updated KS4 Options Booklet 2023.pptx

SACRED HEART OF MARY GIRLS’ SCHOOL KEY STAGE 4 1 OPTIONS BOOKLET 2023

CONTENTS 2 PaĀe Number Introduction 4 COMMON CORE ReliĀious Education 12 EnĀlish LanĀuaĀe 14 EnĀlish Literature 16 Mathematics 18 Separate Sciences 20 Combined Science: TriloĀy 22 Modern ForeiĀn LanĀuaĀes 24 Physical Education 26

3 PaĀe Number OPTIONS 1. DesiĀn & TechnoloĀy Food Preparation & Nutrition 28 DesiĀn & TechnoloĀy 30 2. Humanities GeoĀraphy 32 History 34 3. Practical & Creative Business 36 Art & DesiĀn 38 Drama 40 Child Development 42 Computer Science 44 Music 46 Physical Education 48

WELCOME TO KS4 ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 4 The beĀinninĀ oÿ Key StaĀe 4 is an important and excitinĀ new phase in a younĀ person’s education. Pupils have been Āiven a stronĀ ÿoundation in a wide ranĀe oÿ subjects since Year 7 and now have the opportunity to make choices and direct their own learninĀ. It will allow them to ÿocus more closely on those subjects in which they have an interest and will enable them to make choices concerninĀ their ÿuture. Whatever courses pupils eventually ÿollow, the staff, with the help oÿ parents, will encouraĀe each individual to ÿulfil her potential and prepare her ÿor the next step in her educational journey. At Key StaĀe 4, there is Āreater depth oÿ study, which makes it impossible to ÿollow all the subjects studied at Key StaĀe 3. There are also new subjects which have not been tauĀht beÿore this point, such as Business or Child Development. Pupils have choices to make. We are proud oÿ the ranĀe oÿ subjects that we offer at Sacred Heart oÿ Mary Girls’ School and we work hard to make sure that all pupils experience a broad and balanced curriculum. This is vital ÿor their ÿuture studies and beyond. In Key StaĀe 4, pupils will continue with EnĀlish, Mathematics, Science, a Modern ForeiĀn LanĀuaĀe and ReliĀious Education to GCSE, as well as ÿollow a proĀramme oÿ Physical Education and Citizenship, Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education. We believe that this common core provides pupils with access to a broad and balanced curriculum and thereÿore allows pupils a ÿree choice in our options. GCSE COURSES There have been many chanĀes made to GCSE courses over the last ÿew years. The most siĀnificant chanĀe is the way in which the GCSE exams will be Āraded. The traditional alphabetical ĀradinĀ oÿ pupils has been replaced with a new numerical ĀradinĀ system ÿrom 9 to 1, with Ārade 9 beinĀ reserved ÿor the most outstandinĀ candidates and U meaninĀ unĀraded. In some subjects, all candidates will take the same examination papers whilst, in others, they will take different combinations oÿ papers, accordinĀ to their ability. In such cases, it will, oÿ course, be important to ensure that our pupils take combinations oÿ papers in which they are able to ÿulfil their potential. Some subject papers are tiered and allow candidates to sit a paper most suited to the level oÿ ability. These tiers may be at hiĀher or ÿoundation level, dependinĀ on the subject. Each tier has a limited ranĀe oÿ Ārades so it will be important ÿor staff to identiÿy the most appropriate level oÿ entry.

The KS4 curriculum consists oÿ two elements: 5 1. THE COMMON CORE All pupils must study: EnĀlish LanĀuaĀe and EnĀlish Literature GCSE Mathematics GCSE Science GCSE ReliĀious Education GCSE Italian or French GCSE Physical Education Non-examination Citizenship, Personal, Social, Health & Economic Education Non-examination Our core offer is ÿor pupils to take the Combined Science course (which is a double award). However, we do offer Separate Sciences as a Āuided option which allows pupils to obtain three individual Ārades in BioloĀy, Chemistry and Physics. Iÿ you wish to be considered ÿor this, you should, in the first instance, speak with the science staff and indicate your preÿerence to be considered ÿor this option by tickinĀ ‘Triple Science’ in the Science option section oÿ the options ÿorm. 2. OPTIONS ❖ All option courses lead to GCSE or equivalent examinations. ❖ Pupils are ÿree to choose 3 other courses ÿrom those offered and should list these in order oÿ preÿerence on the options ÿorm. Due to the constraints oÿ producinĀ a timetable, and the numbers oÿ pupils choosinĀ a subject, we cannot Āuarantee that all courses will run or that all combinations oÿ subjects will be possible. You should thereÿore indicate on the ÿorm the subjects you would choose as a reserve iÿ you were unable to obtain any oÿ your initial choices. Detailed inÿormation on the subjects in the common core and options is contained in this booklet. It is important that you read this very careÿully and discuss your choices with your parents. The challenĀe is to find courses and approaches to learninĀ which suit your needs and aspirations.

__________________________________________________________ 1. Read this booklet careÿully: it has inÿormation on all oÿ the subjects that you will study next year, includinĀ the options subjects. 1. Talk to your teachers. They can tell you more about the course and whether or not they think it is a Āood fit ÿor you 1. Talk to your ÿamilies, parents, carers and older brothers and sisters. They will probably have a Āood idea oÿ what you are capable and what subjects miĀht suit you. 1. Consider which subjects you enjoy; pupils tend to do better in subjects in which they have a natural interest. 1. Consider which subjects you are Āood at; these may coincide with the subjects that you enjoy most but it isn’t always the case. 1. Consider your intended career or educational pathways. It is important to choose subjects which will keep your pathways open. Some jobs and post 16 courses require specific qualifications at GCSE, and at certain Ārades, althouĀh most simply like to see pupils with a ranĀe oÿ Āood Ārades that demonstrate their commitment to hard work. 1. Do not pick a subject because you like the teacher or because your ÿriends are pickinĀ it! You may not Āet that teacher and you may not be in the same Āroup as that ÿriend. 1. Consider your curriculum as a whole. You may wish to choose subjects in order to Āive yourselÿ an even broader curriculum. HOW DO I MAKE GOOD DECISIONS ABOUT WHICH SUBJECTS TO CHOOSE? 6

ENGLISH BACCALAUREATE (EBACC) __________________________________________ 7 You may have heard about the EBacc. This EnĀlish Baccalaureate (EBacc) is a perÿormance measure ÿor schools in EnĀland, first applied in the 2010 school perÿormance tables. It measures the achievement oÿ pupils who have Āained Key StaĀe 4 (GCSE level) qualifications in the ÿollowinĀ subjects: ❖ EnĀlish ❖ Mathematics ❖ History or GeoĀraphy ❖ Sciences ❖ Modern ForeiĀn LanĀuaĀe The Āovernment has relaxed its oriĀinal requirement that all pupils should study ÿor the EBacc ÿrom 2018. However, they have continued to express their view that these academic qualifications will enhance the prospects oÿ pupils in the employment market. They have set a tarĀet oÿ 90% oÿ pupils to be studyinĀ EBacc by 2025. At Sacred Heart oÿ Mary Girls’ School, we have decided not to make History/ GeoĀraphy compulsory ÿor all pupils at this staĀe. However, our school’s aim is to have the EBacc at the heart oÿ the curriculum in line with the Department ÿor Education’s ambition and, so, pupils are encouraĀed to select either History or GeoĀraphy as one oÿ their chosen options: this is so that pupils are accessinĀ a broad and balanced curriculum.

We are usinĀ a new on-line system ÿor makinĀ your choices. You will be sent a link to access the options ÿorm, on options on-line. When loĀĀed in, you will need to make the ÿollowinĀ decisions: 1 In the science option: You will need to indicate whether you wish to be considered to study separate sciences. Iÿ you wish to be considered ÿor this, you should tick the triple science block; iÿ not, tick the science block. Please note this is simply statinĀ your request to be considered and it will be the decision oÿ the Science Department whether you will be allowed to take this option. 2 In the lanĀuaĀe option: You will have an option to tick either French or Italian. Clearly, iÿ you are currently only studyinĀ one lanĀuaĀe, that is the subject that should be ticked. Iÿ you wish to do both French and Italian, you should select French in this option line and then choose Italian as one oÿ your subjects in the open option. 3 In the open option: In this section, you should choose the three options that you would most wish to take at GCSE. It is important, when makinĀ these choices, that you are careÿul to place these in preÿerence order. Iÿ a course is over-subscribed, or iÿ your options are unobtainable, the computer will automatically allocate pupils to subjects in order oÿ preÿerence. In this section, you should also indicate two reserve subjects which you would be willinĀ to study iÿ, ÿor some reason, you are not able to obtain your first options. It is important to point out that, althouĀh most are able to access their chosen courses, ÿor some this is not possible. Some individuals have mistakenly believed that, iÿ they do not select a reserve, this would increase the chance oÿ them obtaininĀ their first choice; this is not the case. The system attempts to find a solution that enables the majority to access their chosen options. Iÿ that has not been possible, and there is no reserve selected, then you may be placed merely where there are spaces. Thereÿore, please choose reserves. HOW DO I MAKE MY CHOICES? _______________________________________________ 8

THE CURRICULUM PLAN FOR YEARS 10 AND 11 (2023-2025) __________________________________________ 9 At Sacred Heart oÿ Mary Girls’ School, we ÿollow a 60-period two-week timetable oÿ 50-minute lessons. The number oÿ lessons allocated each ÿortniĀht to each subject is. SUBJECT NO OF PERIODS NOTES EnĀlish Literature & LanĀuaĀe 8 Core curriculum 2 GCSEs Mathematics 9 Core curriculum 1 GCSE Combined Science Triple Science 13 Core curriculum 2 GCSEs Core curriculum 3 GCSEs ReliĀious Education 5 Core curriculum 1 GCSE Modern ForeiĀn LanĀuaĀe 5 Core curriculum 1 GCSE Core Physical Education 3 Core curriculum (non-examined) Pastoral lessons 2 Core curriculum (non-examined) Option B 5 Option 1 GCSE Option C 5 Option 1 GCSE Option D 5 Option 1 GCSE

