popular Music / World Music / or Western Classical Tradition (30%).

What other skills might I develop?

As well as covering music at GCSE level, the course will enable you to develop skills in communication & ICT. GCSE Music offers opportunities to develop wider skills in working with others (e.g. taking part in rehearsals, performing).

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.

http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/music/gcse/music-8271/specification-at-a-glance

Level: GCSE     Board: OCR       Coursework: 20%      Exam: 80%

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GCSE Computing is a course designed for those pupils who wish to investigate how computers work. This is not an Information Technology course – 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 -

Computer Hardware:

• CPU
• Memory
• Input / Output devices
• Networking

Software:

• Operating Systems
• Utility programs
• Databases

Representation of Data:

• Binary numbers
• Hexadecimal numbers
• terms such as byte and kilobyte

Programming:

• Programming languages
• Solving problems
• Testing solutions

How will I be assessed?

Assessment is 20% coursework and 80% exam. The coursework is a 20 – hour programming project using a programming language such as Python. There are 2 written examination papers –

• Computer systems - 1 hour 30 minutes
• Computational thinking , programming and algorithms – 1 hour 30 minutes

Who is it for?

• 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.

Please note that this course is awaiting accreditation for first teaching in September 2016. The existing course consists of 2 courseworks ( 60%) and 1 written examination paper (40%).

http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse-computer-science-j276-from-2016/

Level: GCSE     Board: AQA     Coursework (practical): 40%     Exam (written): 60%

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What 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

PE will offer you the opportunity to develop your skills, understanding and knowledge in sport and physical activities.
It will help you to improve your own performance.
What about exams?

• 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

What about coursework?

• 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)

Will I enjoy this course?
If you are interested in fitness, health, sciences and want to learn more about the world of sport and develop your own performance then this could be the course for you! It would also be an advantage if you were involved in sport outside lessons, for example a school sports club.
What could I do next with GCSE Physical Education?

• 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.

http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/physical-education/gcse/physical-education-8582

KS4 French and Spanish

All pupils at The Corbet School study a GCSE in French. In 2019, as result of recent changes in our KS3 curriculum pupils will study a GCSE in either French or Spanish.

From 2016 onwards, we follow the AQA new GCSE syllabus in both French and Spanish which is set out as follows:

FRENCH /SPANISH

LEVEL:  GCSE                      BOARD: AQA (Scheme A)

New Style GCSE from September 2016 onwards: Linear course.

Pupils follow a two year French OR Spanish 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 the topics, skills and grammar rules which have been learned at KS3. At Key Stage 4 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 or Spanish for successful communication. A pass at GCSE grade B or above also provides a sound basis for continued language learning to Advanced Level French or Spanish. 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 two 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

Assessments

GCSE French/Spanish has a Foundation Tier (grades 1–5) and a Higher Tier (grades 4–9). Students must take all four question papers at the same tier. All question papers must be taken in the same series.

Paper 1: Listening: Understanding and responding to different types of spoken language

Written exam: 35 minutes (Foundation Tier), 45 minutes (Higher Tier)

40 marks (Foundation Tier), 50 marks (Higher Tier)

25% of GCSE

Paper 2: Speaking: Communicating and interacting effectively in speech for a variety of purposes

Non-exam assessment

7–9 minutes (Foundation Tier) + preparation time

10–12 minutes (Higher Tier) + preparation time

60 marks (for each of Foundation Tier and Higher Tier)

25% of GCSE

Paper 3: Reading: Understanding and responding to different types of written language

Written exam: 45 minutes (Foundation Tier), 1 hour (Higher Tier)

60 marks (for each of Foundation Tier and Higher Tier)

25% of GCSE

Paper 4: Writing :Communicating effectively in writing for a variety of purposes

Written exam: 1 hour (Foundation Tier), 1 hour 15 minutes (Higher Tier)

50 marks at Foundation Tier and 60 marks at Higher Tier

25% of GCSE

 

For further information please search online for the GCSE French or GCSE Spanish specification at: http://web.aqa.org.uk

Level: GCSE     Board: OCR

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Our GCSE Drama qualification will equip you 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 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.

