Northgate School Subject option summaries 2021/22

Page created by Roy Walsh
 
CONTINUE READING
Northgate School

Subject option summaries
         2021/22

                           1
Contents

Core subjects

      Subjects                                           Page
      English language                                       3
      English Literature                                     4
      Maths                                                  6
      Science                                                7
      PSHE (Unit Awards)                                     8
      Functional skills                                    9 - 10

Option subjects

       Subject                                              Page
       Art                                                   11
       Citizenship                                           12
       Drama                                                 13
       History                                               14
       Religious Studies                                     15
       Sociology                                             16

                           Other information
       Subject                                              Page
       Careers                                               17
       Options form                                          17

Remember – These are only some of the courses that are on offer.
If you are interested in studying a different subject, please talk to
Angela or Anna.

                                                                        2
AQA English Language GCSE
                               Course overview

What will I study?
GCSE English Language will help you develop a range of skills to read, understand and
analyse a wide range of different texts covering 19th, 20th and 21st century time periods. It
will also develop your written communication enabling you to write clearly, coherently and
accurately using a range of vocabulary and sentence structures.
English is an essential subject in the curriculum and will support your progression onto a
range of courses and further study.

How will I be assessed?
   • You will be assessed through two exams.
   • Each exam is 1 hour 45 minutes long
   • The total mark for each exam is 80 marks

Paper 1: Examination worth 50%: Creative reading and writing.

Paper 2: Examination worth 50%: Writers’ viewpoints and perspectives

Resources that will support my learning
AQA - https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/english
AQA has a range of past papers online and also has a copy of the full specification

Seneca - https://www.senecalearning.com/en-GB/
Seneca learning has online tutorials for different areas of the specification. It covers both
Language and Literature through short online modules. Seneca is a GREAT resource.

GCSE BBC Bitesize - https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/examspecs/zcbchv4
GCSE Bitesize offers a range of resources to support your studies with short quizzes at the
end of each topic.

Key texts                                        Key texts for literature
   •   For English language read as                  •   A Christmas Carol (Charles Dickens)
       much and as widely as you can.                •   A Taste of Honey (Shelagh Delaney)
       This includes newspapers, articles,           •   Romeo and Juliet (William
       journals, literature and poetry.                  Shakespeare)
                                                     •   Animal Farm

Top tips for success in English Language
   1. Read as much as you can! Read everything!
   2. Practice writing to time as frequently as possible
   3. Expand your vocabulary. Try to use as many new words as you can in your writing.
      Reading more will help you to do this.

                                                                                                3
AQA English Literature GCSE
                                 Course overview

What will I study?
GCSE English Literature is taught in combination with GCSE English Language and
encourages a world of creativity. Through studying a variety of texts you will explore the
characters, plot and language techniques the authors have used and this will help you to
develop your skills of analysis, critical thinking and self expression.

How will I be assessed?
   • You will be assessed through two exams.

Paper 1: Shakespeare and the 19th century novel:

    •    Examination worth: 1 hour 45 minutes

    •    64 marks - 40% of GCSE

Questions

Section A Shakespeare: students will answer one question on their play of choice. They will be

required to write in detail about an extract from the play and then to write about the play as a

whole.

Section B The 19th-century novel: students will answer one question on their novel of choice. They will

be required to write in detail about an extract from the novel and then to write about the novel as a

whole.

Paper 2: Modern texts and poetry:
   • Examination worth: 2 hour 15 minutes
   • 96 marks - 60% of GCSE
Questions

Section A Modern texts: students will answer one essay question from a choice of two on their

studied modern prose or drama text.

Section B Poetry: students will answer one comparative question on one named poem printed on

the paper and one other poem from their chosen anthology cluster.

Section C Unseen poetry: Students will answer one question on one unseen poem and one question

comparing this poem with a second unseen poem.

                                                                                                          4
Resources that will support my learning
 AQA - https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/english
 AQA has a range of past papers online and also has a copy of the full specification

 Spark notes -
 https://www.sparknotes.com/shakespeare/romeojuliet/
 https://www.sparknotes.com/lit/christmascarol/
 https://www.sparknotes.com/lit/animalfarm/plot-analysis/
 Provides a great summary of the plot and characters to be used in conjunction with the
 text.