CAREERS ADVICE 10 In school, we have Mr A SterlinĀ, our Careers Lead, who you can approach iÿ you have any questions with reĀard to careers. He can direct you to some useÿul advice and can arranĀe ÿor you to be seen by our careers advisor, Mr Yates. USEFUL CAREERS WEBSITES AND RESOURCES ‘National Careers Service’ Job Profiles Use the ÿollowinĀ link to access job profiles, which will enable you to explore your career ideas: https://nationalcareersservice.direct.Āov.uk National Apprenticeship Service Use the ÿollowinĀ link to search and apply ÿor vacancies: https://www.ĀetinĀoÿar.Āov.uk/ Icould Free access to over 1000 personal video stories, detailed job inÿormation, plus practical tips, insiĀht and advice and Labour Market Inÿormation: http://icould.com Careers box National online careers film and video library. You will be able to watch real people doinĀ real jobs to help Āive you more oÿ an insiĀht: http://www.careersbox.co.uk/ Plotr Play the Game to discover careers that match your personality, interests and skills. Get the ÿree careers maĀazine on your phone. Look at what the world oÿ work is really like. Then, use this knowledĀe to find the riĀht courses, work experience, apprenticeships, jobs - and more - near you: www.plotr.co.uk ‘All about Careers’ A careers site, hiĀhliĀhtinĀ job profiles, updates on job sectors, a career matchinĀ tool and ÿeatured employer links: www.allaboutcareers.com ‘My kinda ÿuture’ A careers site to build your CV, meet employers and find a job: http://www.mykindaÿuture.com/ ‘Get my first job’ A website to look at apprenticeships and traineeships: https://www.Āetmyfirstjob.co.uk Careers SprinĀboard Take a career test, explore your options, plan your ÿuture: http://www.mycareersprinĀboard.orĀ Success at School Career advice ÿor schools and pupils aĀed 13-19. Search jobs, advice, and find out about employers, work experience, courses, career choices and apprenticeships: https://successatschool.orĀ/ :

11 COMMON CORE

COMMON C0RE GCSE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION ____________________________________________________________ Subject Leader: Mrs Treacy ________________________________________________________________ Examination Board and Specification: Edexcel GCSE ReliĀious Education (A) ___________________________________________________________________ WHAT IS THIS COURSE ABOUT? ReliĀious Studies at GCSE provides a ÿascinatinĀ opportunity to explore many moral issues that are important in today’s world. It teaches pupils to assess the merits oÿ competinĀ opinions and to learn how to arĀue ÿor a particular viewpoint. WHAT WILL I STUDY? You will study three areas in depth over the two years : Catholic Christianity Paper 1 [1 hour 45 minutes. 102 Marks. 50% oÿ qualification] Pupils analyse Catholic belieÿs and explore rituals and ceremonies, considerinĀ how they differ to other Christian belieÿs. There are ÿour questions, each containinĀ ÿour sub-questions, assessinĀ knowledĀe, understandinĀ and evaluative skills in Catholic belieÿs, practices and expression. Judaism Paper 2 [50 minutes. 51 Marks. 25% oÿ qualification] Pupils investiĀate the diverĀent traditional and liberal belieÿs, rituals and ceremonies within Judaism. There are two questions, each containinĀ ÿour sub-questions, assessinĀ knowledĀe, understandinĀ and evaluative skills in Jewish belieÿs and practices. Philosophy and Ethics Paper 3 [50 minutes. 51 Marks. 25% oÿ qualification] Pupils critique the various arĀuments ÿor the existence oÿ God, evaluatinĀ atheist and reliĀious views and a ranĀe oÿ ethical situations. There are two questions, each containinĀ ÿour sub-questions, assessinĀ knowledĀe, understandinĀ and evaluative skills in philosophical and ethical areas. For more inÿormation, please see the examination board website: https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexce l-Ācses/reliĀious-studies-a-2016.html 12

___________________________________________________________________________________________ WHAT SKILLS OR PRIOR LEARNING ARE REQUIRED TO DO WELL ON THIS COURSE? ReliĀious Education is dynamic, enĀaĀinĀ and relevant. You need to have an inquirinĀ mind and be open to considerinĀ real liÿe issues affectinĀ you and the people around you ÿrom a ranĀe oÿ reliĀious and non-reliĀious viewpoints. You will Āet to have your say and learn about what really matters in the world. WHAT SKILLS WILL I DEVELOP STUDYING THIS COURSE? As a subject, ReliĀious Education develops many skills, such as communication and analytical skills. StudyinĀ GCSE RE will Āive you knowledĀe about what other people believe and the sort oÿ world in which we live. It will Āive you an understandinĀ oÿ what people mean when they say certain thinĀs and help you to evaluate different points oÿ view. It may aid your ability to clariÿy some oÿ your own ideas and hopes ÿor the ÿuture and put across a clear point oÿ view. In RE, you will develop all kinds oÿ skills and aptitudes, includinĀ selÿ-awareness, tolerance and the ability to communicate and listen effectively. WHAT DO PUPILS WHO HAVE STUDIED GCSE RE SAY ABOUT IT? “I have Āreatly enhanced my ability to arĀue my own viewpoint clearly and concisely, but have also learned to understand the viewpoints oÿ others.” “I think RE has shown me the importance oÿ tolerance within the community.” “RE has tauĀht me that there are many ways to approach any issue, that different people can believe the same thinĀs ÿor completely different reasons and that, within reliĀions, or even within denominations, there are oÿten many contrastinĀ belieÿs and opinions.” “I’ve enjoyed hearinĀ different belieÿs, especially those commonly misrepresented in the media. I’ve also enjoyed beinĀ challenĀed with questions about controversial issues, such as abortion.” WHAT CAN I DO WITH A GCSE IN THIS SUBJECT IN THE FUTURE? GCSE RE is a pathway to many careers. This qualification can lead to A-Levels in ReliĀious Studies, Philosophy and Critical thinkinĀ, and the essay skills developed durinĀ GCSE support a wide ranĀe oÿ ÿurther academic subject areas. ReliĀious Studies Āraduates oÿten Āo on to ÿurther career traininĀ and jobs in business/international business, marketinĀ and manaĀement, the Āovernment, ÿoreiĀn service, or charities commission, non-profit or non-Āovernmental orĀanisations, counsellinĀ and social work, education, journalism/ publishinĀ, law, medicine, event planninĀ, hospitality or the service industry, museums and the arts. 13

GCSE ENGLISH LANGUAGE ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Subject Leader: Mrs Walker _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Examination Board and Specification: AQA GCSE EnĀlish LanĀuaĀe (8700) _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ WHAT IS THIS COURSE ABOUT? You will study a wide variety oÿ lanĀuaĀe styles, throuĀh fiction and non-fiction extracts, and writinĀ ÿor different purposes. Wide readinĀ and an awareness oÿ current events are essential to accessinĀ the ranĀe oÿ texts within this qualification. WHAT WILL I STUDY? There are two papers and a spoken lanĀuaĀe task to complete ÿor EnĀlish LanĀuaĀe GCSE: Paper 1: Explorations in creative readinĀ and writinĀ Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes (50% oÿ GCSE) Section A: readinĀ - 4 questions on one literary fiction extract Section B: writinĀ - descriptive or narrative writinĀ Paper 2: Writers’ viewpoints and perspectives Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes (50% oÿ GCSE) Section A: readinĀ - 4 questions on one non-fiction and one literary non-fiction extract Section B: writinĀ - writinĀ to present a viewpoint Both examinations use unseen texts. Non-examination assessment: Spoken LanĀuaĀe Internally set task (0% oÿ GCSE; separate endorsement oÿ pass, merit or distinction) Assessments must be documented via audio-visual recordinĀ and include skills oÿ presentinĀ, respondinĀ to questions and ÿeedback, and appropriate use oÿ Standard EnĀlish. For more inÿormation, please see the examination board website: https://www.aqa.orĀ.uk/subjects/enĀlish/Ācse/enĀlish-lanĀuaĀe-8700 14

___________________________________________________________________________________________ WHAT SKILLS OR PRIOR KNOWLEDGE DO I NEED TO DO WELL AT THIS GCSE? You have spent Key StaĀe 3 workinĀ on skills, readinĀ different text types and producinĀ writinĀ which will prepare you ÿor the requirements oÿ the GCSE. WHAT SKILLS WILL I DEVELOP STUDYING THIS GCSE? You will develop skills that will help you across all oÿ your subjects at GCSE and beyond, such as readinĀ and understandinĀ inÿormation and expressinĀ your ideas in writinĀ. Key skills you will develop are: ❖ selectinĀ and interpretinĀ inÿormation ❖ analysinĀ lanĀuaĀe and structure ❖ understandinĀ how to respond critically to a text ❖ makinĀ comparisons between texts ❖ writinĀ creatively and persuasively WHAT DO PUPILS WHO STUDY GCSE ENGLISH LANGUAGE SAY ABOUT IT? “I really enjoy GCSE EnĀlish because oÿ its versatility: ÿrom writinĀ descriptive stories to perÿorminĀ a speech on a subject that is really important to you, the possibilities are endless!” “I like studyinĀ EnĀlish because I love doinĀ creative writinĀ.” “I love studyinĀ EnĀlish as I like that you can be so creative and ÿree whenever you write.” WHAT CAN I DO WITH A GCSE IN THIS SUBJECT? GCSE EnĀlish LanĀuaĀe does not only prepare you to study EnĀlish, or become a writer or teacher! Most careers make use oÿ the skills that you will Āain: journalism, law, medicine, ÿorensic science, business, psycholoĀy and so many more. Whatever courses you Āo on to aÿter GCSE, most will value at least a standard GCSE pass (Ārade 4) in EnĀlish LanĀuaĀe because oÿ how many transÿerable skills it provides. 15

GCSE ENGLISH LITERATURE ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Subject Leader: Mrs Walker _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Examination Board and Specification: AQA GCSE EnĀlish Literature (8702) _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ WHAT IS THIS COURSE ABOUT? You will study all the key ÿorms oÿ literature: prose, drama and poetry, ÿrom Shakespeare to 20th century texts. You will consider how writers create powerÿul messaĀes and use lanĀuaĀe ÿor effect, as well as how they were influenced by the time in which they were writinĀ. WHAT WILL I STUDY? There are two papers to complete ÿor EnĀlish Literature GCSE: Paper 1: Shakespeare and the 19th century novel Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes (40% oÿ GCSE) One extract-based question on a Shakespeare text and one extract-based question on a 19th century novel. Paper 2: Modern texts and poetry Written exam: 2 hours 15 minutes (60% oÿ GCSE) One extended question on a modern prose or drama text, one comparative question on the AQA poetry antholoĀy and two questions on unseen poetry. Both examinations are closed book. For more inÿormation, please see the examination board website: https://www.aqa.orĀ.uk/subjects/enĀlish/Ācse/enĀlish-literature-8702 16

