GCSE Options Guide

2023-25

GCSE Options



Introduction

Dear Student,

You are entering a new and exciting phase in
your education as you start to take responsibility
for choosing your GCSE options. This is the first
major opportunity for you to tailor your academic
programme to reflect your strengths and passions.
Choosing the right GCSEs can involve many difficult
and important decisions. However, you should, first
and foremost, be guided by your heart. If you have
a true passion for a subject then you will enjoy your
lessons, you will work hard and you will succeed.

There are, of course, practicalities to be considered. Maintaining a balance of
the Sciences, Arts and Humanities may be important to you, but others may
wish to start to specialise. To help you with this process, a summary of the
different subject areas has been prepared by each Head of Department. This
will give you an outline of the content and assessment procedure for each
subject. There is also information regarding the wider school curriculum to
ensure you make your choices within the correct context.

I know that this process can be daunting but I sincerely hope that you enjoy
taking this important step in your education. This will lead to choosing your A
Levels and ultimately your individual path when you leave Reading Blue Coat.

Mr Rob Tidbury

Deputy Head (Academic)

The Options

COMPULSORY SUBJECTS ARE...

English A Language Science
Language (MFL or Latin)

English Mathematics Religious
Literature Studies*

*Religious Studies GCSE will be examined at the end of Year 10.

THERE ARE TWELVE OPTIONAL SUBJECTS...

Fine Art Computer Design Drama
Science Technology

Geography Geology History Latin

ICT Music Physical A second
Education Language
3From the above,
are chosen In almost all cases, we are able to offer pupils the
three subjects they have chosen. However, you
should also indicate a reserve choice, which can
be substituted in the unlikely event of one of your
first three choices being unavailable.

If the take-up of any subject offered does not
produce a class which is academically viable, we
reserve the right not to timetable it. Physical
resources may require us to limit the numbers of
pupils that study a subject, if the number of pupils
choosing it is too large. In this case, pupils will be
selected on their performance in the subject, or a
related subject, during Year 9.

In addition, pupils study PSHEE (Personal, Social,
Health and Economic Education) and they
participate in Games and Activities.

Making the Choices

At Reading Blue Coat, we believe that the curriculum up to the end of
Year 11 should be broad. This is to ensure that you continue to develop
skills gained from studying as wide a range of subjects as possible, giving
you the ability to develop your own interests and to retain some flexibility
with regard to the subjects you will go on to study at A Level. However,
we recognise that everyone is different and so, within our options system,
we understand that some pupils may benefit from choosing ‘practical’
subjects whereas others may not.

The School finds the recent emphasis on an ‘English Baccalaureate’ to
be rather narrow: for example, we would argue that the fact that all of
our pupils study Religious Studies provides them with the experience of
a ‘humanity’, whereas the government does not. We therefore believe
strongly in pupils retaining breadth in their academic subjects without
necessarily adhering to the government’s prescription.

Choices made will be checked for their balance and suitability.
There are some combinations that are impossible to timetable.
These are principally those which contain more than two
‘practical’ subjects – for example, more than two from Fine Art,
Design Technology, Drama, Physical Education and, possibly,
Music.

Discussions and Decisions

When making choices, you should ask
yourself questions such as:

Which subjects do I enjoy? You should then speak with Mr Yates, Director
What am I good at? of Middle School, your subject teachers and
your form tutor for advice on the wisdom of the
What will I be studying? choices being considered.
How is the course assessed?
The information in this booklet naturally gives
How much coursework is involved? you the opportunity to discuss potential choices
with your parent(s). You will also be individually
counselled by your tutor.

Discussions and Decisions 7

Parents’ and Pupils’ Consultation Online
Form Due
This event will give you an opportunity to finalise
decisions following discussion with subject staff. Mr Yates WEDNESDAY
and your tutor will deal with most matters of general 8 FEBRUARY
advice and Mr Tidbury will be available should you need
advice on how the options process works. Once all the discussions
are complete, you will be
THURSDAY 12 JANUARY required to complete an

online form.

Recent Reforms New grading Old grading
structure structure
Incrementally, from September 2017, GCSEs and IGCSEs have 9 A*
been graded differently. A numerical grading system of 9-1 8
replaces the A*-G system, with 9 as the highest achievable grade 7 A
and 1 as the lowest (although there is also a grade U for those 6
who fail to achieve the minimum requirements for grade 1). 5 B
4
Grade 5 is considered a ‘good pass’, with performance tables 3 C
focusing on students achieving grades 9-5. The old system takes 2 D
a grade C as a benchmark for a ‘good pass’, but the new grade 5 E
is equivalent to a low B or high C – thus a ‘good pass’ mark will 1 F
become harder to achieve than previously. G
U U
The new system has been designed to reveal differences between
candidates at the top end of the spectrum. The current top two
grades (A* and A) will be replaced with three top grades (9, 8
and 7). Grade 9 is being referred to by some as an A**, as it is
awarded to approximately the top 3% only.

At Reading Blue Coat, our assessment of pupils increasingly
reflects these new grades, as will the half-term grades, which are
now be based on a 9-1 scale.

Monitoring of Progress Examination
Fees
Overseen by Mr Yates, the monitoring of pupil
progress occurs throughout their GCSE courses. Parents are responsible for
Form Tutors have an important role in this process all examination fees incurred
and pupils and parents should refer to them if by Year 11 pupils. Currently
difficulties arise. It is usual for Form Tutors and the fee for each GCSE
their tutor groups to remain unchanged from Years subject is approximately £50,
9 to 11. Regular reporting to parents continues depending on the subject and
through the use of half-term grades, regular focus examining board
comments and parents’ consultations.