 YouTube – Search:
 ‘Mr Bruff Romeo and Juliet’
 ‘Mr Bruff A Christmas Carol’
 ‘Mr Bruff Animal Farm’
 You’ll find lots of useful information here, including summaries, analyses and example essays

 Seneca - https://www.senecalearning.com/en-GB/
 Seneca learning has online tutorials for different areas of the specification. It covers
 both Language and Literature through short online modules. Seneca is a GREAT
 resource.

 GCSE BBC Bitesize - https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/examspecs/zcbchv4
GCSE Bitesize offers a range of resources to support your studies with short quizzes at the
end of each topic.

Key texts                                        Key texts for literature
   •   For English literature read                   •   A Christmas Carol (Charles Dickens)
       extensively This includes                     •   A Taste of Honey (Shelagh Delaney)
       newspapers, articles, journals,               •   Animal Farm (George Orwell)
                                                     •   Romeo and Juliet (William Shakespeare)
       literature and poetry.
                                                     •   AQA Poetry Anthology
       The poetry theme we will be
       looking at is Power and conflict.

Top tips for success in English Literature
       1.   Read as much as you can!
       2.   Practice writing to time as frequently as possible
       3.   Analyse what you read. Look at the language the author uses and consider the impact
            it has on you as a reader.

                                                                                                  5
AQA Mathematics GCSE

What will I study?
GCSE Mathematics will help you to develop basic skills that are used daily. Skills such as
problem solving, analysing data, communication, logical thinking, and attention to detail.
The course has a foundation tier (grades 1 – 5) and a higher tier (grades 4 -9). The topics
covered are:

   •   Number
   •   Algebra
   •   Ratio, proportion, and the rates of change
   •   Geometry and measures
   •   Probability
   •   Statistics

   Mathematics is an essential subject in the curriculum and will support your progression
   onto a range of courses and further study.

How will I be assessed?
   • You will be assessed through three exams.
   • Each exam is 1 hour 30 minutes long.
   • The total mark for each exam is 80 marks.
   • Each paper may contain content from any part of the specification.

Paper 1: Examination worth 33.3’%: Non – calculator paper.

Paper 2: Examination worth 33.3’%: Calculator paper.

Paper 3: Examination worth 33.3’%: Calculator paper.

Resources that will support my learning
AQA - https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/mathematics
AQA has a range of past papers online and has a copy of the full specification.

MathsWatch - https://vle.mathswatch.co.uk/vle/
MathsWatch has learning videos, worksheets, tests, and assignments that cover all topics
for the both foundation and higher tiers.

Top tips for success in Mathematics
   •   Practise, practise, practise!
   •   Revise at home as much as possible.
   •   Use the available resources, including pass papers.
   •   Time yourself when completing pass papers.

                                                                                              6
AQA GCSE Combined Science Trilogy
                           Course overview

What will I study?
In GCSE Combined Science Trilogy, you will study Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

Biology will give you a fundamental understanding of living organisms (such as animals,
plants and bacteria) from their cellular structure through to the effect they have on our
planet. You will look at human and plant tissues, organs and organ systems in more detail,
as well as our current understanding of genetics and evolution.

Chemistry will give you a solid grounding in what matter is fundamentally made of, that is,
atoms and molecules. You will also learn how and why these atoms and molecules come
together to make the millions of substances that make up the universe as we know it.

Physics is concerned with those things we cannot directly touch and see, forces and
energy, such as gravity, magnetism and electricity to name just some. You will learn that it
is these forces along with energy that underpin what takes place in Chemistry and Biology.

As well as studying the theory, you will also do practical work in all three sciences. The
practical work will give you the skills to analyse and evaluate data you have obtained
from your own and others experiments. This will give you a fundamental grasp of how
science is conducted in the real world.

Science is an essential subject in the curriculum and Combined Science Trilogy will support
your progression onto a range of courses and further study.

How will I be assessed?
   • GCSE Combined Science Trilogy is a double award. This means you will be
       awarded two GCSE’s.
   • You will be assessed through six exams papers, two in Biology, two in Chemistry and
       two in Physics.
   • Each paper is 1 hour 15 minutes long
   • The total mark for each paper is 70 marks
   • Each of the six papers is worth 16.7% of the total mark.

Resources that will support my learning
AQA - https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/combined-science-trilogy
AQA has a range of past papers online and also has a copy of the full specification

GCSE BBC Bitesize - https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/examspecs/z8r997h
GCSE Bitesize offers a range of resources to support your studies with short quizzes at the
end of each topic.

