Woodbrook Vale KS4 Curriculum Options 2020 - A subject choice guide for students and parents - Woodbrook Vale School
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Woodbrook Vale
KS4 Curriculum Options 2020
A subject choice guide for students and parents
Aspire Enjoy Succeed
Contents
Page
Message from the Headteacher 2
Key Dates 2
The Core Curriculum 3
Advice and Recommendations 4
Core Subjects
English 5
Mathematics 6
Statistics 7
Combined (double) Science 8
Option Choices
Business Studies 9
Computer Science 10
Dance 11
3D Design 12
Drama 13
Fine Art 14
Food Preparation and Nutrition 15
French 16
Geography 17
Health and Social Care 18
History 19
ICT 20
Media Studies 21
Music 22
Physical Education/Sport 23
Separate (triple) Sciences 24
Sociology 25
Spanish 26
Travel & Tourism 27
Option Form
Example Option Form 28
Contact details for Heads of Faculty and Subject 29
Leaders
Aspire Enjoy Succeed
Message from the Headteacher Dear Students, This booklet gives information about our curriculum offer this year. Each year we might offer slightly different choices. You should take advantage of all the information, advice and guidance available. This year the Senior Leadership Team will be arranging a special meeting with every one of our Year 9 students. This will mean every student will be getting their own specialist and personalised advice. We aim to support you in making ambitious choices for yourselves so that you can access the most exciting opportunities in your future. With the right combinations of subjects, everything will be open to you and you will be able to follow your dreams as they change and evolve throughout your lives. Enjoy the process and choose well! Rachael Fraser Headteacher Key Dates Weds 4 December 2019 Year 9 Options Introduction Assembly Thurs 19 December 2019 Year 9 Options booklets issued Weds 22 January 2020 Year 9 Options Day and Options evening Thurs 23 January 2020 Options forms issued Weds 12 February 2020 Options form deadline |2 Aspire Enjoy Succeed
What is in the Core Curriculum?
This section tells you what all students study at Woodbrook Vale
English 2 GCSEs (Language and Literature) Page 5
Maths 1 GCSE Page 6
Statistics 1 GCSE Page 7
Combined (Double) Science 2 GCSEs Page 8
Core Physical Education (PE) Developing personal health and fitness Page 3
Personal Development (PD) PSHE, Citizenship and RE Page 3
Personal Development (PD)
All students will have fifteen minutes of tutor time each day when you will develop skills for
life and understanding of your personal wellbeing. This includes Finance, Health, Identity
and Diversity, Understanding Risk and Relationships and Religious Education. You will also
be taught the importance of Citizenship, how democracy works and your rights and
responsibilities. This may be supported by ‘drop down’ days with a PD-based programme.
Careers Education will also be taught in as part of the PD programme and you will develop
skills to enable you to succeed in further learning and work.
Core Physical Education (PE)
At Key Stage 4, all students at Woodbrook Vale will have
two lessons a week of core Physical Education where you
will have the chance to develop your physical skills,
knowledge and understanding through a variety of sports.
You will also be given information that helps you
appreciate the importance of being physically active
throughout life.
Your PE teacher will be helping you develop your overall
personal fitness, the skills and techniques needed for the
activities covered and how to improve your understanding
of rules, tactics and strategies.
Aspire Enjoy Succeed |3
Advice and Recommendations
It is not always possible that every subject will run, for example, if very few people show an
interest in taking it. Also it may not be possible for every student to be offered their first
choice option subjects. If some subjects are oversubscribed we will look at their previous
attitude to learning in that subject to help allocate places.
Examination boards sometimes make changes to the content of courses after we have
printed this options booklet.
We do not recommended that you study more than one design option (Fine Art, Design
Technology and Food Preparation & Nutrition) unless you are very secure in your desire to
undertake these subjects at Post-16 and as a future career.
Some subjects may have trips and visits as part of the curriculum. In these cases, the
school may ask for a voluntary contribution to cover the cost of the activity.
Separate (triple) Sciences should only be chosen if your target for GCSE is grade 5 or
above. Your science teacher should also approve this choice.
Computer Science is a very mathematical GCSE and is recommended for students with an
interest in coding and an aptitude for mathematics.