The Future

To qualify for the Sixth Form at Blue Coat, we
expect you to attain at least eight GCSEs at
Grade 5 or above. Two of these grades must
be at Grade 7 or above. A further four grades
at Grade 6 and two at Grade 5 are required.
To study Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics,
Physics or a Modern Language at A Level, you
should have at least an Grade 7 at GCSE or its
equivalent. To study Economics, you should
have at least an Grade 7 in Mathematics. All
students are required to have passed both
English Language and Mathematics at Grade 5
or above.

My advice is to make the most
of all the opportunities on
offer. That’s how you’ll make
the best friends and make the
most of your time here.

The Sixth Form at Reading Blue Coat consists of four
A Level subjects, one chosen from each of four blocks,
which are devised according to student choice. New
subjects such as Business, Economics, Government and
Politics and Psychology are added to those studied at
GCSE. Alternatively, they can complete the Extended
Project Qualification, preferably by the end of Year 12,
to enable them to impress university tutors of their
commitment to a particular course.

The Future 11

12 Your options

Your Options Compulsory Subjects
16. English

18. Languages – Latin
19. Languages – Modern Languages
20. Mathematics

21. Religious Studies
22. Science

Optional Subjects
26. Fine Art
27. Computer Science
28. Design Technology
29. Drama
30. Geography
31. Geology
32. History
33. Information and

Communication Technology
34. Music
35. Physical Education

Compulsory Subjects

Compulsory Subjects 15

First Language The second element is reading, which is assessed in
English: IGCSE an end-of-course examination of two hours. This will
account for the remaining 50% of the student’s grade.
Compulsory Questions and tasks will relate to three passages of
between 500 and 750 words each. Students will be
Exam Board: CIE Code: 0990 expected to answer short-answer comprehension
questions, as well as three tasks of greater length,
First Language English at IGCSE is taught assessing skills of summary, analysis, and reading for
concurrently with English Literature (Syllabus implicit meaning.
Code 0992), a separate IGCSE, for which we
enter all candidates. Mr Malcolm Stewart

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

There are obvious but often unstated reasons why
the study of English is essential: it enables pupils to
understand their own language more thoroughly and
thus helps them to communicate more accurately and
appropriately in any situation. Their ability to deal with
all that they hear, read and experience will, by the
study of English, be immeasurably enhanced.

ASSESSMENT FORMAT

The CIE First Language English Course is divided into
two distinct, but complementary, elements.

The first assessment is writing. This element accounts
for 50% of the student’s final grade and is assessed
through an end-of-course writing paper. In this
paper, students will be required to complete two
tasks. The first of these will be a directed writing
composition, requiring students to synthesise and
evaluate information from different passages within a
given writing format, and the second will be either a
descriptive or narrative writing task.

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Writing
English is all about creativity Magazines Journalism,
– the texts you read, how law, media and
you respond, and how you communication,
discover creativity in yourself!
advertising,
publishing

English Literature: WHAT YOU’LL READ
IGCSE
The current syllabus offers the following possibilities
Compulsory for study in 2023 – 2025:

Exam Board: CIE Code: 0992 Drama:
Shelagh Delaney – A Taste of Honey
We want our pupils to be enthusiastic readers who William Shakespeare – A Midsummer Night’s Dream
take great pleasure from the literature that they Wole Soyinka – Death and the King’s Horseman
encounter. The study of English Literature Tennessee Williams – A Streetcar Named Desire
complements the study of English at IGCSE level. By
studying a variety of literature in detail, candidates will Poetry:
begin to understand meaning independently, and will Either a selection of poetry by Ted Hughes, or a
develop into discerning, analytical and critical readers. selection of poetry by numerous poets taken from the
Nineteenth and Twentieth Century.

Prose:
Daphne de Maurier – Rebecca
Joan Lindsay – Picnic at Hanging Rock
Charles Dickens – Great Expectations
HG Wells – The War of The Worlds
A selection of short stories published by Cambridge
University Press

ASSESSMENT FORMAT

In English Literature, there is no coursework, with the
course being assessed through terminal examination.
This takes three parts:

•an unseen examination (1 hour 15 minutes – 25% of
final grade), during which candidates must write a
critical commentary on an extract which they have
never come across before.

•a set-text, closed-book examination (1 hour
30 minutes – 50% of final grade) on a novel and
collection of poetry studied during the course.
•a set-text, open-book examination (45 minutes –
25% of final grade) on a play studied during
the course.