Top tips for success in Combined Science Trilogy
   •   Do your homework regularly. Make a note of what you are not sure of and ask a
       classmate or your teacher for help.
   •   Revise a little and often. Fifteen minutes of revision each evening will make a huge
       difference to your final grades.

                                                                                               7
AQA PSHE Unit Awards
                                Course overview

What will I study?
AQA PSHE Unit Awards will offer you the opportunity to gain practical knowledge and skills
to help you live safe, confident, healthy and responsible lives.
You will study units across three core themes: health and wellbeing, relationships, and living
in the wider world, including economic wellbeing and aspects of careers education.
These PSHE Unit Awards will act as a stepping stone towards further education,
employment, training or independent living.

How will I be assessed?
All PSHE units are accredited by AQA and will be Level 2 (equivalent to Higher Level GCSE)

   •   Each completed PSHE unit will initially be assessed by your teacher.
   •   All completed PSHE units will then be sent to the AQA exam board for moderation.
   •   AQA will accredit you with a certificate listing all your completed PSHE units.

There is no examination for PSHE.

Resources that will support my learning
AQA - https://www.aqa.org.uk/programmes/unit-award-scheme
AQA explains about the Unit Award Scheme and all the PSHE units can be found here with
a description of each one’s criteria and evidence required.

GCSE BBC Bitesize
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/z3ckjxs
GCSE Bitesize offers a range of great videos on all the PSHE topics being studied.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/careers
BBC Bitesize also offers a range of resources specifically on careers including what to study,
taking your exams, planning a career, the world of work, with lots of great tips and advice.

AQA Units (Autumn Term)                         AQA Units (Spring Term)
   •   Emotional Wellbeing                          •   Sex and Relationship Education
   •   Healthy Lifestyles                           •   Personal Finance
   •   Making Informed Career Choices               •   Personal Safety
   •   Applying for Jobs and Courses

Top tips for success in PSHE
   • When completing the PSHE units, read the criteria for each unit carefully and make
       sure you provide all the evidence required.
   •   Try and include examples based on your own views and experience.
   •   Complete all the AQA Unit Award assignments in your own words.

                                                                                                 8
Pearson Edexcel Functional Skills ICT Level 1/Level 2
                         Course overview

What will I study?
The Functional Skills Information and Communication Technology (ICT) qualification is
designed to give learners the skills to operate confidently, effectively, and independently
in education, work, and everyday life. It has been created in response to employers’
perceptions that many learners are not achieving a sufficiently firm grounding in the
basics. The Functional Skills ICT qualification will allow you to develop your confidence and
ability when using ICT systems and tools. You will learn how to find and select information,
as well as how to develop, present and communicate in both everyday life and work.

How will I be assessed?
You will be assessed through one exam lasting two hours. The total mark for the exam is 50
marks. During the exam you will be assessed on your ability to:
   • Use ICT
   • Find and select information
   • Develop, present, and communicate information

Resources that will support my learning
Edexcel
https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-functional-skills/ict.html
Edexcel has a range of past papers online and has a copy of the full specification.

REVISE Functional Skills ICT
https://www.pearsonschoolsandfecolleges.co.uk/secondary/Revision/Functional-Skills-
ICT/Revise-Edexcel-Functional-Skills-ICT/Revise-Edexcel-Functional-Skills-ICT.aspx
Pearson offers revision guides and workbooks suitable for independent study and exam
practice.

CGP Functional Skills ICT: Entry Level 3, Level 1 and Level 2 - Study & Test Practice
https://www.cgpbooks.co.uk/secondary-books/functional-skills/ict/isra3-new-functional-
skills-ict-entry-level-3
CGP offer a study guide providing explanations, examples, tips, and practice questions to
help you prepare for your exam.

GCSE BBC Bitesize
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/examspecs/zdjphbk
GCSE Bitesize offers a range of resources to support your studies with short quizzes at the
end of each topic.

Top tips for success in Functional Skills ICT
   •   Familiarise yourself with the specification
   •   Practise using Microsoft Office programs such as Word, PowerPoint, and Excel
   •   Make the most of the resources provided by your teacher and ICT study guide

                                                                                                9
AQA Functional Skills English Levels 1/2

What will I study?
 This specification for Functional Skills English Level 1 and Level 2, is designed to equip
learners with the life skills they need to succeed. It aims to ensure learners can
communicate with confidence and independence and offers excellent preparation for
employment and further education.
All students at Northgate have the opportunity to take functional skills qualifications.