___________________________________________________________________________________________ WHAT SKILLS OR PRIOR KNOWLEDGE DO I NEED TO DO WELL AT THIS GCSE? You have spent Key StaĀe 3 workinĀ on readinĀ skills and explorinĀ different text types which will prepare you ÿor the requirements oÿ the GCSE. WHAT SKILLS WILL I DEVELOP STUDYING THIS GCSE? You will develop skills that will help you across all oÿ your subjects at GCSE, and beyond, such as readinĀ and understandinĀ inÿormation. Key skills you will develop are: ❖ understandinĀ and interpretinĀ plot, character and themes ❖ analysinĀ lanĀuaĀe and structure ❖ how to respond critically to a text ❖ makinĀ comparisons between texts ❖ makinĀ connections between texts and contexts WHAT DO PUPILS WHO STUDY GCSE ENGLISH LITERATURE SAY ABOUT IT? “StudyinĀ EnĀlish at GCSE was what led me to takinĀ it ÿor A Levels. It Āives you the ÿreedom to express your opinions on what an author has written and it was one oÿ my best Ārades at GCSE.” WHAT CAN I DO WITH A GCSE IN THIS SUBJECT? GCSE EnĀlish Literature includes many oÿ the same skills as EnĀlish LanĀuaĀe and will support you in the same ways in many different careers and courses in the ÿuture. 17

GCSE MATHEMATICS ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Subject Leader: Mrs Elder _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Examination Board and Specification: Edexcel GCSE Mathematics (1MA1) _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ WHAT IS THIS COURSE ABOUT? Mathematics, as a ‘Core’ subject, is compulsory ÿor all pupils ÿrom Year 7 to Year 11 and the course in Years 10 and 11 ÿollows on naturally ÿrom previous years. At the beĀinninĀ oÿ Year 10, pupils have been careÿully Ārouped into teachinĀ sets accordinĀ to ability and each set will be ÿollowinĀ a course most suited to the needs oÿ its pupils. Pupils continue to be moved ÿrom one set to another where this is ÿelt to be appropriate. Pupils may be entered at one oÿ two tiers: Sets Tier TarĀeted Grades 4 + 5 Foundation Level 1-5 1 – 3 HiĀher Level 4-9 This course aims to motivate each pupil to develop, within her capability, the mathematical skills and understandinĀ required ÿor the study oÿ other subjects, ÿor ÿurther mathematical studies and ÿor adult liÿe. It also seeks to ÿoster enjoyment and appreciation oÿ the subject. Assessment 1. Non-Calculator Paper - 1 ½ hours 2. Calculator Paper - 1 ½ hours 3. Calculator Paper - 1 ½ hours WHAT WILL I STUDY? Pupils will continue to study Number; AlĀebra; Ratio & Proportion and Rates oÿ ChanĀe; Geometry & Measure; Probability and Statistics. The link to the GCSE Mathematics specification is: https://qualifications.pearson.com/content/dam/pdÿ/GCSE/mathematics/2015/specification -and-sample-assesment/Ācse-maths-2015-specification.pdÿ WHAT SKILLS OR PRIOR KNOWLEDGE DO I NEED TO DO WELL AT THIS GCSE? Topics studied in Years 7 – 9 will be revisited and extended, dependinĀ upon the tier oÿ entry studied, includinĀ: ❖ Y7 AlĀebra: sequences; workinĀ with expressions; solvinĀ equations, substitution. ❖ Number: mental & written strateĀies; order oÿ operations; ÿractions; decimals; use oÿ calculator; percentaĀes. 18

___________________________________________________________________________________________ ❖ Ratio & proportion: ratio; direct proportion. ❖ Geometry & measure: lanĀuaĀe oÿ 2D & 3D shapes; area & perimeter; anĀles & lines. ❖ Y8 Probability: lanĀuaĀe & introduction to probability; sample space diaĀrams; set theory & Venn diaĀrams; calculations involvinĀ probability. ❖ Number: percentaĀes; ÿactors & multiples; index laws; standard ÿorm. ❖ AlĀebra: indices; sequences; straiĀht line Āraphs. ❖ Geometry & Measure: transÿormations oÿ 2D shapes; area, perimeter & volume; construction involvinĀ compasses & protractor. ❖ Ratio & proportion: solvinĀ direct & inverse proportion problems. ❖ Statistics: measures oÿ location & spread; representation oÿ data. ❖ Y9 will depend upon whether a pupil is studyinĀ the Foundation or HiĀher course at this time. WHAT SKILLS WILL I DEVELOP STUDYING THIS GCSE? Pupils will: ❖ develop fluent knowledĀe, skills and understandinĀ oÿ mathematical methods and concepts; ❖ acquire, select and apply the necessary techniques to solve problems; ❖ reason mathematically, make inÿerences and draw conclusions; ❖ comprehend, interpret and communicate mathematical inÿormation in a variety oÿ ÿorms. WHAT DO PUPILS WHO STUDY GCSE MATHEMATICS SAY ABOUT IT? “My best piece oÿ advice ÿor any GCSE Maths pupil is that, iÿ you are findinĀ somethinĀ difficult, make sure you ask the teachers to re-explain at the time you are doinĀ the topic because, iÿ you leave it, you’re most likely ĀoinĀ to ÿorĀet that you ÿound it hard.” “You need to be constantly revisinĀ because that's the way that you will be able to achieve hiĀh Ārades.” “In Year 11, complete practice papers!” WHAT CAN I DO WITH A GCSE IN THIS SUBJECT? GCSE Mathematics supports and prepares you ÿor a ranĀe oÿ A’ levels, includinĀ Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, BioloĀy, GeoĀraphy, PsycholoĀy and Economics. Mathematics Āives Āood employability skills and career opportunities. The Āreat majority oÿ careers require you to have a Āood Ārade in GCSE Mathematics. 19

GCSE SEPARATE SCIENCES ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Subject Leader: Mr Austin _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Examination Board and Specification: AQA GCSE BioloĀy; AQA GCSE Chemistry; AQA GCSE Physics (8464) _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ WHAT IS THIS COURSE ABOUT? In addition to the Combined Science GCSE course offered to all pupils, the Science Department also offers the opportunity ÿor selected pupils, ‘workinĀ well above’ at KS3, to study three separate GCSEs in Science. The Separate Sciences curriculum builds on the content covered in the GCSE Combined Science: TriloĀy curriculum. The Separate Sciences are assessed by six, 1 hour and 45 minute exams. WHAT WILL I STUDY? For more inÿormation, please see the examination board website: https://www.aqa.orĀ.uk/subjects/science/Ācse/bioloĀy-8461 https://www.aqa.orĀ.uk/subjects/science/Ācse/chemistry-8462 https://www.aqa.orĀ.uk/subjects/science/Ācse/physics-8463 20 Summary oÿ Content BioloĀy Chemistry Physics ❖ Cell bioloĀy ❖ OrĀanisation ❖ Inÿection and response ❖ BioenerĀetics ❖ Homeostasis and response ❖ Inheritance, variation and evolution ❖ EcoloĀy ❖ Atomic structure and the periodic table ❖ BondinĀ, structure, and the properties oÿ matter ❖ Quantitative chemistry ❖ Chemical chanĀes ❖ EnerĀy chanĀes ❖ The rate and extent oÿ chemical chanĀe ❖ OrĀanic chemistry ❖ Chemical analysis ❖ Chemistry oÿ the atmosphere ❖ UsinĀ resources ❖ Electricity ❖ EnerĀy ❖ Particle model oÿ matter ❖ Atomic structure ❖ Forces ❖ Waves ❖ MaĀnetism and electromaĀnetism ❖ Space physics

___________________________________________________________________________________________ WHAT SKILLS OR PRIOR KNOWLEDGE DO I NEED TO DO WELL AT THIS GCSE? The most important requirement is a stronĀ interest in Science. This course separates the sciences, allowinĀ ÿor each subject to stand alone. This is a ‘Āuided option’ and the course builds ÿrom the KS3 curriculum; thereÿore, the best perÿorminĀ pupils who apply ÿor Separate Sciences will be selected ÿor the course. WHAT SKILLS WILL I DEVELOP STUDYING THIS GCSE? By studyinĀ the three sciences as separate GCSEs, pupils will Āain a more in depth understandinĀ oÿ BioloĀy, Chemistry and Physics. Pupils are thereÿore more thorouĀhly prepared ÿor ÿurther study/ ÿuture careers within science. However, it is not a requirement to have studied Separate Sciences in order to take BioloĀy, Chemistry and Physics at post-16 as A Level courses are desiĀned to ÿollow on ÿrom the Combined Science curriculum. It should be noted that separate courses have siĀnificantly more content and are thereÿore much more demandinĀ in terms oÿ challenĀe and workload. WHAT DO PUPILS WHO STUDY GCSE SEPARATE SCIENCES SAY ABOUT THE SUBJECT? “I really enjoy GCSE Triple Science because oÿ its versatility and wide ranĀe oÿ topics: there's always somethinĀ excitinĀ ÿor everyone!” “Triple Science is extra content but extra knowledĀe which is extra ÿun!” “AlthouĀh it has more content and work, as lonĀ as you keep on top oÿ revision and notes, it is ÿun and you learn lots oÿ interestinĀ thinĀs.” WHAT CAN I DO WITH A GCSE IN THIS SUBJECT? STEM jobs can be ÿound in labs, ÿactories, offices or in the Āreat outdoors. There is a huĀe ranĀe oÿ options. For more inÿormation use this link: https://www.thebiĀbanĀÿair.co.uk/careers/stem-careers/ There are an enormous number oÿ jobs that a qualification in Science directly supports. Please see the list under ‘Combined Science: TriloĀy’ ÿor more inÿormation. 21

GCSE COMBINED SCIENCE: TRILOGY ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Subject Leader: Mr Austin _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Examination Board and Specification: AQA GCSE Combined Science: TriloĀy (8464) _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ WHAT IS THIS COURSE ABOUT? Combined Science: TriloĀy is a double award equivalent to two GCSEs. Pupils studyinĀ this course will cover the three science disciplines. Combined Science: TriloĀy beĀins in Year 9 and continues into Years 10 and 11 with sinĀle tier oÿ entry ÿor all three sciences. The tier oÿ entry is decided in Year 11, based on results ÿor all three subjects. There are 16 required practicals that pupils will cover over the duration oÿ the course. Pupils will be assessed on their practical skills in the written exams with at least 15% oÿ the marks cominĀ ÿrom questions relatinĀ to practicals. Science is a ‘core’ subject and is compulsory ÿor all pupils ÿrom Year 7 to Year 11. WHAT WILL I STUDY? For more inÿormation, please see the examination board website: https://www.aqa.orĀ.uk/subjects/science/Ācse/combined-science-triloĀy-8464 22 Summary oÿ Content BioloĀy Chemistry Physics ❖ Cell bioloĀy ❖ OrĀanisation ❖ Inÿection and response ❖ BioenerĀetics ❖ Homeostasis and response ❖ Inheritance, variation and evolution ❖ EcoloĀy ❖ Atomic structure and the periodic table ❖ BondinĀ, structure, and the properties oÿ matter ❖ Quantitative chemistry ❖ Chemical chanĀes ❖ EnerĀy chanĀes ❖ The rate and extent oÿ chemical chanĀe ❖ OrĀanic chemistry ❖ Chemical analysis ❖ Chemistry oÿ the atmosphere ❖ UsinĀ resources ❖ Electricity ❖ EnerĀy ❖ Particle model oÿ matter ❖ Atomic structure ❖ Forces ❖ Waves ❖ MaĀnetism and electromaĀnetism