What does the course involve?
There are three parts to the course:
Devising drama

Learners will research and explore a stimulus, work collaboratively and create their own devised drama. (01/02) 60 marks Non-exam assessment 30% of total GCSE.
Presenting and performing texts

Learners develop and apply theatrical skills in acting or design by presenting a showcase of two extracts from a performance text. (03/04) 60 marks Non-exam assessment (Visiting examination) 30% of total GCSE.
Drama: Performance and response(Written exam)

Learners will explore practically a performance text to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of drama. Learners will analyse and evaluate a live theatre performance.** (05) 80 marks Exam assessment 1 hour 30 minutes (Written paper) 40% of total GCSE.
How Will I Be Assessed?

By far 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. The performances will be recorded on DVD to help with moderation. You will usually work on your performances in a small group, but may work with one other person (the minimum group size is two), or may find yourself taking part in a whole class performance. 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.

http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse-drama-j316-from-2016/

Level: GCSE (Full Course)      Board: Edexcel        Exam: 100%

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The Religious Studies Full Course GCSE is changing from its current form. The exam boards have draft specifications available which are currently going through the accreditation process. Although we expect the new GCSE to be very close to the draft specification provided we cannot guarantee it will be identical.

The GCSE Religious Studies qualification for 2016 is designed to reflect the demands of a truly modern and evolving religious studies environment. This new qualification will allow students to apply a wide range of concepts allowing them to confidently interpret, contextualise and analyse the expressions of religions and world views they encounter.

The Course
Area of study 1: The Religion and Christian Ethics unit is likely to cover the following topics:

• Belief in God
• Marriage and the Family
• Living the Religious Life
• Matters of Life and Death

Area of study 2: The Judaism, Philosophy and Social Justice unit is likely to cover the following topics:

• Belief in God
• Religious Experience
• Living the Religious Life
• Equality

The Exam
The examination will take place in the summer of Year 11. It will cover the two areas of study outlined above. There will be a 1hr 45min examination of each area of study. No coursework.
Why choose Religious Studies?
A qualification in Religious Studies is good preparation for further study in many AS/A level courses. It gives pupils the ability to critically think and respectfully debate. Religious studies is a widely recognised subject in the world of work as a valued subject in its own right due to the skills it develops. This subject lends itself to many vocations and careers such as Law, Social Care, Journalism, Politics, Primary and Secondary Education, Human Resources and Public Service to name a few.

http://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/religious-studies-2016.html

Level: GCSE         Board: OCR

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GCSE specifications in Food and Nutrition should encourage candidates to be inspired and motivated by following a broad, coherent, satisfying and worthwhile course of study. They should prepare candidates to make informed decisions about further learning opportunities and career choices.

The specification requires candidates to plan and carry out food practicals. Candidates produce tasks in which they analyse issues and problems, concerned with healthy eating and the use of cooking techniques and methods and record relevant information and evidence.

The specification focuses on food and nutrition issues in relation to nutrition, physical, chemical and sensory properties of food in storage, preparation and cooking; food hygiene; safety; and techniques and skills used in storage, preparation and cooking.

Pupils will be required to adhere to safety and hygiene as appropriate to a food technology room, and provide ingredients for practical work as required.

The GCSE is made up of three mandatory units:

Unit B001 Food and Nutrition Short Tasks are internally assessed and externally moderated. Candidates submit three short tasks and these form 30% of the total GCSE marks. These will be carried out in Year 10, one per term.

Unit B002 Food Study Task is internally assessed and externally moderated and this will be carried out in Year 11. Candidates submit one task and this forms 30% of the total GCSE marks. B001 and B002 make up make up the total practical part of this course which is 60%.

Unit B003 Principles of Food and Nutrition is externally assessed by a one and half-hour examination in the summer of Year 11. This forms 40% of the total of GCSE marks. Questions will cover all aspects of the specification content. (as above).

Year 11: http://www.ocr.org.uk/Images/75824-specification.pdf

Year 10: http://filestore.aqa.org.uk/resources/food/specifications/AQA-8585-SP-2016.PDF

Level: GCSE         Board: AQA

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This course has been developed to enable students to design and make consumer products with creativity and originality, using a range of materials and techniques and using an enterprising and innovative approach. Students are encouraged to develop products in a commercially viable way, considering a range of end users and the potential of the product as a saleable item. 60% of the final mark is coursework project based and the remaining 40% is assessed by a 2 hour examination that tests both design skill and knowledge.