How will I be assessed?
   • 1 x 60 min reading paper
   • 1 x 60 min writing paper
   • 1 x speaking, listening and communication task

Resources that will support my learning
AQA Functional Skills - https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/english/functional-skills/english-
8720-8725/specification-at-a-glance

                   AQA Functional Skills Maths Levels 1/2

What will I study?
This specification supports the development of maths skills and complements our GCSE
curriculum offer. Topics you will study include:

   1. Use of number and the number system
   2. Use of measures, shape and space
   3. Handling information and data

How will I be assessed?
How it's assessed

   •   1 x Non calculator paper 30 minutes.
   •   1 x Calculator paper 1 hour 30 minutes

Resources that will support my learning
AQA Maths Functional Skills - https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/mathematics/functional-
skills/mathematics-8361-8362/specification-at-a-glance

                                                                                              10
Art GCSE
What will I study?
The AQA art and design programme promotes student’s learning by offering a variety of
experiences in which to use a range of processes, tools, techniques, materials and
resources to evidence working methods and outcomes.
The GCSE will be delivered through the title of Art, Craft and Design and students will work
within two or more of the following areas of study:
• Fine art
• Graphic communication
• Textile design
• Three-dimensional design
• Photography

How will I be assessed?
Assessment Objectives
AO1: Develop ideas through investigations, demonstrating critical understanding of
sources.
AO2: Refine work by exploring ideas, selecting and experimenting with appropriate media,
materials, techniques and processes.
AO3: Record ideas, observations and insights relevant to intentions as work progresses.
AO4: Present a personal and meaningful response that realises intentions and
demonstrates understanding of visual language.

Component 1: Portfolio 60%
  • Students are requires to submit a portfolio that comprises a sustained project and a
     selection of further work which represents their course of study.
  • This will be continually developed over the course of the GCSE.

Component 2: Externally set assignment 40%
  • Students respond to their chosen starting point from an externally set assignment
     paper relating to their chosen title.
  • 10 hour supervised time.

Resources that will support my learning
AQA Subject Specific Vocabulary
https://www.aqa.org.uk/resources/art-and-design/gcse/art-and-design/teach/subject-
specific-vocabulary
Past Question Papers and Mark Schemes
https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/art-and-design/gcse/art-and-design-8201-
8206/assessment-resources

Top tips for success in GCSE Art
   1. Familiarise yourself with the 4 assessment objectives.
   2. Develop a genuine interest in the subject – visit art galleries, listen to relevant
        podcasts, follow artists on social media.
   3. Experiment!

                                                                                               11
Citizenship GCSE
What will I study?
Citizenship studies teaches you a range of skills such as debating, advocacy and how to
engage and plan active citizenship activities. You will also gain a range of knowledge
about aspects of British society including voting, elections, the legal system, human rights
and responsibilities and media.
Questions you will explore include:
     1. Should the voting age be lowered to 16 years?
     2. What should the age of criminal responsibility be?
     3. How can we encourage the government to take more action on climate change?
     4. How can I be an active citizen in my community?

Resources that will support my learning
UK Parliament website: https://learning.parliament.uk/en/resources/360-tour/

Law and sentencing : https://www.sentencingcouncil.org.uk/you-be-the-judge/

BBC news: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news

Paper 1                                        Paper 2
What's assessed?                               What's assessed
Section A: Active citizenship                  Section A: Life in modern Britain
Section B: Politics and participation          Section B: Rights and responsibilities

How it's assessed
• Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes              How it's assessed
• 80 marks                                     • Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes
• 50% of GCSE                                  • 80 marks
                                               • 50% of GCSE
Questions
 • Section A: Active Citizenship (40           Questions
marks)                                         • Section A: Life in modern Britain
• Section B: Politics and participation        questions (40 marks)
question (40 marks)                            • Section B: Rights and responsibilities
• Question types: multiple-choice,             questions (40 marks)
short answer, source-based                     • Question types: multiple-choice, short
questions, extended answer                     answer, source-based questions,
                                               extended answer

                                                                                          12
AQA Drama GCSE

What will I study?
GCSE Drama encourages creativity, explores practical work and theoretical appreciation
of aspects of theatre. In drama you will
You will have the opportunity to explore practitioners and performance texts from this
century through performance, design and academic study and also to experience live
theatre.

How will I be assessed?
   • You will be assessed through three components.