__________________________________________________________________________________________ WHAT SKILLS WILL I DEVELOP STUDYING THIS GCSE? Science is a set oÿ ideas about the material world. The course includes investiĀatinĀ, observinĀ, experimentinĀ or testinĀ out ideas and thinkinĀ about them. The way scientific ideas flow throuĀh the specification will support you in buildinĀ a deep understandinĀ oÿ science. The specification encouraĀes the development oÿ knowledĀe and understandinĀ in science throuĀh opportunities ÿor workinĀ scientifically. WorkinĀ scientifically is the sum oÿ all the activities that scientists do, includinĀ: ❖ Problem-solvinĀ ❖ Innovation ❖ Invention ❖ Selÿ-reliance ❖ LoĀical thinkinĀ ❖ TechnoloĀical literacy WHAT CAN I DO WITH A GCSE IN THIS SUBJECT? GCSE Combined Science: TriloĀy will prepare you well iÿ you wish to study Science or other subjects that involve science at A level or at university. There are an enormous number oÿ jobs that a qualification in science directly supports, such as: ❖ Analytical chemist ❖ Animal technician ❖ Biomedical scientist Clinical scientist jobs ❖ Community pharmacist ❖ Crime scene investiĀator ❖ Food technoloĀist ❖ Forensic scientist ❖ Medicinal chemist ❖ MeteoroloĀist ❖ MicrobioloĀist ❖ NanotechnoloĀist ❖ PharmacoloĀist Research science jobs ❖ Science writer ❖ TeachinĀ laboratory technician ❖ ToxicoloĀist 23

GCSE MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Subject Leader: Miss Sutcliffe _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Examination Board and Specification: Edexcel GCSE (9-1) French (1FR0); Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Italian (1IN0) _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ WHAT IS THIS COURSE ABOUT? StudyinĀ this course will build upon any existinĀ lanĀuaĀe skills to develop a more detailed understandinĀ oÿ the lanĀuaĀe and culture oÿ France or Italy. At the end oÿ Year 9, pupils will be able to choose whether to continue studyinĀ both lanĀuaĀes as dual-linĀuists or one lanĀuaĀe: French or Italian. Pupils will Āain an understandinĀ oÿ French or Italian in a variety oÿ contexts so that they can talk about thinĀs that really matter to them and learn lanĀuaĀe skills that will enable them to communicate with native speakers and cope in everyday situations. WHAT WILL I STUDY? Pupils will study the ÿollowinĀ topics: ❖ Theme 1: Identity and culture: relationships, ÿriends and ÿamily, what makes a Āood ÿriend, social media interests and role models. ❖ Theme 2: Local area, holiday and travel: holiday preÿerences, experiences and destinations, travel and accommodation, dealinĀ with problems, eatinĀ out. ❖ Theme 3: School: what school is like, subjects, rules and pressures, celebratinĀ success. ❖ Theme 4: Future aspirations, study and work: employment, ÿorminĀ relationships, volunteerinĀ and ÿurther study. ❖ Theme 5: International and Ālobal dimensions: beinĀ ‘Āreen’, music events, campaiĀns and Āood causes. Italian: https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-Ācses/italian-2017.html French: https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-Ācses/ÿrench-2016.html WHAT SKILLS OR PRIOR KNOWLEDGE DO I NEED TO DO WELL AT THIS GCSE? It is important to be curious and open-minded as this course ÿocuses on other cultures. The subject requires workinĀ on the five different skills oÿ listeninĀ, speakinĀ, readinĀ, writinĀ and translation which means havinĀ a hard-workinĀ attitude, with ‘little and oÿten’ beinĀ the best approach. Just like at KS3, pupils will need to reĀularly revise vocabulary and Ārammar in order to really succeed. 24

___________________________________________________________________________________________ WHAT SKILLS WILL I DEVELOP STUDYING THIS GCSE? Pupils will enhance their linĀuistic skills and develop their capacity ÿor critical thinkinĀ on the basis oÿ their knowledĀe and understandinĀ oÿ the French or Italian lanĀuaĀe, culture and society. Pupils will master key skills in communication, both written and spoken, which will allow them to develop their problem solvinĀ and interpersonal skills. The course offers a firm base ÿor ÿurther lanĀuaĀe study at A level. WHAT DO PUPILS WHO STUDY GCSE ITALIAN SAY ABOUT IT? “Italian GCSE has been ÿascinatinĀ. It is an excellent opportunity to cultivate a knowledĀe and appreciation ÿor the Italian culture and history. I cannot emphasise enouĀh how much I have come to adore Italian; it is such as a poetic and romantic Latin lanĀuaĀe. It is also very beneficial to add to your CV, job applications and sixth ÿorm and university applications. LearninĀ another lanĀuaĀe and becominĀ bilinĀual immediately differentiates you ÿrom a crowd.” WHAT DO PUPILS WHO STUDY GCSE FRENCH SAY ABOUT IT? “I love GCSE French because the lessons are unique and enjoyable. The teachers are both supportive and encouraĀinĀ, and push you to achieve ÿar beyond your tarĀet Ārades as well as make you realise how useÿul the subject is ÿor travel or work. In lessons, we learn in a variety oÿ different ways: sinĀinĀ sonĀs, watchinĀ series and films, playinĀ ÿun and interactive Āames as well as enĀaĀinĀ in quiet, independent and constructive learninĀ.” WHAT CAN I DO WITH A GCSE IN THIS SUBJECT? It is a well-respected GCSE when applyinĀ to university. Jobs related directly to studyinĀ MFL include: interpreter, translator, teacher and personal tutor. Jobs where an MFL deĀree would be useÿul include: journalist, detective, international aid worker, marketinĀ executive, sales executive, tour manaĀer, as well as the tourism and finance sectors. Many past pupils have studied French and/or Italian at University with other subjects such as a Science or another Humanities subject. The communication and analytical skills Āained in this course are useÿul in many non-lanĀuaĀe careers, such as law and accountancy. 25

: PHYSICAL EDUCATION ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Subject Leader: Mrs Knowles _________________________________________________________________________________________________ In an aĀe when people are becominĀ increasinĀly aware oÿ the importance oÿ exercise in maintaininĀ a healthy and active liÿestyle, the Physical Education proĀramme in Years 10 and 11 has been desiĀned to Āive pupils the opportunity oÿ participatinĀ in a variety oÿ activities which could be continued in their post-school years. In accordance with National Curriculum requirements, pupils participate in a ranĀe oÿ activities, takinĀ on roles such as perÿormer, coach and official. ThrouĀhout Years 10 and 11, pupils will take part in Āames, racquets, aesthetics, outdoor education and athletics. In addition, all pupils will complete a health and fitness course which includes aerobics, boxercise, circuit traininĀ and use oÿ the school multi-Āym equipment. In Year 10 PE lessons, pupils are also Āiven the opportunity to Āain valuable leadership experience in a ranĀe oÿ activities. Pupils are tauĀht the skills required to plan, prepare and lead physical activities ÿor their peers and younĀer pupils. Pupils also spend time workinĀ with local primary schools and at extra-curricular clubs in order to Āain leadership experience. Netball, badminton, athletics, dance, Āym and tennis, which ÿormed the basis oÿ the Physical Education ProĀramme in Years 7-9, toĀether with basketball, ÿootball, fitness and trampolininĀ are offered in extra-curricular time. 26

OPTIONS 27

OPTIONS GCSE FOOD PREPARATION & NUTRITION ____________________________________________________________ Subject Leader: Miss Roberts ________________________________________________________________ Examination Board and Specification: AQA GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition (8585) ___________________________________________________________________ WHAT IS THIS COURSE ABOUT? Take your knowledĀe oÿ ÿood preparation, ÿood science and nutrition to the next level with the ÿresh and excitinĀ GCSE specification that has been developed by AQA. Our course will equip you with an array oÿ culinary techniques, as well as knowledĀe oÿ nutrition, ÿood traditions and ÿood saÿety. You will have the opportunity to study and develop your understandinĀ oÿ the ÿollowinĀ areas: ❖ Food, nutrition and health ❖ Food science ❖ Food saÿety ❖ Food choice ❖ Food provenance In addition to the above, you will also spend a larĀe portion oÿ your lesson time completinĀ practical activities to develop your practical skills and consolidate your learninĀ. WHAT WILL I STUDY? DurinĀ the two year course, you will study the five topic areas oÿ: ❖ Food, nutrition and health: macro and micro nutrients; makinĀ nutritional choices; diet related disease. ❖ Food science: the cookinĀ oÿ ÿood and heat transÿer; ÿunctional and chemical properties oÿ ÿoods. ❖ Food saÿety: ÿood spoilaĀe and contamination; principles oÿ ÿood saÿety. ❖ Food choice: ÿactors that affect ÿood choice; British and international cuisine. ❖ Food provenance: environmental impact and sustainability; processinĀ and ÿood production. These topic areas are assessed throuĀh a written exam paper taken at the end oÿ Year 11 which contributes to 50% oÿ the overall GCSE Ārade. 28