Mr Malcolm Stewart

QUICK FACTS Did you know 100% Exam Regular Where next?
theatre trips
English Literature is all about Journalism,
subtext - what people reveal law, media and
about themselves and how communication,

they express their true advertising,
meaning! publishing

Latin Component 1: Latin Language

Compulsory (Latin or a Modern Foreign Language) Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes –
Exam Board: OCR Code: J282/F 50% of the qualification

Latin offers students direct access to over 2000 years The Language component requires learners to
of the western tradition - in its original language. If translate a passage of Latin, answer comprehension
you are interested in the Roman past, where the West questions and either answer questions on syntax and
came from, or even where we might be going, this the accidence within the context of a narrative passage or
subject for you. The Latin GCSE is only available translate short English sentences into Latin.
to those who have continued with their study of
Latin in Year 9. The vocabulary, accidence and syntax required for
the composition of Latin sentences will be taken from
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN restricted lists. The accidence and syntax questions will
Dubbed “the Maths of the Humanities”, Latin teaches a draw upon the full range of syntax and accidence listed
range of skills across linguistics, literature, and history. in the specification.
Students will learn how language works, enabling them
to communicate with logical precision. They study the Components 2 & 3: Literature
Romans through their own words, providing excellent
practice in learning how to interact with foreign Written examinations: 1 hour each component –
cultures in an increasingly multi-cultural world. Due to 25% of the qualification
its cross-curricular nature, Latin sits at the intersection
of the Humanities and the Sciences. The literature components require the study of
two texts: one prose, one poetry. These set texts
ASSESSMENT FORMAT change every two years. Previous students have read
GCSE Content: comprises three modules, all of which Virgil’s harrowing account of the sack of a city and
are exam-assessed. Tacitus’ tales of magic, political machinations, and
murder. Students are currently reading about how a
young student gets himself caught up in witchcraft, a
serious case of real estate fraud, and a journey to the
underworld.

QUICK FACTS Did you know Overseas trips Where next?

According to Dictionary. 100% Exam The study of Latin leads
com, 60% of English to careers which value an
analytical mindset and clarity
words have Latin or Greek of thought. Graduates often
roots. In scientific and end up in finance, consulting,
the civil service, or law.
technical vocabulary, this
rises to more than 90%.

Modern Languages ASSESSMENT FORMAT
IGCSE
All four language skills are assessed by examinations
Compulsory (A Modern Foreign Language or Latin) taken at the end of Year 11. There are three
Exam Board: Edexcel examinations, all of which are based on the topics taught:
Code: French 4FRO, German 4GNO,
Spanish 4SPO Listening (50 minutes – 25% of final grade):
Candidates hear a number of passages in the foreign
Languages at IGCSE are designed to give students the language and respond with non-verbal responses, such
opportunity to learn to communicate with confidence as ticked boxes or matching exercises. Some passages
in a foreign language, as well as learn to appreciate will require a brief response in the language.
the culture of another country. Not only are languages
regarded as a highly valued asset by many employers, Reading and Writing (1 hour 45 minutes – 50%
but the course allows students to develop their own of final grade): Candidates tackle five reading
self confidence and communication skills, which are comprehension passages of varying length and difficulty.
indispensable in later life. Many of our students go on to They also write two pieces in the language, one piece
study languages at university, often combined with other of 75 words and one of 150 words.
subjects such as business, law and economics.
Speaking (10 minutes – 25% of final grade):
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN Candidates discuss a picture of their choice (based
on a topic area studied). This is followed by a general
Students will cover a number of key topic areas at IGCSE conversation on two of the topic areas studied.
which are of relevance to the lives of young people,
such as health and sport, media and travel and the wider Mrs Sally Head
world. The topics are taught through the medium of the
four skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking. As
well as using course books, the students will have the
opportunity to participate in a wide range of additional
activities throughout the course, including role plays,
presentations, independent reading, video recording,
language games and interactive activities in the computer
room. In Year 11, students will have the chance to speak
with the language assistant regularly in a small group.
As part of the course, students of German will have the
opportunity to go on a language study course to Munich,
students of French to Geneva and students of Spanish to
Barcelona.

Did you know Where next?

QUICK FACTS More than 60% of Degrees: languages degree;
corporations who want to do
business in foreign countries languages with other subjects,

don’t do so because such as business, economics,
they don’t have enough
multilingual employees. law and engineering.

100% Exam Munich, Germany (Yrs 9 &10); Careers: business, any career
Geneva,France (Yr 9): which involves travel and/or
communication with people
Barcelona, Spain (Yrs 8 & 9)
from other countries.

Mathematics: IGCSE

Compulsory

Exam Board: Edexcel
Code: 4MA1 Specification A

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
The course builds on the foundations of KS3 Maths and
continues courses of study in number, algebra,
geometry, statistics and an introduction to calculus.

ASSESSMENT FORMAT
Students are entered for the UK-run IGCSE. In
common with many other independent schools, we
believe that this examination is better suited to our
students than the GCSE. The content is appropriate
both as a final examination for those not continuing
with the subject and a firm basis for those continuing
to A Level and beyond. It is accepted as equivalent to
GCSE for university entrance.
Students will be placed in six sets. It is expected that all
students will be entered for Higher Tier (grades 9-4).
We expect that all students will gain a solid knowledge
and understanding of the entire syllabus, and students
in higher sets will become familiar with material well
beyond the IGCSE course.

EXTERNAL ASSESSMENT
Two 2 hour papers (50% each).
Both papers test all areas of the syllabus and require
the use of a scientific calculator.

INTERNAL ASSESSMENT
Regular module tests throughout the course.
Examinations at the end of Year 10.
Mock examinations in Year 11.

Mr Edward Clark

QUICK FACTS Did you know 100% Exam (equal weight Where next?
– both with calculator)
Maths is everywhere Being numerate is
– from pinecones to essential for every aspect

rocket science. of life – however, the
ability to solve problems

is what separates the
wolves from the sheep.