ICT, Health & Social Care, Travel & Tourism and Sports Studies are vocational qualifications
and are suitable for those students who enjoy a practical way of learning.
If you feel that studying 4 option courses may not be appropriate because of the specific
needs of individual students, then please contact Mrs Moors (Assistant Headteacher) to
discuss how a more personalised programme may be of benefit.
Please speak to your tutor if you need any option choice advice
The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) combination
The Department for Education recommends these core subjects, which make up the English
Baccalaureate (EBacc), and help keep options for young people open:
English language and English literature
Maths
Science - Combined science or 3 separate sciences
History or Geography
A language
The EBacc is not a qualification in its own right – it’s a combination of GCSE subjects, including a
language, that offer an important range of knowledge and skills to young people.
While your child may not have decided on their future career path yet, choosing the EBacc at GCSE
gives them access to a full range of employment options when they leave secondary school and
the broad knowledge that employers are looking for.
If they are thinking of going to university, the EBacc is also recommended by Britain’s most
prestigious universities.
|4 Aspire Enjoy Succeed
Core Subject
English
Introduction will also be used to embed some themes,
The English course will consist of both certainly when studying Shakespeare. Work is
English Language and English Literature, varied and may include theatre visits in order
taught in parallel through Years 10 and 11, to aid your learning.
building on the knowledge, skills and
understanding acquired throughout Key Assessment
Stage 3. All candidates will study a linear course for
both English Language and English
Within English Language students will enjoy Literature.
the study of creative writing, extended
reading and spoken language and studying English Language
Shakespeare, poetry and modern classics in Is 100% examination, organised into two
English Literature. units:
Fiction and Imaginative Writing (worth
All students will study English Language and 40% of your marks when combined)
English Literature, achieving two full GCSEs. Non-fiction and Transactional Writing
(worth 60% of your marks when
combined)
English Literature
Is also 100% examination, organised into two
units:
The 19th-century Novel and Poetry since
1789 (worth 50% of your total GCSE
marks)
Shakespeare and Post-1914 British
Literature (worth 50% of your overall
marks when combined)
Beyond GCSE
Summary of the topics you will cover: A GCSE in English is required by most
colleges for further study in A-levels and
English Language vocational courses. GCSEs in English
Understanding, reading and enjoying Language and Literature also open doors to
non-fiction texts and composing your own careers in journalism, television and media,
written non-fiction communications, teaching and many others.
Speaking and Listening assignment
Extended reading and creative writing Find out more
Your English teacher will be happy to talk to
English Literature you in a little more detail about the GCSE
An exploration of modern texts including English Language and Literature courses.
modern prose or drama and exploring
cultures
Poetry across time
The significance of Shakespeare and the
English Literary Heritage
Teaching strategies
You’ll be exposed to a range of fiction and
non-fiction novels and extracts including
poetry, short-stories and speeches. Drama
Aspire Enjoy Succeed |5
Core Subject
Mathematics
Introduction Assessment
Mathematics is an essential tool of Edexcel GCSE Mathematics
communication as well as being a fascinating Students will sit 3 exam papers of equal
subject in its own right. This is a core weighting; 1 hour 30 minutes each. (1 Non-
subject, which all students will study to GCSE calculator and 2 Calculator papers).
level. Mathematics GCSE includes There will be a mix of question styles, from
transferable skills to help you in your other short, single-mark questions to multi-step
subjects. You will learn to use problem- problems. The mathematical demand
solving strategies and to work efficiently by increases as a student progresses through
breaking down complex situations into the paper.
simpler steps.
Foundation papers now start at, and reach, a
Summary of the topics you will cover higher level.
In the new Foundation papers, marks will be
Number allocated like this.
Understand place value and the decimal 50% 50%
number system 1 2 Lower 3 Upper 3 4 5
Understand and use relationships
between numbers Higher papers now start at a higher level
Develop methods of computation than in the previous GCSE, which started at
Solve numerical problems grade D.
Algebra More emphasis is now being placed on the
Understand and use functional top end grades. Previously 25% of questions
relationships were targeted A/A*, but now 50% of
Understand and use equations and questions in each paper are targeted at the
formula grades 7 -9.