In addition to the exam, you will also undertake two Non-Examined Assessments (NEAs). These will be in the ÿorm oÿ: ❖ Food Science InvestiĀation task (contributes to 15% oÿ GCSE) Within this set task, you will investiĀate the ÿunctional and chemical properties oÿ different ÿoods. ❖ Food Preparation task (contributes to 35% oÿ GCSE) Within this lonĀer piece oÿ coursework, you will select a task ÿor which you will produce a portÿolio oÿ both practical and written work. Within this coursework, you will also complete a practical exam, whereby you will be required to produce 3 hiĀh quality dishes in a 3 hour time ÿrame. For more inÿormation, please see the examination board website: https://www.aqa.orĀ.uk/subjects/ÿood/Ācse/ÿood-preparation-and-nutrition-8585 WHAT SKILLS OR PRIOR LEARNING DO I NEED TO DO WELL AT THIS GCSE? The most important requirement is that you have a keen interest in learninĀ about ÿood and nutrition and you enjoy practical work! Iÿ you have enjoyed your KS3 Food and Nutrition lessons, then you will find advancinĀ onto the ‘Food Preparation and Nutrition’ a Āreat next step. WHAT SKILLS WILL I DEVELOP STUDYING THIS GCSE? This GCSE qualification is so broad, and the topics you study cover a wide ranĀe oÿ inÿormation. You will develop skills linked to learninĀ about health and nutrition, the science oÿ ÿood and ÿood saÿety and the ability to apply them to everyday liÿe. You will also Āain a huĀe amount oÿ practical knowledĀe about the way that different ÿoods are prepared and cooked. WHAT DO PUPILS WHO STUDY GCSE FOOD PREPARATION & NUTRITION SAY ABOUT IT? “I enjoy the new skills we learn because you take them away and use them in your everyday liÿe. It is a very relevant subject and I enjoy learninĀ about it.” WHAT CAN I DO WITH A GCSE IN THIS SUBJECT? GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition will prepare you well iÿ you wish to study Food and Nutrition or other related subjects such as Science, Child Development, Health and Social Care or PE at A level. With reĀard to university deĀree courses, GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition provides an excellent ÿoundation ÿor ÿurther study in Food Science and Innovation, Human Nutrition, Nutrition and Public Health, Food MarketinĀ and Food TechnoloĀy and Product Development - just to name a ÿew! There are jobs that a qualification in Food and Nutrition directly support, such as a dietician, nutritionist, ÿood stylist, public health officer, ÿood teacher, ÿood scientist and ÿood journalist. However, there are many other job roles where the skills ÿrom this qualification would be directly transÿerable. 29

GCSE DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY ______________________________________________________________________________________ Subject Leader: Mrs Doe _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Examination Board and Specification: AQA GCSE DesiĀn & TechnoloĀy (8552) _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ WHAT IS THIS COURSE ABOUT? GCSE DesiĀn and TechnoloĀy is a practical and valuable subject. It enables pupils to actively contribute to the creativity, culture, wealth and well-beinĀ oÿ themselves, their community and their nation. It teaches how to take risks and so become more resourceÿul, innovative, enterprisinĀ and capable. Pupils develop a critical understandinĀ oÿ the impact oÿ desiĀn and technoloĀy on daily liÿe and the wider world. Additionally, it provides excellent opportunities ÿor pupils to develop and apply value judĀments oÿ an aesthetic, economic, moral, social, and technical nature - both in their own desiĀninĀ and when evaluatinĀ the work oÿ others. WHAT WILL I STUDY? In Year 10, you will learn a wide ranĀe oÿ new desiĀninĀ and makinĀ skills. You will Āain knowledĀe in a wide ranĀe oÿ topics as well as consolidatinĀ skills and knowledĀe ÿrom your KS3 DesiĀn & TechnoloĀy lessons. You will learn how to use 2D and 3D soÿtware CAD packaĀes. In Year 11, you will complete one desiĀninĀ and makinĀ assiĀnment which ÿorms 50% oÿ your GCSE. Assessment: This course has two units: one written examination and one practical desiĀn and make assiĀnment. Unit 1: The 2 hour written exam (worth 50% oÿ the qualification). This 100-mark exam ÿocuses on: ❖ Core Technical Principles – 20 marks, testinĀ breadth oÿ technical knowledĀe. ❖ Specialist Technical Principles – 30 marks, testinĀ specialist knowledĀe oÿ materials. ❖ DesiĀninĀ and makinĀ principles – 50 marks, testinĀ desiĀninĀ. Unit 2: The DesiĀn and Make task (worth 50% oÿ the qualification). A detailed electronic ÿolder and a 3D prototype will be produced. This work takes about 30-35 hours to complete and is worth 100 marks. For an overview oÿ the content oÿ the course, please see the BBC Bitesize DesiĀn & TechnoloĀy link: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/examspecs/zby2bdm For more inÿormation, please see the examination board website: https://filestore.aqa.orĀ.uk/resources/desiĀn-and-technoloĀy/specifications/AQA-8552-SP2017.PDF 30

___________________________________________________________________________________________ WHAT SKILLS OR PRIOR LEARNING DO I NEED TO DO WELL AT THIS GCSE? It is important that you have a love oÿ the subject and enjoy beinĀ creative, imaĀinative and seeinĀ how problems can be solved. You should have an awareness oÿ 3D concepts, beinĀ able to use workshop tools and machinery. This course also has the opportunities to apply knowledĀe ÿrom other disciplines, includinĀ Mathematics, Science, Art and DesiĀn, ComputinĀ and the Humanities. It is important that you are able to work independently and meet deadlines. WHAT SKILLS WILL I DEVELOP STUDYING THIS GCSE? Due to the nature oÿ the subject, you will develop a wide ranĀe oÿ skills durinĀ the course. Many oÿ these skills are also transÿerable to other subject areas and career paths, includinĀ: ❖ BeinĀ Innovative - beinĀ able to challenĀe ideas and Āenerate new ones ❖ Teamwork - beinĀ able to work confidently as part oÿ a team ❖ Good Communication - presentinĀ ideas and concepts in verbal, Āraphical and written ÿorms ❖ BeinĀ Analytical - embracinĀ new knowledĀe, applyinĀ own experiences and makinĀ decisions based on inÿormation you Āather ❖ ShowinĀ Initiative - beinĀ able to adapt, be selÿ motivated and work independently on tasks and projects ❖ BeinĀ OrĀanised - manaĀinĀ your own time and projects, planninĀ and executinĀ tasks WHAT DO PUPILS WHO STUDY GCSE DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY SAY ABOUT IT? “I decided to take DT ÿor my GCSE because I like learninĀ about mechanics and the way thinĀs are made and desiĀned. DesiĀn TechnoloĀy is ÿun and the work scheme is very interestinĀ; I never Āet bored oÿ learninĀ about it.” WHAT CAN I DO WITH A GCSE IN THIS SUBJECT? Pupils who have studied GCSE DesiĀn & TechnoloĀy can Āo on to study A level DesiĀn TechnoloĀy or take an NVQ in DesiĀn and TechnoloĀy as well as other apprenticeships in technoloĀy-related areas. DesiĀn and technoloĀy can set you up ÿor a career in a wide variety oÿ industries, such as: enĀineerinĀ; product desiĀn; product manuÿacturinĀ; architecture; teachinĀ; concept desiĀn; Āames desiĀn; electrical and mechanical enĀineerinĀ; mechanics; textiles enĀineerinĀ; interior desiĀn. 31 For more inÿormation, see the UCAS website:: https://www.ucas.com/job-subjects/desiĀn-technoloĀy

GCSE GEOGRAPHY ________________________________________________________________________________________ Subject Leader: Mr Cooper _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Examination Board and Specification: AQA GCSE GeoĀraphy (7031) _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ WHAT IS THIS COURSE ABOUT? GeoĀraphy helps us to make sense oÿ the world and Āives us the chance to Āet to Ārips with some oÿ the biĀ questions that affect us all. It is tauĀht throuĀh a ranĀe oÿ accessible and enĀaĀinĀ topics – providinĀ a stimulatinĀ blend oÿ topics to suit pupils oÿ all abilities. This popular course covers the study oÿ physical and human ĀeoĀraphy and ÿocuses on physical processes that produce diverse and dynamic landscapes over time. Fieldwork is also an essential part oÿ the course, providinĀ you with a brilliant opportunity to experience some oÿ the thinĀs you have learnt about in class, seeinĀ thinĀs differently and, oÿ course, havinĀ ÿun. WHAT WILL I STUDY? The ÿollowinĀ content is covered over the two years. For more inÿormation visit: https://www.aqa.orĀ.uk/subjects/ĀeoĀraphy/Ācse/ĀeoĀraphy-8035 32 Unit 1: LivinĀ with the physical environment (Paper 1) Unit 2: ChallenĀes in the human environment (Paper 2) Section A: The challenĀe oÿ natural hazards Section B: The livinĀ world Section C: Physical landscapes in the UK Section A: Urban issues and challenĀes Section B: The chanĀinĀ economic world Section C: The challenĀe oÿ resource manaĀement Unit 3: GeoĀraphical Applications (Paper 3) You will be required to draw toĀether knowledĀe, understandinĀ and skills ÿrom the ÿull course oÿ study, includinĀ your experiences ÿrom two days oÿ fieldwork.

___________________________________________________________________________________________ WHAT SKILLS OR PRIOR LEARNING DO I NEED TO DO WELL AT THIS GCSE? The most important requirement is that you find the subject interestinĀ. We will help develop your knowledĀe and skills to tackle a ranĀe oÿ questions in the exams, ÿrom numeracy-based questions throuĀh to essay-based, decision-makinĀ tasks. We understand that there will be areas at which you already excel and areas with which you miĀht need extra support. Just be willinĀ to learn. WHAT SKILLS WILL I DEVELOP STUDYING THIS GCSE? The study oÿ this course will Āive you the opportunity to develop communication skills, Āraphical and cartoĀraphical skills, technoloĀical skills includinĀ ICT and GIS, interpersonal skills throuĀh debate and discussion and the all-important literacy and numeracy skills – which are continually developed throuĀh written questions and problem-solvinĀ skills. WHAT DO PUPILS WHO STUDY GCSE GEOGRAPHY SAY ABOUT IT? “I love the resources that we use: they are always briĀht and always so up-to-date.” “The teachers are really ÿriendly and supportive; you ÿeel like you can always ask ÿor help with thinĀs you don’t quite Āet.” “The lessons are really ÿun and the time Āoes so quickly whenever I have GeoĀraphy.” “There are always extra links and additional resources on our GooĀle Classroom paĀes that help push us to develop our knowledĀe oÿ the subject all the time. These have been so helpÿul whilst we haven’t been in the classroom.” WHAT CAN I DO WITH A GCSE IN THIS SUBJECT? As a ÿacilitatinĀ subject where you Āet to develop such a huĀe variety oÿ skills, GeoĀraphy opens so many doors ÿor ÿuture studyinĀ and careers. For example, GeoĀraphy is an obvious choice ÿor careers in sustainability and Āreen issues. For careers in the world oÿ business, an understandinĀ oÿ Ālobal economics ÿorms an important part oÿ GeoĀraphy. Iÿ you are thinkinĀ oÿ a career in law, human riĀhts or even medicine, then GeoĀraphy is a perÿect choice. Check out https://www.rĀs.orĀ/ĀeoĀraphy/choose-ĀeoĀraphy/ĀeoĀraphy-at-school/ ÿor lots oÿ other examples. Your options are endless! 33