Religious Studies Theme C – Religion, peace, and conflict: violence,
pacifism, war, just war theory, terrorism, nuclear weapons
Compulsory
Theme E – Religion, crime and punishment: factors
Exam Board: AQA Code: 8062 in the causes of crime, mental illness, different types
of crime, aims of punishment, types of punishment,
The course is open to candidates of any religious treatment of criminals, forgiveness, death penalty
persuasion or none, but is designed to promote an
enquiring, empathetic and critical approach to the Theme F – Religion, human rights and social justice:
study of religion. Half the course is a study of Christian prejudice and discrimination, rights and responsibilities,
and Islamic beliefs and practices. The second half equality, wealth, poverty, charity
is a study of four themes, which are explored from
Christian, Muslim, and secular perspectives. ASSESSMENT FORMAT

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN Each component equals 50% of the total marks for the
Full GCSE Course. Component 1 will be examined in
Starting in Year 9, all pupils will cover the following units: one paper of 1 hour 45 minutes. Component 2 will be
examined in one paper, also of 1 hour 45 minutes. We
Component 1: The study of Christianity: beliefs, expect all pupils to complete the Full Course. There is
teachings, and practices no coursework.

Beliefs and teachings: the nature of God, sin, the Each question on the examination paper is divided into
person of Jesus, salvation, resurrection, eternal life. five parts, 1 to 5, and should be completed by the pupil
in 26 minutes plus extra time, if required.
Practices: various types of worship, prayer, sacraments,
pilgrimage, celebrations, role of the Church both social This course will be assessed by external examination at
and spiritual, mission and evangelism, the experience the end of Year 10.
of the worldwide Church (including persecution), the
work of one Christian charity. Mr Harry Stone

The study of Islam: beliefs, teachings, and practices

Beliefs and teachings: six Articles of Faith in Sunni
and the Five Roots in Shi’a, the nature of God, angels,
afterlife, authority, prophethood, Qur’an and other
holy books, Imamate of Shi’a Islam.

Practices: Five Pillars, jihad, Ten Obligatory Acts of
Shi’a, Shahadah, Salah, Sawm, Zakah, Hajj, festivals.

Component 2: The study of four themes from
Christian and Muslim (and secular) perspectives:

Theme A – Relationships and families: marriage,
divorce, gender roles, sexuality

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churches and Islamic
1 in 10 people Centres. RS can lead to any
executed in the degree and/or career
USA is innocent
– and is beneficial
100% Exam because of the critical
thinking it engenders.

Science: IGCSE preparation should the student wish to study any of the
disciplines at A Level and beyond.
Compulsory
The accelerated learning necessitated to achieve
Exam Board: Edexcel the Triple Award qualification means that this is not
Code: Science (Double Award) 4SCO suitable for every student. The decision whether a
or Biology 4BIO, Chemistry 4CHO, student will study for the additional material is made
Physics 4PHO by the School in the interest of the individual pupil and
there is no question of a Double Award qualification
The aims of the course are for every pupil to achieve a disadvantaging a pupil at A Level or beyond; many
sound and comprehensive knowledge of basic scientific Double Award scientists go on to excel.
concepts and an awareness of the impact that Science
has on their everyday life. Students will develop skills in If students are offered the opportunity to study the
research, investigation and communication of scientific Triple Award at the end of Year 9, they may opt to
ideas. Pupils who choose not to study Science beyond study Dual Award Science if they feel this is a more
GCSE will gain a strong scientific background, whilst appropriate qualification.
those intending to undertake Science A Levels will
have an excellent foundation upon which to further WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
their knowledge.
Both the Double Award and Triple Award specifications
The IGCSE Science course starts in Year 9 with pupils follow the themes listed below. Those students taking
studying Biology, Chemistry and Physics as separate the third IGCSE will encounter additional facets within
disciplines. At the end of Year 9, students will study these topics.
either Double Award (two IGCSEs in Science where
each GCSE comprises a third Biology, Chemistry and Biology
Physics), or Triple Award (separate IGCSEs in Biology, •The nature and variety of living organisms
Chemistry and Physics). •Biological molecules and cells
•Key physiological processes in humans and plants
Pupils are set in Years 9 and 10 in order to ensure •Reproduction and inheritance
that every student has the chance to achieve their •Ecology and the environment
maximum potential whilst studying the Sciences to •Use of biological resources (including cloning)
GCSE level. The Triple Award Science sets will explore
concepts in greater depth but these must be covered Chemistry
at a significantly faster rate as no extra teaching time •Principles of Chemistry
can be afforded. •Chemistry of the elements
•Organic Chemistry
Those studying the Double Award will have the benefit •Physical Chemistry
of spending more time consolidating key concepts
and revising and developing the skills necessary to
succeed in the Sciences. Both qualifications are ample

QUICK FACTS Did you know Where next?

A Level Science is Engineering, Medicine,
still an option from Finance, Chemistry,
the Double Award Biology, Physics,

100% Exam Veterinary and anything
else relating to the
Sciences.

Physics Triple Award: Pupils will sit two papers for each
•Forces and motion discipline. In addition to the 2 hour papers sat by
•Electricity Double Award students there is a 1 hour 15 minute
•Waves long assessment, examining the core and additional
•Energy resources and energy transfer content studied.
•Solids, liquids and gases
•Magnetism and electromagnetism The 2 hour paper in each subject contributes 61.1% of
•Radioactivity and particles the marks towards the respective IGCSE, whilst the
•Astronomy shorter paper accounts for the remaining 38.9%.