Component 1: Devising:
    •   a devised performance created and developed from a free choice of stimulus (15
        marks)
    •   a portfolio covering the creating and developing process and analysis and
        evaluation of this process which can be handwritten/typed/video recording (45
        marks)
    •   60 marks - 40% of GCSE
Component 2: Performance from Text:

    •   Students will either perform in and/or design for two key extracts from a
        performance text chosen by the school

    •   Externally assessed by a visiting examiner

    •   48 marks – 20% of GCSE

Component 3: Theatre Makers in Practice:

    •   written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes
    •   60 marks - 40% of GCSE
Questions
Section A: Bringing Texts to Life:
This section consists of one question broken into five parts (short and extended responses)
based on an unseen extract from a chosen performance text (45 marks)

Section B: Live Theatre Evaluation
This section consists of two questions requiring students to analyse and evaluate a live
theatre performance they have seen (15 marks)

                                                                                              13
AQA History GCSE

What will I study?
GCSE History will teach you the importance of not just learning history but learning from history.
Understanding past events and people and their significance will give you a better insight into the world
around you.
You will cover four major studies: Germany 1890-1945, Conflict and tension 1918-1939, Health and the
People c1000 to the present day and Elizabethan England c1568-1603.
Studying history will help you develop essential skills for further study.

How will I be assessed?
You will be assessed through two exams
Each exam is 2 hours long
The total mark for each exam is 84 marks

Paper 1: Examination worth 50%: Understanding the modern world
Paper 2: Examination worth 50%: Shaping the nation

Resources that will support my learning
AQA - https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/history/gcse/history-8145
AQA has a range of past papers online and also has a copy of the full specification.
Seneca - https://app.senecalearning.com/courses?Price=Free&Subject=History
Seneca learning has online tutorials and standardised assessments for all the AQA GCSE
history topics being studied. This is a GREAT resource.
GCSE BBC Bitesize - https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/examspecs/zxjk4j6
GCSE Bitesize offers a range of resources to support your studies of the AQA GCSE history
topics being studied with short quizzes at the end of each topic.

Key texts for Paper 1                                    Key texts for Paper 2
Hodder Education:                                        Hodder Education:
AQA GCSE History: Understanding the
modern world                                             Shaping the nation
Engaging with AQA GCSE (9–1) History:
Germany, 1890–1945, Democracy and                        Engaging with AQA GCSE (9–1) History:
dictatorship                                             Health and the people, c1000 to the
Conflict and tension, 1918–1939                          present day
                                                         Elizabethan England, c1568–1603
AQA Hodder Workbook on each topic
GCSE History Revision Guides (various)                   AQA Hodder Workbook on each topic
                                                         GCSE History Revision Guides (various)

Top tips for success in History
             1.   Take an enquiry-based approach to your learning.
             2.   Learn important dates/events, the really key ones!
             3.   Recall information through repeated revision and practice.
             4.   Apply the information to different contexts (ultimately exam questions).

                                                                                                            14
AQA Religious Studies GCSE

What will I study?
GCSE Religious Studies will help you to understand how religion, philosophy and ethics from
the basis of our culture and will prepare you for further study.
For this course you will study the beliefs, teachings and practices of two religions, chosen
from Christianity, Judaism, Islam
You will also study four religious, philosophical and ethical themes chosen from: religion
and life; relationships and families; the existence of God and revelation; religion, peace
and conflict; religion, crime and punishment; religion, human rights and social justice.

How will I be assessed?
   • You will be assessed through two exams
   • Each exam is 1 hour 45 minutes long
   • The total mark for each exam is 96 marks

Paper 1: Examination worth 50%: The study of religions: beliefs, teachings and practices

Paper 2: Examination worth 50%: Thematic studies

Resources that will support my learning
AQA - https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/religious-studies/gcse/religious-studies-a-8062
AQA has a range of past papers online and also has a copy of the full specification.

Seneca - https://app.senecalearning.com/courses?Price=Free&Subject=Religious+Studies
Seneca learning has online tutorials and standardised assessments for the whole AQA
GCSE Religious Studies course. This is a GREAT resource.

GCSE BBC Bitesize - https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/examspecs/zjgx47h
GCSE Bitesize offers a range of resources to support your study of AQA GCSE Religious
Studies (the beliefs, teachings and practices) with short quizzes at the end of each topic.