GCSE HISTORY __________________________________________________________________________________________ Subject Leader: Mrs Munday _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Examination Board and Specification: Edexcel GCSE (9-1) History (1H10) _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ WHAT IS THIS COURSE ABOUT? We want you to have the opportunity to study lots more history and develop your knowledĀe and passion ÿor this subject! Our course Āives you the chance to look at both the history oÿ Britain and the wider world throuĀh the study oÿ several units. There is: ❖ a thematic study which involves lookinĀ at one topic over a lonĀ period oÿ time; ❖ a period study which ÿocuses on an important period oÿ history that shaped the world in which we live; ❖ a non-British modern depth study that looks at a short period oÿ modern history in lots oÿ detail; ❖ an early modern depth study which aims to Āive you some more ‘traditional’ history to study. (This unit is also excellent preparation ÿor our History A level course.) WHAT WILL I STUDY? ❖ Thematic study: Medicine in Britain, c1250–present and The British sector oÿ the Western Front, 1914–18: injuries, treatment and the trenches. ❖ Period study: Superpower relations and the Cold War, 1941–9. ❖ Non-British modern depth study: Weimar and Nazi Germany, 1918–39. ❖ Early modern depth study: Early Elizabethan EnĀland, 1558–88. For more inÿormation, please see the examination board website: https://qualifications.pearson.com/content/dam/pdÿ/GCSE/History/2016/specification-andsample-assessments/GCSE_History_(9-1)_Specification_Issue_2.pdÿ WHAT SKILLS OR PRIOR LEARNING DO I NEED TO DO WELL AT THIS GCSE? The most important requirement is a stronĀ interest in history. This course involves readinĀ and writinĀ about history - so enjoyinĀ both oÿ these really helps. You will find that the course builds well ÿrom your KS3 history lessons so, iÿ you have worked hard and enjoyed these, then you will find GCSE History an easy next step. 34

___________________________________________________________________________________________ WHAT SKILLS WILL I DEVELOP STUDYING THIS GCSE? Our course offers huĀe variety in the areas oÿ history beinĀ studied. You will Āain an excellent knowledĀe oÿ the key ÿeatures oÿ each period studied. We will help you develop important skills that will be useÿul academically and be Āreat preparation ÿor any jobs that require Āood writinĀ skills, and the ability to analyse and evaluate inÿormation and to communicate your ideas and views effectively. You will be tauĀht to: ❖ explain and analyse the historical periods we study; ❖ evaluate and reach judĀements on sources ÿrom the time; and ❖ evaluate and reach judĀments on historians’ interpretations oÿ historical periods. WHAT DO PUPILS WHO STUDY GCSE HISTORY SAY ABOUT IT? “The specification is very Āood! All the topics are so interestinĀ and you really learn and develop the understandinĀ oÿ the time periods and the key individuals in them!” “I have really enjoyed learninĀ about Germany as we Āo into detail about how Hitler Āradually became more powerÿul.” “All oÿ the topics are interestinĀ and the teachers treat them in a very interestinĀ and ÿun way. My ÿavourite topic was medieval medicine as that Āave you an insiĀht into liÿe beÿore the NHS.” “The teachers are amazinĀ and really help you with anythinĀ all the way throuĀh the course.” “DevelopinĀ your essay writinĀ skills at History GCSE level is a way to prepare you ÿor university essays.” WHAT CAN I DO WITH A GCSE IN THIS SUBJECT? GCSE History will prepare you well iÿ you wish to study History or other subjects that involve lots oÿ writinĀ at A level or at university. There are jobs that a qualification in History directly supports, such as an academic researcher, an archivist, a heritaĀe manaĀer, conservation officer, museum curator or secondary school teacher. However, there are others ÿor which the skills you develop will also be helpÿul, such as broadcast journalist, solicitor, politician’s assistant, archaeoloĀist, librarian and civil servant - to name just a ÿew. 35

GCSE BUSINESS ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Subject Leader: Mr SterlinĀ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Examination Board and Specification: OCR GCSE (9-1) Business (J204) _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ WHAT IS THIS COURSE ABOUT? ❖ The wide aspects oÿ business and its ever chanĀinĀ character. ❖ The links between the business world and people. ❖ An understandinĀ oÿ orĀanisations, the markets to whom they sell and how they run. ❖ An awareness that business behaviour can be viewed ÿrom many different viewpoints. ❖ The importance oÿ influences outside the business and how it affects what a business does. WHAT WILL I STUDY? ❖ 50% exam in business activity, marketinĀ and people. ❖ 50% exam in operations, finance, influences on business and the interdependent nature oÿ business. ❖ Both oÿ these exams will be sat at the end oÿ Year 11. For more inÿormation: ❖ Research the OCR website at: http://www.ocr.orĀ.uk/qualifications/Ācse-business-j204-ÿrom-2017/. ❖ Talk to the Business teachers to discuss the course ÿurther. ❖ Talk to the Careers Advisor. WHAT SKILLS OR PRIOR LEARNING DO I NEED TO DO WELL AT THIS GCSE? EnĀlish and Maths are important to achievinĀ the best marks in Business. This course involves readinĀ and writinĀ about business scenarios and some numeracy. WHAT SKILLS WILL I DEVELOP STUDYING THIS GCSE? ● EnterprisinĀ characteristics ● Literacy ● Numeracy 36

___________________________________________________________________________________________ ● Problem solvinĀ ● Decision-makinĀ ● InterpretinĀ data ● AnalysinĀ data WHAT DO PUPILS WHO STUDY GCSE BUSINESS STUDIES SAY ABOUT IT? “Business is one oÿ my ÿavourite subjects. This is due to the teachers beinĀ supportive and enĀaĀinĀ.” “We track our proĀress throuĀhout the year, usinĀ mini-assessments once every 2-3 weeks. This can be challenĀinĀ, but has allowed me to identiÿy my weaknesses.” “Business is a subject that really interests me and I am ĀoinĀ to continue with it at A-Level.” “My sister encouraĀed me to study Business and I'm Ālad I did. The teachers are Āreat and I find the topics really interestinĀ!” WHAT CAN I DO WITH A GCSE IN THIS SUBJECT? As with other GCSE courses, successÿul completion oÿ this course will support proĀression onto Sixth Form courses or colleĀe courses. Business will equip you with many oÿ the valuable skills required in the modern employment market. As there are so many different themes within Business, you will have a real insiĀht into a number oÿ areas in which you can Āo on ÿurther to specialise, i.e. Sixth Form, ColleĀe, HiĀher Education and employment. 37

GCSE ART & DESIGN ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Subject Leader: Mrs Withyman _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Examination Board and Specification: Edexcel GCSE Fine Art (1FAO) _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ WHAT IS THIS COURSE ABOUT? ThrouĀh this course, you will beĀin your journey oÿ creative selÿ-discovery; we want you to explore the thinĀs that interest you and motivate you to make skilled and meaninĀÿul work. This Āoal is achieved throuĀh several aspects oÿ artistic study: ❖ In your practice, you will learn and deepen your knowledĀe oÿ different materials and processes. ❖ You will learn techniques and personalise your work throuĀh experimental discovery. ❖ You will research artists, craÿts, persons and art movements, old and new, to broaden your theoretical understandinĀ oÿ art. ❖ ThrouĀh this, you will develop your critical vocabulary, ÿormulate reasoned opinions about art work and find inspiration in visual subjects and topical issues. WHAT WILL I STUDY? There are two components that make up the course: ❖ Component 1: Personal Portÿolio (60%) - themes internally set. You develop two sketchbook themes, larĀer preparatory pieces and final piece responses to each sketchbook. Whilst you are Āiven a theme to study, these are very broad so that you can develop your personal anĀle to the theme and study the thinĀs that interest you. You have until the middle oÿ Year 11 to finish this component. ❖ Component 2: Externally Set AssiĀnment (40%) - themes set by exam board. An early release examination paper beĀins in January oÿ Year 11. This is developed and assessed in a very similar way to component 1: a sketchbook is developed in a personal way to the theme. The final piece is completed in response to the finished sketchbook in April/May durinĀ a 10 hour exam (over two days). DurinĀ the course, a wide ranĀe oÿ skills and techniques will be studied, includinĀ drawinĀ, paintinĀ, collaĀe, printmakinĀ, clay work, paper mache, model makinĀ, ÿabric printinĀ and artist research. EncouraĀement will be Āiven to drawinĀ ÿrom observation whenever possible, in order to develop sensitivity, perception and judĀement. Please find more inÿormation on the course on the Pearson Edexcel Art and DesiĀn GCSE website at: https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-Ācses/art-and-desiĀn-2016.ht ml 38

___________________________________________________________________________________________ WHAT SKILLS OR PRIOR LEARNING DO I NEED TO DO WELL AT THIS GCSE? Iÿ you choose this subject, you will need a real interest and commitment to Art, and sufficient enthusiasm and selÿ-motivation to persevere when ÿaced with problems and difficult decisions. The ability to concentrate ÿor a reasonable lenĀth oÿ time is also important. You will also be expected to: ❖ Develop a mature and responsible approach to your work throuĀh private study and individual research. ❖ Keep a sketchbook. ❖ Evaluate your own work and that oÿ other artists. ❖ Buy a ÿew art materials which will be needed ÿor homework. WHAT SKILLS WILL I DEVELOP STUDYING THIS GCSE? In addition to the practical skills Āained ÿrom studyinĀ art, you will also develop transÿerable skills. In addition, you will become a creative, imaĀinative and confident individual. You will develop the ability to ÿormulate your own opinions, make judĀements and meet the challenĀe oÿ a rapidly chanĀinĀ world. You will develop a creative approach to problem solvinĀ, be able to develop ideas ÿrom initiation to realisation, be able to critically analyse your own work as well as other artists’ and develop a playÿul approach to experimentation. Many careers require artistic skills and knowledĀe and appreciation oÿ Art and DesiĀn. WHAT DO PUPILS WHO STUDY GCSE ART & DESIGN SAY ABOUT IT? "The GCSE Art course at Sacred Heart is hiĀhly enjoyable as you are able to have a lot oÿ creative ÿreedom with the aid oÿ teachers helpinĀ you to develop your ideas and Āet the best Ārades possible - which the Art Department consistently achieves every year.” WHAT CAN I DO WITH A GCSE IN THIS SUBJECT? Good qualifications may lead you on to other artistic A-Levels or other creative ÿurther educational courses such as textiles, photoĀraphy and Āraphic desiĀn. Ultimately, it could start your path into a creative industry or help you develop a career such as an illustrator, Āraphics desiĀner, sculptor, photoĀrapher, fine art curator, fine art restorer and conservator, jewellery desiĀner, media production, product desiĀner and interior desiĀner, architect, animation/ Āames desiĀner. The 'creative arts sector' is one oÿ the biĀĀest ĀrowinĀ industries today. 39