ASSESSMENT FORMAT Mr Michael Jerstice, Head of Chemistry and Integrated Science

The IGCSEs do not require students to complete any Mr Benjamin Shuler, Head of Physics
coursework or a controlled practical assessment. All
practical ideas are examined within the theory papers. Mr Andrew Colville, Head of Biology

Double Award: Students will sit papers in Biology,
Chemistry and Physics lasting two hours each. Each
paper contributes a third towards the two GCSEs.

Optional Subjects

Optional Subjects 25

Fine Art research and investigation, development of ideas and
experimentation, refinement and recording of ideas
Optional and observations and realising your intentions through
the creation of personal and meaningful work.
Exam Board: AQA Code: 8202
Component 1
Art is all about visual communication and the GCSE
course enables you to learn how to communicate Portfolio (Coursework): 60% of qualification
effectively using a visual language. You will be able to
develop your independence as an artist, with the full You will produce a portfolio of work during the
support and guidance of experienced teachers, using course that will include a sustained project and other
excellent facilities and resources. work produced throughout the course. This will
include sketchbooks, study sheets, planning drawings,
An exciting aspect of the Fine Art GCSE course is that responses to artists’ work, the development of your
you will make choices and select the major themes for own ideas and sustained outcomes that realise your
your work so you will be able to produce work you are intentions as an artist.
completely engaged with and enjoy doing.
Component 2
We will look at and be inspired by art from different
times and cultures, take a study trip and have an artist Externally-set Assignment (Examination): 40% of the
workshop as part of the course. qualification.

Studying Fine Art helps you to develop problem solving Students respond to their chosen starting point from
skills, creative thinking skills, investigation, research and an externally set assignment paper relating to their
communication skills; all vital for the world we live and subject title, evidencing coverage of all four assessment
work in. objectives. Again, the planning and preparation of the
work is included in the assessment. The Externally
ASSESSMENT FORMAT Set Assignment takes place over several weeks and
culminates in a 10 hour examination (over two days) in
There are four Assessment Objectives in Art and all which you will produce your final outcome.
work is assessed against these. All work is internally
marked and externally moderated. The preparation Mrs Elizabeth Harvey
work and supporting studies are an important
part of the process of making art. These cover

QUICK FACTS Did you know Where next?

More people work in the Architecture, Graphic Design,
creative industries than in
the finance industry? The Fashion and Textiles, Fashion
creative industries generate
Management, Advertising, Fine
£84.1bn for the British
economy each year! Art, History of Art, Interior

60% Coursework Field trip (often Brighton/ Design, Art Foundation,
40% Exam Oxford) related to their Product Design, Game
particular course or project Design, Illustration, Animation,
Photography, Film Studies,

Theatre Design

Computer Science skills. For many, it will be a fun and interesting way to
develop these skills, which can be transferred to other
Optional subjects and even applied in day-to-day life. In this
way, the course will stimulate interest and engagement
Exam Board: Pearson EDEXCEL Code: 1CP2 with technology and technology-related careers. The
course would suit students with a strong mathematical
Computing and computer technology are part of background and a scientific and logical way of thinking.
just about everything that touches our lives, from
the cars we drive, to the movies we watch and the ASSESSMENT FORMAT
ways businesses and governments deal with us.
Understanding different dimensions of computing is Principles of Computer Science: 50% exam – 1
part of the necessary skill set for an educated person in hour 30 mins
the 21st century. Whether you want to be a scientist,
develop the latest application, or just know what it Computational thinking: understanding of what
really means when someone says ‘the computer made algorithms are, what they are used for and how they
a mistake’: studying computing will provide you with work; ability to follow, amend and write algorithms;
valuable knowledge. ability to construct truth tables.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN Data: understanding of binary, data representation,
data storage and compression.
Computing: Central to all of these things we take
for granted are computers: hardware, software and Computers: understanding of hardware and software
innovative applications. Indeed, Computer Science is components of computer systems and characteristics
an extraordinarily creative enterprise. It has changed of programming languages.
the way we live, has propelled our economy forward
through innovation and will continue to do so for the Networks: understanding of computer networks and
foreseeable future. Still, it might not be clear what network security.
‘Computer Science’ is. Perhaps a better term for what
we study is ‘computational thinking’. Computational Issues and impact: awareness of emerging trends in
thinking primarily emphasizes that we are interested in computing technologies, and the impact of computing
problem solving with computers. on individuals, society and the environment, including
ethical, legal and ownership issues.
ICT: deals with the purposeful application of computer
systems to solve real-world problems, including Application of Computing Thinking: 50% On-
issues such as the identification of business needs, the screen Exam – 2 hours
specification and installation of hardware and software,
and the evaluation of usability. Understanding what algorithms are, what they are
used for and how they work in relation to creating
The fun of Computing: Through this study of programs. Understanding how to decompose and
computer programming, the course will help learners analyse problems. Ability to read, write, refine and
develop critical thinking, analysis and problem solving evaluate programs. This paper is practical in nature
and requires students to design, write, test, and
refine programs in order to solve problems. Students
will complete this assessment on-screen using their
Integrated Development Environment (IDE).

Mr Scott Yates

QUICK FACTS Did you know 100% Exam
(20% of the exam on a student’s
If there was a computer as powerful as pre-programmed solution to a problem)
the human brain, it would be able to do 38
thousand trillion operations per second and
hold more than 3580 terabytes of memory.