Key texts
Oxford University Press:                            AQA GCSE Religious Studies A (9-1)
GCSE Religious Studies for AQA A: Christianity      Workbook: Christianity and Islam for
GCSE Religious Studies for AQA A: Judaism           Paper 1
GCSE Religious Studies for AQA A: Islam             AQA GCSE Religious Studies A (9-1)
AQA GCSE Religious Studies A (9-1):                 Workbook: Themes through Christianity
Christianity and Islam Revision Guide               and Islam for Paper 2
AQA GCSE Religious Studies A (9-1):                 AQA GCSE Religious Studies A Revision
Christianity and Judaism Revision Guide             Guides (various)

Top tips for success in Religious Studies
   1.   Learn key terms and vocabulary. Try not to get terms confused between religions!
   2.   Use quotations to support your writing and know where they come from.
   3.   You can use the point, evidence, explain technique in this subject.
   4.   Give your opinion on the themes and if you don’t have one, make one up!

                                                                                              15
AQA Sociology GCSE

What will I study?
GCSE Sociology will help to develop your knowledge and understanding about society.
You will study the sociology of families, education, crime and deviance and social
stratification. The course is exciting, interesting and relevant to your lives!
It will also develop your skills of investigation and constructing balanced arguments, as well
as strengthen your analytical and research skills, all of which will support your progression
onto a range of courses and further study.

How will I be assessed?
   • You will be assessed through two exams
   • Each exam is 1 hour 45 minutes long
   • The total mark for each exam is 100 marks

Paper 1: Examination worth 50%: The sociology of families and education

Paper 2: Examination worth 50%: The sociology of crime & deviance & social stratification

Resources that will support my learning
AQA - https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/sociology/gcse/sociology-8192
AQA has a range of past papers online and also has a copy of the full specification

Seneca - https://app.senecalearning.com/courses?Price=Free&Subject=Sociology
Seneca learning has online tutorials and standardised assessments for the whole AQA
GCSE Sociology course. This is a GREAT resource.

GCSE BBC Bitesize - https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zbbw2hv
GCSE Bitesize offers a range of resources to support your GCSE Sociology studies with short
quizzes at the end of each topic.

Key texts
Hodder Education:
AQA GCSE (9-1) Sociology, Updated Edition
My Revision Notes: AQA GCSE (9-1) Sociology
AQA GCSE (9-1) Sociology Workbook Paper 1: The sociology of families and education
AQA GCSE (9-1) Sociology Workbook Paper 2: The sociology of crime and deviance and
social stratification

Top tips for success in Sociology
            1. Learn sociological definitions.
            2. Make sure you have a good knowledge and understanding of the main
               theories.
            3. Be able to apply the main theories to the four main topic areas.
            4. Be aware of different research methods (even though there is no separate
               question on these!) as you will be asked about them in the four main topics.

                                                                                            16
Careers websites and resources

http://www.plotr.co.uk – Games, and activities which are matched to you to get you
thinking about your next steps

www.nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk - The National Careers Service provides
information, advice and guidance to help you make decisions on learning, training and work
opportunities. The service offers confidential and impartial advice. This is supported by
qualified careers advisers.

www.apprenticeships.org.uk/ - The official government website to find out about
apprenticeships.

https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship - National database of apprenticeship vacancies.

www.careersbox.co.uk/ - A free online library of careers related film, news and information.
Case study films show real people doing real jobs, giving viewers insight into careers across all
sectors and helping them to find the right career.

https://www.careerpilot.org.uk Career pilot offers quick videos and impartial information
and advice about options and different types of qualifications.

FAQ.

Q. What grades do I need to study A Levels?

A. For 3 A Level subjects most providers require 6 GCSEs grades 9-4 in academic
subjects. In addition, there are subject specific entry criteria which relate to the
specific demands of the subject. Some highly competitive post 16 providers may
have higher entry requirements?

Q. What grades do I need to study a L3 BTEC?

A. Most L3 BTEC courses require five GCSEs, with four of these being grade 4
or above including maths, and one being GCSE English language at 5 or
above.

Note: For entry requirements for L2 courses and apprenticeships visit the website of
the provider or speak with Stuart or Anna for further information.

                                                                                              17
Option choices

Name of student:

Instructions: Please select whether you would like to study GCSE Science
Trilogy or GCSE Biology.

GCSE Science trilogy

GCSE Biology

Instructions: Write down the names of the two option subjects that you would
like to take. If you want to take one option subject write study support under
the option 2 choice.

Option choice 1.

Option choice 2.

Signed by student: ______________________________________________________

Signed by parent/ carer: __________________________________________________

                                                                            18
You can also read