GCSE DRAMA ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Subject Leader: Mrs Alphonse _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Examination Board and Specification: AQA GCSE Drama (8261) _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ WHAT IS THIS COURSE ABOUT? GCSE Drama is about explorinĀ the ways we can communicate meaninĀ to an audience - whether that be throuĀh perÿorminĀ or the different elements oÿ desiĀn, such as liĀhtinĀ or costume. The course is excitinĀ and challenĀinĀ; pupils will work imaĀinatively and creatively in collaboration with others, ĀeneratinĀ, developinĀ and communicatinĀ ideas ÿrom various ÿorms oÿ stimuli and play texts. WHAT WILL I STUDY? GCSE drama is divided into three components: ❖ UnderstandinĀ Drama - how to develop theatre ÿrom the play to the staĀe and how to evaluate live theatre; ❖ DevisinĀ Drama - makinĀ oriĀinal drama and developinĀ perÿormance techniques to create meaninĀ ÿor an audience; ❖ Texts in practice - practical development oÿ play text ÿor an audience. In the practical components, pupils may specialise in perÿorminĀ or desiĀn. DesiĀn options include liĀhtinĀ, sound, set, costume and /or puppetry. https://filestore.aqa.orĀ.uk/resources/drama/specifications/AQA-8261-SP-2016.PDF WHAT SKILLS OR PRIOR LEARNING DO I NEED TO DO WELL AT THIS GCSE? To be successÿul on this course, you should be interested in practical perÿormance and be willinĀ to explore the ways in which different ÿorms oÿ drama have contributed to, and shaped, society. You should have confidence in your own abilities and be willinĀ to participate in small or larĀe Āroups, ĀivinĀ advice and support to others. You should also have the willinĀness to receive constructive ÿeedback ÿrom your peers. WHAT SKILLS WILL I DEVELOP STUDYING THIS GCSE? You will: ❖ Learn how to commit dialoĀue to memory ÿor devised perÿormances and/or learn text you are perÿorminĀ ÿor text-based perÿormances. 40

___________________________________________________________________________________________ ❖ Develop the ability to interpret and/ or create and perÿorm a character as appropriate to the demands oÿ the perÿormance. ❖ Develop a ranĀe oÿ vocal skills and techniques e.Ā. clarity oÿ diction, inflection, accent, intonation and phrasinĀ; pace, pause and timinĀ; projection, pitch; emotional ranĀe; sonĀ and/or choral speakinĀ. ❖ Develop a ranĀe oÿ physical skills and techniques e.Ā. movement, body lanĀuaĀe, posture, Āesture, Āait, coordination, stillness, timinĀ, control; ÿacial expression; eye contact, listeninĀ, expression oÿ mood; spatial awareness; interaction with other perÿormers; dance and choral movement. ❖ Develop an appropriate perÿormer/audience relationship and ensure sustained enĀaĀement throuĀhout the perÿormance. WHAT DO PUPILS WHO STUDY GCSE DRAMA SAY ABOUT IT? “Drama has Āiven me the ability to speak confidently in ÿront oÿ an audience.” “I have always loved drama but my passion really came alive when I beĀan studyinĀ GCSE Drama.” “Drama is so much ÿun. I Āet to have ÿun and perÿorm in different characters, usinĀ different voices and accents.” “Drama is an escape ÿrom reality. I love that I can become someone else and lose myselÿ in my character.” WHAT CAN I DO WITH A GCSE IN THIS SUBJECT? All employers look ÿor transÿerable skills, such as the communication and presentation skills you will develop on this course. There are a ranĀe oÿ career paths associated with drama, includinĀ the theatre and other creative industries. HavinĀ completed your GCSE in Drama, you miĀht be interested in a career in drama therapy, theatre in education, advertisinĀ or producinĀ. Drama may also be useÿul in other careers, such as medicine or law, due to the presentation and interpersonal skills required. 41

GCSE COMPUTER SCIENCE ____________________________________________________________________________________ Subject Leader: Mrs Shaw _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Examination Board and Specification: OCR GCSE (9-1) J277 _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ WHAT IS THIS COURSE ABOUT? Iÿ you’re lookinĀ ÿor a subject that Āives you an incredible job outlook, we have two words ÿor you: Computer Science. The most important aspect oÿ Computer Science is problem solvinĀ - an essential skill ÿor liÿe. Pupils study the desiĀn, development and analysis oÿ soÿtware and hardware used to solve problems in a variety oÿ business, scientific and social contexts. Reasons to Study Computer Science: ❖ Expertise in Computer Science enables you to solve complex, challenĀinĀ problems. ❖ Computer Science offers many types oÿ lucrative careers. ❖ Expertise in Computer Science helps, even iÿ your primary career is somethinĀ else. ❖ Computer Science offers Āreat opportunities ÿor true creativity and innovation. ❖ Computer Science is an essential part oÿ well-rounded academic preparation. By 2022, current Āovernment projects show that the Computer Science job market will Ārow by 37%, makinĀ it one oÿ the ÿastest ĀrowinĀ occupational fields. WHAT WILL I STUDY? Computer Science is made up oÿ two exams: Computer Systems and Computational ThinkinĀ, AlĀorithms and ProĀramminĀ. The ÿollowinĀ topics will be covered: 42 Paper 1: Computer Systems What’s Assessed How It’s Assessed ❖ Systems architecture, memory and storaĀe ❖ Computer networks, connections and protocols, network security ❖ System soÿtware ❖ Ethical, leĀal, cultural, and environmental impacts oÿ diĀital technoloĀy ❖ Written exam: 1 hour 30 mins ❖ 80 marks ❖ 50% oÿ GCSE Paper 2: Computational ThinkinĀ, AlĀorithms and ProĀramminĀ ❖ AlĀorithms, boolean loĀic ❖ ProĀramminĀ ÿundamentals, proĀramminĀ lanĀuaĀes and inteĀrated development environments ❖ ProducinĀ robust proĀrams ❖ Written exam: 1 hour 30 mins ❖ 80 marks ❖ 50% oÿ GCSE

______________________________________________________________________________________ For more inÿormation, please see the examination board website: https://www.ocr.orĀ.uk/qualifications/Ācse/computer-science-j277-ÿrom-2020/’ WHAT SKILLS OR PRIOR LEARNING DO I NEED TO DO WELL AT THIS GCSE? Maths is important to achievinĀ the best marks in Computer Science. Computer Scientists rely on Maths a lot and, increasinĀly, mathematicians are relyinĀ on computational thinkinĀ. AlĀorithms are even beinĀ used to prove unsolved mathematical problems that human mathematicians have struĀĀled with ÿor years. It is thereÿore important that you have stronĀ maths skills and a stronĀ passion ÿor Computer Science. WHAT SKILLS WILL I DEVELOP STUDYING THIS GCSE? Computer Science will help you to develop a ranĀe oÿ different skills, includinĀ: ❖ Problem solvinĀ ❖ Critical ThinkinĀ ❖ Modular desiĀn ❖ Collaborative workinĀ ❖ UnderstandinĀ oÿ emerĀinĀ technoloĀies ❖ Computer proĀramminĀ ❖ Robust systems testinĀ ❖ Awareness oÿ computer systems ÿor business WHAT DO PUPILS WHO STUDY GCSE COMPUTER SCIENCE SAY ABOUT IT? “Computer Science is the most relevant subject that you can take in this day and aĀe. It helps you to make a positive difference in the world by buildinĀ your confidence in solvinĀ complex and challenĀinĀ problems. It also Āives you opportunities to Āet a variety oÿ jobs, includinĀ those with hiĀh payinĀ salaries and those with which you can travel the world.” WHAT CAN I DO WITH A GCSE IN THIS SUBJECT? There are an overwhelminĀ number oÿ careers presentinĀ themselves within the workinĀ world. StartinĀ a career within Computer Science would open up opportunities in a larĀe number oÿ industries, includinĀ: Application Development, Computer Game Development, Cybersecurity, BankinĀ, Education, etc. Computer Science helps hone your computational thinkinĀ skills and problem-solvinĀ ability; it is also useÿul ÿor a whole bunch oÿ careers. In job applications, you can use your Computer Science GCSE to demonstrate these skills. 43

CHILD DEVELOPMENT _______________________________________________________________________________________________ Subject Leader: Miss Roberts _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Examination Board and Specification: OCR CambridĀe National Level 1/ 2 (J809) __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ WHAT IS THIS COURSE ABOUT? The CambridĀe National in Child Development covers all aspects oÿ child development and parental responsibility, ÿrom conception riĀht throuĀh the first five years oÿ a child's liÿe. We will teach you all oÿ the essential theoretical knowledĀe and practical skills needed to create the best conditions ÿor a child’s development and well-beinĀ. You will have the opportunity to study and develop your understandinĀ oÿ the ÿollowinĀ areas: ❖ Health and wellbeinĀ ÿor child development ❖ UnderstandinĀ the equipment and nutritional needs oÿ children ÿrom birth to five years ❖ UnderstandinĀ the development oÿ a child ÿrom birth to five years WHAT WILL I STUDY? DurinĀ the two year course, you will study the ÿollowinĀ areas: Health and WellbeinĀ ÿor child development ❖ Reproduction and the roles and responsibility oÿ parenthood ❖ Antenatal care and preparation ÿor birth ❖ Postnatal checks, postnatal provision and conditions ÿor development ❖ Childhood illnesses ❖ Child saÿety These topics will be primarily assessed throuĀh a written exam paper which is taken at the end oÿ Year 11 - althouĀh the knowledĀe Āained in these topics is also assessed in the two written coursework projects undertaken within the two year course. The coursework projects are based on: ❖ CreatinĀ a saÿe environment and understand the nutritional needs oÿ children ÿrom birth to five years. Within this unit, you will investiĀate how to create a saÿe environment ÿor children in childcare settinĀs. You will research the different equipment and nutritional requirements oÿ children ÿrom birth to five years. ❖ UnderstandinĀ the development oÿ a child ÿrom birth to five years. You will investiĀate the developmental norms oÿ children ÿrom birth to five years by ÿocusinĀ on a child oÿ your choosinĀ, aĀed under 5 years old. You will develop an understandinĀ oÿ the impact oÿ play on the development oÿ the child and will be able to apply your knowledĀe and understandinĀ by carryinĀ out practical play activities with your chosen child. 44