Design Technology ASSESSMENT FORMAT

Optional The course is made up of two separate units:

Exam Board: AQA Written exam:
Code: Design Technology 8552
50% of GCSE (2 hours)
The DT option is available to those who have selected
DT (GCSE strand) for Year 9 and for whom it is 100 marks
appropriate to continue.
A mixture of short answer questions assessing a breadth
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN of technical knowledge and understanding, and longer
The new Design Technology qualification is modern response questions evaluating more in-depth knowledge
and relevant. Students learn about contemporary of technical principles.
technologies, materials and CAD-CAM processes, as
well as established practices, sustainability and design- Non-exam assessment (NEA):
related social and moral issues. The course is ideally
suited to the student who enjoys problem solving, and 50% of GCSE (30–35 hours approx.)
has an emphasis on understanding and applying iterative
design processes. Students will use their creativity and 100 marks
imagination to design and make prototypes that solve
real and relevant problems, considering their own and A substantial design and make task identifying and
others’ needs, wants and values. investigating design possibilities, producing a design
There is a strong element of applied Maths and Science brief and specification, generating, developing, realising,
in the course. analysing and evaluating design ideas. Students will
produce a prototype and a portfolio of evidence which
will be marked by teachers and moderated by AQA.

Mr Jeffrey Fuller

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50% Exam a phenomenally important
teaches young people to subject. Logical, creative Engineering,
think with their hands. and practical; it’s the only Creative
The ability to use tools and opportunity students have Industries,
materials to solve problems to apply what they learn in
Product Design,
is vital.” Maths and Science.” Manufacturing
Sir James Dyson, Founder
Professor Roger Kneebone,
Professor of Surgical Education and Chairman of Dyson
and Engagement Science, Imperial

College London

Drama ASSESSMENT FORMAT

Optional Component 1 – Devising Theatre:

Exam Board: EDUQAS Code: 601/8420/6 Non-exam assessment: internally assessed,
externally moderated
The EDUQAS GCSE in Drama is an exciting, inspiring
and practical course. It gives students a broad and 40% of qualification
balanced experience of Drama.
Learners are required to devise a piece of original
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN theatre in response to a stimulus, using either the
techniques of an influential theatre practitioner or the
The course promotes the enjoyment of Drama, as characteristics of a genre of Drama.
performers and/or designers. Additionally it provides
opportunities to attend live theatre performances In addition to a live performance to an audience,
and to develop skills as informed and thoughtful learners produce a portfolio of supporting evidence
audience members. Learners are given opportunities and write an evaluation under supervised conditions.
to participate in and interpret their own and others’
Drama. Learners investigate a practitioner of Drama, Component 2 – Performing from a Text:
work collaboratively to develop ideas to communicate
meaning and experiment with dramatic conventions, Non-exam assessment: externally assessed by a
forms and techniques to produce and realise a piece visiting examiner
of original theatre. They will also have the opportunity
to participate in the performance of an extract from a 20% of qualification
playtext. Learners will demonstrate their knowledge
and understanding of Drama, including their ability Learners are required to participate in a performance
to interpret texts for performance, in a written from a published text. Learners will gain a deeper
examination. Students are encouraged to speak to the understanding of how to interpret a text for
Director of Drama about suitability for the acting or performance and realise artistic intentions.
design pathway.
In addition to a live performance to an audience,
learners submit their artistic intentions to the examiner
in the form of a short report.

Component 3 – Interpreting Theatre

Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes

40% of qualification

This component requires learners to demonstrate
their knowledge and understanding of how Drama and
theatre is developed and performed through the study
of a performance text and through responding to live
theatre. Pupils will be expected to attend up to five
live theatre performances for each year of the GCSE
course. These are compulsory trips which will enrich
their own creative work.

Mr Devin Möller

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40% Exam Theatre, Oxford Playhouse,
The additional benefits Norden Farm Centre for the Arts Students taking
to taking Drama include GCSE and/or
developing tolerance, A Level Drama
empathy and increased frequently attend
Russell Group
levels of motivation. universities.

Geography People and their Environments:
•Ecosystems and Rural Environments
Optional •Urban Environments

Exam Board: Edexcel Code: 4GE1 Global Issues: Fragile Environments

Geography is a dynamic and relevant discipline that Fieldwork: Students are required to attend two day
provides a bridge between the scientific and artistic field trips during Year 10.
academic traditions. Young geographers develop a
framework of spatial awareness that ranges from the ASSESSMENT FORMAT
local to the global. They recognise and understand
global concerns and acknowledge their responsibilities Candidates are assessed through two separate
as citizens. Teaching and learning opportunities examinations at the end of the taught element. There
are many and varied, as fieldwork, use of media, is no coursework. The first examination is 1 hour 10
application of appropriate technologies and enquiry are minutes in duration and will cover aspects of Physical
all features of the Geography classroom. Geography. The second examination lasts 1 hour 45
minutes and will cover Human Geography themes
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN as well as Global Issues. All answers are written on
the paper and a combination of both short and long
Course Structure: There are four units, each responses are required. The examination will assess
concentrating on the interaction between people knowledge and understanding of the topics set out
and environments. above and the fieldwork tasks undertaken on field trips.
Questions may include reference to maps, satellite
The Nature of People and the Environment: images, photographs or other stimulus material.
•Coastal Environments
•Hazardous Environments Mr Mike Baker

QUICK FACTS Did you know 100% Exam Relevant day trips Where next?

According to The Geography is a wide-ranging subject
Guardian: ‘Geography combining social and physical

undergraduates are sciences. Geographers often thrive
the most employable in the business world due to their
combination of transferable skills,
of all’.
including problem-solving and
critical thinking.