Students will be challenged by the range of practical activities as the course builds upon the skills developed at KS3. The course allows pupils to design and make quality products and is designed to develop awareness amongst students of the need to consider sustainability and the environmental impact of their designing. Product Design provides the pupils the opportunity to design and make product(s) using a wide range of materials. These include wood, metal, plastic, textiles and electronics. Whilst paper/card is the compulsory material for study (used in modelling and proto-typing) pupils must use at least one other material to construct their design final concept and develop their skills with other material areas.

The course is a very practical experience, much of the learning is done through design projects. Experimentation and risk are encouraged and rewarded in the marking scheme and a wide ranging, diverse approach is encouraged. This enables the development of ideas and nurtures innovation. Students will make effective use of CAD/CAM and other computer based technologies, the laser cutter and 3D printer are used extensively to encourage rapid prototyping. The course provides an excellent route into ‘A’ Level Product Design and the Diplomas in Manufacturing and Product Design, Creative and Media or Engineering. We have a strong track record of students going on to studying this subject at A level. It also gives pupils a developed awareness of how the vast ranges of products we buy are created and in turn enables them to become a more astute consumer.

http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/design-and-technology/gcse/design-and-technology-product-design-4555

Level: GCSE      Board: OCR

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The GCSE Textiles course is broken down into four elements, 60% of which is assessed through practical work and 40% in a written examination (1hr 15mins). The written examination covers two topics. The first is sustainable design which looks at the environment, cultural, moral and social skills related to textiles. The second topic covers the technical aspects of designing and making and covers the knowledge of working with tools and equipment, materials, selecting processes and designing for success.

Assessed practical work is carried out under controlled assessment conditions and again comes in two parts; ‘Introduction to design and making’ and ‘Making quality products’.
In the introduction to design making, pupils will be expected to demonstrate creativity, develop design skills, and evidence making and evaluating skills. In this section they will be able to select from a range of topics and develop a textile item and a supporting portfolio from one of the themes. The topic themes include a good range to choose from that will engage and motive pupils of either gender.

In the section, ‘Making quality products’, pupils will develop and demonstrate designing skills, working with tools and equipment and evaluating skills. Again, pupils will be able to select from a broad range of topics and they will need to produce a textile item and supporting portfolio. Some of the topics included are; ‘Twentieth-century inspiration’, ‘Celebrations’, ‘Military camouflage’, ‘Natural influences’, ‘Extreme sports’ and ‘Educational toys’.

One of the practical assessments will take place in Year 10, and the other in Year 11.
Both written examination papers will be taken at the end of Year 11.

Pupils will be expected to purchase the necessary materials for each practical assessment and where necessary pay for haberdashery/extra materials supplied by the teacher as required.

http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse-design-and-technology-textiles-technology-j307-from-2012/

Level: GCSE       Board: AQA

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This option is intended as an introduction to Engineering. It allows pupils to develop skills and understanding which will be of use generally and as part of a progressive career path leading to further technical or academic engineering qualifications. This exam is offered by the AQA exam board and is examinable through an internally assessed coursework project, worth 60% of the final marks, and a written exam worth the remaining 40%.

Pupils will engage in a range of activities to develop their skills and understanding as an engineer. This will include converting a client’s design brief into an appropriate specification and, by using the design process, generate possible solutions for engineered products.

Pupils will learn how to communicate and understand thoughts and concepts through the use orthographic and isometric projection using sketching and formal drawing methods.

To help with understanding engineered products, pupils will develop an understanding of the properties and uses of a range of common materials used in engineering and how they may be used to produce products made for a particular purpose. To achieve a clear understanding of the processes used in engineering, pupils will have hands-on experience with turning, milling, drilling, sawing, sheering, casting, forming and joining engineering materials, whilst learning to appreciate the impact modern technologies are having on engineered products and the engineering industry.

http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/engineering/gcse/engineering-4850

The GCSE Resistant Materials course has been designed to encourage candidates to be able to design and make products with creativity and originality, using a range of materials and techniques. Students will be enthused and challenged by the range of practical activities possible. A working knowledge of woods, metals, plastics and composite materials will be required, but other materials may be used in addition.

The use of new technologies is encouraged and the course is designed to foster awareness amongst students, of the need to consider sustainability and the environmental impact of their designing. The course allows full credit to be given to students who undertake innovative work, including projects with a very high CAD/CAM content.

This course has 60% controlled assessment in order to recognise the importance of practical work within this subject. Students will sit a 2 hour final exam (40%) which will test their knowledge of materials, processes and their commercial application.

 

http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/design-and-technology/gcse/design-and-technology-resistant-materials-4560