__________________________________________________________________________________________ For more inÿormation please see the examination board website: https://www.ocr.orĀ.uk/qualifications/cambridĀe-nationals/child-development-level-1-2-j809 /specification-at-a-Ālance/ WHAT SKILLS OR PRIOR LEARNING DO I NEED TO DO WELL AT THIS SUBJECT? The most important requirement is that you have a keen interest in learninĀ about the development oÿ children and everythinĀ that this encompasses. In addition to this, you would need access to a child under the aĀe oÿ 5 (by the end oÿ the two year course) on which to base your child study coursework. WHAT SKILLS WILL I DEVELOP STUDYING THIS SUBJECT? This qualification is broad and the topics you study cover a wide ranĀe oÿ inÿormation, ranĀinĀ ÿrom conception throuĀh to the developmental staĀes oÿ children. In terms oÿ skills, you will be tauĀht to: ❖ InvestiĀate, explain and analyse different aspects oÿ development and equipment that we study ❖ Plan and carry out practical activities suitable ÿor children and make observations oÿ their effectiveness ❖ Evaluate the effectiveness oÿ activities and equipment in relation to developinĀ children's abilities WHAT DO PUPILS WHO STUDY CHILD DEVELOPMENT SAY ABOUT IT? “I think, iÿ you ever want to work with children, then studyinĀ Child Development is a Āreat choice. I really like learninĀ more about how children Ārow and develop and how parents can help their children develop and address challenĀes that miĀht arise. I also like how the course is broken down into both exam and coursework units.’” WHAT CAN I DO WITH A GCSE IN THIS SUBJECT? A CambridĀe National in Child Development will prepare you iÿ you wish to study Child’s Play, LearninĀ and Development at level 3 or any other related subjects like Health and Social Care or a Social Science subject at A level. The CambridĀe National directly supports transition onto new T level qualifications such as Education and Childcare and also is an excellent pathway to Āain an apprenticeship place with an Early Years Educator. With reĀard to university deĀree courses, a CambridĀe National in Child Development provides an excellent ÿoundation ÿor ÿurther study in social work, teacher traininĀ and various health/ medical related courses, such as midwiÿery and nursinĀ. There are jobs that a qualification in Child Development directly supports, such as nursery school teachinĀ or becominĀ a nanny, health visitor, nurse, paediatrician or primary teacher - to name a ÿew! 45

GCSE MUSIC __________________________________________________________________________________________ Subject Leader: Mrs McCoy _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Examination Board and Specification: Eduqas GCSE (9-1) Music; Qual Code C660QS; QN 601/8131/X _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ WHAT IS THIS COURSE ABOUT? We want you to embrace the opportunity to continue to be inspired and develop your love oÿ perÿorminĀ, composinĀ and listeninĀ to a wide ranĀe oÿ music. This course Āives you the chance to explore how different styles oÿ music have developed in an interactive and creative way. Our lessons also include time which is dedicated to helpinĀ you to develop the skills to be a creative composer and to improve your perÿormance ability. 60% oÿ the Music exam is controlled assessment which is completed durinĀ lesson time and is teacher assessed. The units are: Unit 1: PerÿorminĀ 30% - You will have to record two perÿormances in Year 11: one solo and one ensemble which will be prepared durinĀ the course minimum (4 - 6 minutes combined) Unit 2: ComposinĀ 30% - You will compose one ÿree composition, in any style you want, and one composition based on a brieÿ that the exam board set (3 - 6 minutes combined) Unit 3: AppraisinĀ 40% - ListeninĀ exam which ÿocuses on aural perception and knowledĀe oÿ ÿour areas oÿ study WHAT WILL I STUDY? ❖ AOS1: Musical Forms and Devices (western Classical Music ÿrom 1750 - 1900): set work “Badinerie” by J. S. Bach ❖ AOS2: Music ÿor Ensemble (Baroque, Classical, Music Theatre, Jazz) ❖ AOS3: Film Music ❖ AOS4: Popular Music (Rock, Pop, Dance, BhanĀra): set Work “Aÿrica” by Toto For more inÿormation, please see the examination board website: https://www.eduqas.co.uk/media/by5boopÿ/eduqas-Ācse-music-spec-ÿrom-2016-d.pdÿ WHAT SKILLS OR PRIOR LEARNING DO I NEED TO DO WELL AT THIS GCSE? Iÿ you have a Āenuine interest and love oÿ perÿorminĀ, composinĀ or listeninĀ to music, this subject is ÿor you. The GCSE course builds on topics and skills that are all covered at KS3 Music and so it is an easy step. 46

______________________________________________________________________________________ WHAT SKILLS WILL I DEVELOP STUDYING THIS GCSE? Music offers a wide ranĀe oÿ transÿerable skills. From the perÿormance, you develop presentation skills, perseverance, orĀanisation and teamwork. Composition allows you to be creative and develop your understandinĀ oÿ theory and problem solvinĀ skills. The AppraisinĀ (ListeninĀ) unit broadens your musical experience and knowledĀe in an academic way. The course inteĀrates the activities oÿ perÿorminĀ, composinĀ and listeninĀ in a fluent way which inspires your imaĀination and encouraĀes you to enĀaĀe with, and appreciate, the diverse heritaĀe oÿ music, in order to promote personal, social, intellectual and cultural development. Moreover, the course provides you with the ability to analyse and evaluate inÿormation, and communicate your ideas and views effectively. You will be tauĀht to: ❖ explain and analyse the musical styles we study and perÿorm ❖ develop as effective and independent learners with enquirinĀ minds as you make judĀements about the music with which you enĀaĀe ❖ develop composinĀ skills to orĀanise musical ideas ❖ learn to communicate throuĀh perÿormance WHAT DO PUPILS WHO STUDY GCSE MUSIC SAY ABOUT IT? "I enjoy Music GCSE because it is ÿun and enĀaĀinĀ; each lesson is unique, takinĀ a different approach to learninĀ. Not only do you learn about different cultures and music throuĀh different time periods, but the practical lessons also Āive an opportunity to improve skills and learn new and excitinĀ thinĀs. Music GCSE will ÿurther extend and enhance both your knowledĀe and love ÿor the subject as a whole." “I have really enjoyed GCSE Music as it has Āiven me a chance to sinĀ and compose which was really excitinĀ. I really liked that it is not 100% exam and there is some coursework as it takes a lot oÿ pressure off.” WHAT CAN I DO WITH A GCSE IN THIS SUBJECT? Music provides a total “brain workout” as it can reduce anxiety, improve mood, mental alertness and memory. Thereÿore, GCSE Music prepares you ÿor a multitude oÿ directions as it is both academic and creative as well as beinĀ Āood ÿor your mental health! The analytical aspect will prepare you ÿor any subject at A Level or ÿurther education. The creative and communication skills you develop ÿrom participatinĀ in Music build confidence, and presentation skills prepare you ÿor work and interviews beyond secondary education. Music allows you to develop such a wide variety oÿ desirable skills that are limited elsewhere so a GCSE in Music is beneficial in any direction you wish to take. Previous GCSE Music pupils have Āone on to careers in law, accountancy, medicine, pharmaceuticals, chemical enĀineerinĀ, bankinĀ, proÿessional perÿormers in the west end, teachinĀ and world renowned sinĀers. 47

GCSE PHYSICAL EDUCATION __________________________________________________________________________________________ Subject Leader: Mrs Knowles _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Examination Board, Specification and Number: Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Physical Education (1PE0) _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ WHAT IS THIS COURSE ABOUT? GCSE Physical Education is suited to pupils that have a passion ÿor PE and sport. You will participate in more practical PE, buildinĀ on the skills developed at KS3, as well as undertakinĀ theory lessons. StudyinĀ this course will help you to Āain an understandinĀ oÿ how physical activities benefit health, fitness and wellbeinĀ. WHAT WILL I STUDY? Component 1: Fitness and Body Systems 36% oÿ overall Ārade - written exam Applied anatomy and physioloĀy, movement analysis, physical traininĀ, use oÿ data Component 2: Health and Perÿormance 24% oÿ overall Ārade - written exam Health, fitness and wellbeinĀ, sport psycholoĀy, socio-cultural influences, use oÿ data Component 3: Practical Perÿormance 30% oÿ overall Ārade - three physical activities ÿrom a set list Component 4: Personal Exercise ProĀramme (PEP) 10% oÿ overall Ārade - written coursework For more inÿormation, please see the examination board website: https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-Ācses/physical-education-201 6.html 48

______________________________________________________________________________________ WHAT SKILLS OR PRIOR LEARNING DO I NEED TO DO WELL AT THIS GCSE? The most important requirement is a passion ÿor PE and sport. Iÿ you enjoy PE, take part in sport out oÿ school and/or reĀularly participate in extra-curricular PE clubs and school teams, then this course is suited to you. GCSE PE also covers lots oÿ theory work, some oÿ which links with many areas oÿ science, so an interest and aptitude ÿor BioloĀy really helps too. WHAT SKILLS WILL I DEVELOP STUDYING THIS GCSE? The aims and objectives oÿ GCSE PE enable you to: ❖ develop knowledĀe and understandinĀ oÿ the ÿactors that underpin physical activity ❖ understand how the physioloĀical and psycholoĀical state affects practical perÿormance ❖ perÿorm effectively in different physical activities by developinĀ skills and techniques ❖ develop your ability to analyse and evaluate how to improve perÿormance in physical activity and sport ❖ understand the contribution that physical activity and sport make to health, fitness and wellbeinĀ ❖ understand the key socio-cultural influences that can affect people’s involvement in physical activity and sport. WHAT DO PUPILS WHO STUDY GCSE PHYSICAL EDUCATION SAY ABOUT IT? “I always loved PE and ÿound the science behind it very interestinĀ too! A lot oÿ the theory you learn also links to your bioloĀy course so your knowledĀe can be applied elsewhere. It has massively shaped my ÿuture as I decided to continue onto A-Level PE and I will be ĀoinĀ to university in September to study to be a PE Teacher!” WHAT CAN I DO WITH A GCSE IN THIS SUBJECT? GCSE PE is Āreat preparation ÿor subjects such as A level PE or BTEC Sports Science/ Studies. It also links well with other A level courses like PsycholoĀy, BioloĀy, or Applied Science. The course links to a wide ranĀe oÿ university courses and careers, such as physiotherapy, osteopathy, medicine, diet and nutrition, teachinĀ, coachinĀ, sports development, sports manaĀement and personal traininĀ - to name a ÿew! 49

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