Geology time scale, the rock cycle and plate tectonics as the
fundamental principles of Geology
Optional •Observational, practical, modelling and problem-solving
skills, both in the laboratory and in the field including
Exam Board: EDUQAS Code: 603/0598/8 those required in understanding 3D data

The EDUQAS GCSE course in Geology provides the 1) Rock exposures contain evidence of how rocks
foundations for understanding the science of how the were formed and subsequently deformed:
Earth works. Students will study the structure of the Students will study minerals as the fundamental component
Earth and the dynamic processes acting on and under of the three rocks groups; igneous, sedimentary and
the Earth’s surface. Geology as a science is vital to metamorphic. Fossil content of sedimentary rocks will be
the future quality of life and prosperity of the world’s explored, as will the deformational structures of folds and
population; from supplying the ever-growing demand faults which result from stresses within the Earth’s crust.
for mineral, water and energy to the mitigation of
natural hazards by improved engineering and prediction 2) Major concepts and techniques underpin
techniques. Problem solving is at the heart of learning our current understanding of the Earth and its
and the GCSE course encourages learners to respond history: This idea enables students to demonstrate an
to Geology in both familiar and novel situations, understanding of the ‘big ideas’ in Geology. These being
promoting students’ ability to think for themselves. the rock cycle, plate tectonics, the geological time scale,
global climate and sea level change and the origin and
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN development of life on Earth.

Students will learn to develop their knowledge and 3) Comparisons of the Earth with other planetary
understanding by studying: bodies within the solar system provide evidence
•Rock types, geological structures, the geological for the origin and evolution of both: This idea enables
the candidates to appreciate the links between the natural
processes on Earth and those on other planetary bodies
within the Solar System.

4) Human interaction with the Earth can increase
or reduce risk: This idea enables candidates to appreciate
the cause and effect of human interactions with the natural
environment.

ASSESSMENT FORMAT

1) Geological Principles: On screen. Data and stimulus
response questions. 1 hour 15 mins. 50%.

2) Investigative Geology: Written. Data and stimulus
response with a geological map. 1 hour 30 mins. 50%.

Students will undertake two separate days in the field at
sites in the UK.

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Geologists are responsible The opportunities are endless!
for finding the minerals that
host the elements that go Geoscientists are highly
into powering our mobile
sought after in industry with
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100% Exam Geology of the Weald, opportunities in water, renewable
Berkshire and Oxfordshire. energy, planetary science,
hydrocarbons, engineering,
(Spring term, Year 10) construction and mining.

History: IGCSE In Year 11 the students study the following units which
are examined in Paper 2:
Optional
A4: The Vietnam Conflict, 1945-75. (Historical
Exam Board: Edexcel Code: 4HI1 Investigation) : The course looks at Vietnam’s
struggle against France for independence, US foreign
The IGCSE course has been chosen to give students policy and intervention in Vietnam, confrontation in the
an excellent opportunity to develop a real war, the impact of conflict on civilians in Vietnam and
understanding of many key events and issues in 20th on attitudes in the USA.
Century history that have shaped the world we live in
today. Studying History equips students with important B4: Conflict, crisis and change: China, 1900-
academic skills, through reflection, evaluation, 1989. (Breadth Study): This unit looks at aspects
argument and debate. The skills and knowledge of conflict, crisis and change that have affected this
acquired and tested throughout the course are a useful increasingly important country during its transition
foundation for A Levels and in any future career. from imperial nation, through communist dictatorship,
to the economic giant that it is today.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
The questions asked in Paper 2 require the source
The course consists of four units of equal value. work skills of comprehension, making inferences,
cross-referencing, evaluating representations, explaining
In Year 10, students will study the following units, key features and examining change over time.
which are examined in Paper 1:
ASSESSMENT FORMAT
3: Germany: Development of dictatorship,
1918-1945. (Depth Study): In this unit, we study At the end of Year 11, students take two exams, each
Weimar Germany, Hitler and the growth of the Nazi worth 50% of the IGCSE, each lasting 1 hour 30 minutes.
party, the nature of Nazi dictatorship, Nazi domestic
politics, and the defeat of Germany in WW2. Paper 1, the Depth Study exam, uses structured
questions which require students to recall, select,
6: A world divided: Superpower Relations, organise and analyse their historical knowledge.
1943-72. (Depth Study): This is a study of the Cold War
from its beginnings, asking how the Cold War developed, Paper 2, on the Breadth Study and the Historical
looking at the various forms superpower rivalry took, Investigation, tests the student’s ability to interpret and
examining the crises of Hungary, Berlin, and Cuba, and analyse historical source materials.
looking at the Thaw and moves towards Détente.
Miss Tanya van der Werff
The questions asked in Paper 1 on the Depth Studies
require students to provide written explanations of
causation and consequence, and to provide structured
answers; the final question on each unit could be
viewed as an ‘essay’ question. Analysis of a passage of
historical interpretation is also included.

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History has been History skills
one of the most for the Year 10s/11s are highly
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options at RBC prized by all
universities and
for decades.
employers.

ICT – Information critically as they look at ICT in a range of contexts to
and Communication solve problems and develop an understanding of the
Technology: IGCSE effect of ICT on individuals, organisations and society.
• Improves confidence in areas such as apps, web page
Optional and games design
• Improves understanding of social networking and its
Exam Board: Edexcel Code: (4IT1) impacts
• Enables students to keep up to date with IT and
IGCSE ICT expands and tests skills in the use of a digital developments, at home and in the commercial
wide range of ICT tools, whilst developing a deeper world
understanding of the underlying technologies and their • Explains how IT can help improve career options
impact on society. The course aims to educate students •Provides students with IT skills they can use to solve
to meet the many and varied ICT challenges that they practical problems
will encounter in the future both in education and the
workplace. ASSESSMENT FORMAT
• Paper 1 (written): Systems and Applications in ICT
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN (Exam 1 hour 30 minutes) (50%)
•“The Internet? We are not interested in it.” • Paper 2 (practical): Applying ICT Controlled
Bill Gates (Microsoft) 1993 (Exam 3 hours) (50%)
•“It has become appallingly obvious that our
technology has exceeded our humanity.” Students study a range of ICT systems, as used in the
Albert Einstein home, at school and in society. Students are made
aware of current and emerging technologies and
A qualification in Information Technology opens up a the impact that advances in technology may have on
vast world of opportunities for work, not only within themselves and others.
the technology industry but also in supporting roles
within other industries. ICT students will develop Mr Scott Yates
technical skills and knowledge – that goes without
saying. They will also need other talents such as the
ability to communicate clearly at all levels, to plan and
to manage a project. Decision-making and problem-
solving are also important.

During this course, students develop the capacity to
think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and

QUICK FACTS Did you know 100% Exam (50% Theory Paper;
50% Practical paper)
The name Google was created
accidentally. A spelling error was

made by the original founders
who were under the impression

they were going for Googol.

Music Unit 2 – Practical Portfolio 30%: Candidates must
record one performance, which must be an ensemble,
Optional and a composition to a brief set by the exam board.
The ensemble performance must be a minimum of one
Exam Board: OCR Code: J535 minute long.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN The combined length of performance for Units 1 and 2
Music GCSE enables students to explore performance must be a minimum of four minutes.
and composition with a focus on their own instrument
and genre of choice. Through various genres, styles Unit 3 – Listening and Appraising 40%:
and eras in the four areas of study they will explore The listening test is a written examination in which
musical context, musical language performance and candidates will have to answer questions about extracts
composition skills. of music from four areas of study:
•The Concerto through the Ages
ASSESSMENT FORMAT •Rhythms of the World
Unit 1 – Integrated Portfolio 30%: Candidates •Film Music
must record one performance on their own instrument •Conventions of Pop
and one composition for their own instrument. The The examination is approximately an hour and
composition brief is set by the student and can be in a a half long.
style of their choosing.
Pupils will be expected to take lessons on an instrument
or voice and participate in an ensemble and choir.

Mr Richard Meehan

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40% Exam school visit
Playing music In addition to Music in
regularly will all its roles, it is useful
physically alter your
brain structure. where there is any
need to demonstrate
creativity in a specialist

environment.

Physical Education ASSESSMENT FORMAT

Optional Pupils are assessed in the following ways:
• Two written exam papers 60%
Exam Board: AQA Code: 8582w (Paper 1 – 30%, Paper 2 – 30%).
• Coursework 40% (assessment in three player/
Requirements to study Physical Education at GCSE: performer activities – 30%, written task – 10%)

Along with in-depth theoretical content, there is a Written examination will comprise two 1 hour 15
significant practical element to the course and pupils minute examination papers. Both papers will be a
must be physically capable of applying themselves to mixture of multiple choice/objective test questions,
an adequate standard in a minimum of three sports. short answer questions and extended answer
There is no doubt that the course suits the more questions.
able practical performer, and a strong interest and
understanding of a wide range of sporting activities Paper 1 will focus on the human body and movement
as well as a full commitment to school sport and in physical activity and sport:
games sessions, is essential. Pupils undertaking the
course should ideally be of an ‘A’ team standard, or the Applied Physiology and Anatomy
equivalent, in at least one sport.
Movement Analysis
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
Physical Training
The AQA GCSE Physical Education specification
provides pupils with an opportunity to study both the Use of Data
practical and theoretical aspects of Physical Education.
New and contemporary topics will help students Paper 2 will focus on the socio-cultural influences and
develop a well-rounded skill set and prepare them for well-being in physical activity and sport:
progression to further studies. Through studying the
course, pupils will be able to develop an understanding Sport Psychology
of effective and safe physical performance. They
will be able to appreciate the necessity for sound Socio-cultural influences
understanding of the principles and practices that
underpin improved performance as well as better Health, Fitness and Well Being
health and well-being.
Use of Data
The specification is designed to develop knowledge and
understanding of the factors that affect performance The coursework component is worth 40% and pupils
and participation in physical activities. will be assessed in their practical performance in three
different activities in the role of player/performer (one
in a team activity, one in an individual activity and a
third in either a team or an individual activity – 30%).
For the final part of the practical assessment, pupils
will have to evaluate and analyse their performance to
bring about improvement in one activity.

Mr Jason Dance

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60% Exam Performance Institute
Pupils gain This is a good A Level for
academic credit for accessing a myriad of courses at
all the hours they top universities, such as sports
science degrees, physiotherapy,
spend practising
their sports. sports analysis, strength and
conditioning, teaching, and
fitness centre management.

Holme Park, Sonning Lane, Sonning-on-Thames, Berkshire, RG4 6SU
Tel: 0118 944 1005 rbcs.org.uk