Geometry and Measures In the new higher papers, marks will look like
Understand and use properties of shape this.
Understand and use properties of 50% 50%
position, movement and transformation 4 5 6 7 8 9
Ratio, Proportion and Rates of Change
Change freely between related units Beyond GCSE
Use scale factors, scale diagrams Mathematical experts are in demand across
Understand and use proportion as all kinds of industries, the world over. You’ll
equality of ratios have access to career opportunities in sectors
Statistics & Probability you may never have even considered, from
The mathematics of chance and the Engineering, Accountancy and Banking to
knowledge of how to describe events in Law or Medicine. A GCSE in Mathematics is a
terms of probabilities requirement for further study at A Level,
How to collect, process, represent and University courses and vocational courses. It
interpret data is evidence of a logical mind and the ability to
Number problem solve.
Teaching strategies
The change to the GCSE Mathematics Find out more
curriculum means there is more emphasis Your mathematics teacher will be happy to
placed on the deep understanding of talk to you about the course.
mathematics, therefore the GCSE
mathematics course will begin in year 9.
Students will be set according to their ability.
|6 Aspire Enjoy Succeed
Core Subject
Statistics
Introduction Assessment
The aim of the Edexcel Statistics GCSE is to Students will sit two written papers of equal
help students acquire knowledge and weighting and time. Students will complete
understanding of statistical techniques and their Statistics GCSE in Year 10.
concepts and encourage statistical problem
solving. Students will develop an Written Paper
understanding of the importance and Both papers are 1 hour 30 minutes and cover
limitations of statistics. short, medium and extended response
questions in line with the collection of data,
processing, representing and analysing data
Summary of the topics you will cover and probability.
Foundation Tier
The collection of data: Planning, types of Beyond GCSE
data, population and sampling, collecting A GCSE in Statistics will help support many
data degree courses which may have Statistics as
Processing, representing and analysing a module. It is evidence of a logical mind and
data: Diagrams and representations, the ability to problem solve. A GCSE in
measures of central tendency, further Statistics can open doors to careers in
summary statistics, scatter diagrams and Statistical Analysis, Science and Engineering.
correlation, time series, estimation
Reasoning, interpreting and discussing Find out more
results: Probability Your mathematics teacher will be happy to
talk to you about the course.
Higher Tier
The collection of data: Planning, types of
data, population and sampling, collecting
data
Processing, representing and analysing
data: Tabulation, diagrams and
representations, measures of central
tendency, measures of dispersion, further
summary statistics, scatter diagrams and
correlation, time series, quality assurance,
estimation
Reasoning, interpreting and discussing
results: Probability
Teaching strategies
GCSE Statistics is designed to complement
the GCSE in Mathematics. It also emphasises
the theoretical, practical and applied nature
of the subject.
Aspire Enjoy Succeed |7
Core Subject
Combined Science
Environmental chemistry, which looks
at the impact of human endeavour
Analytical chemistry
Factors which affect the rate of a
Introduction reaction
Science is the study of the universe and Salts and electrochemistry
everything in it. The combined science
course develops skills needed to examine and Physics includes:
evaluate scientific theories. The course is Energy transfers and how energy is
hands-on with experiments being used so used
that students discover, experience and learn Generation, production and use of
what makes the world tick. electricity
Waves, radiation and the use of
lenses
Motion including velocity and
acceleration
Forces
Radioactivity and nuclear physics
Do I have to choose science at GCSE?
Science is a core subject. You have the
option to choose Separate (triple) Sciences
which adds a third science GCSE.
Summary of the topics you will cover: Teaching strategies
The combined science course is a double Combined Science will be taught by
award so students get two GCSEs covering specialists in Chemistry, Biology and Physics.
content from Chemistry, Biology and Physics. Both theory and practical work will be
undertaken.
Biology includes:
Human biology, including health, the Assessment
development of medicine and drugs, Combined Science is 2 GCSEs; the exam
the role of enzymes in the body and board is AQA. Assessment is 100% exam
respiration based. There will be 2 exams for each area
Evolutional biology, which looks at Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Students will
how adaptation in a species allows for be expected to complete 16 required
survival of the fittest practicals during the course. They must
Modern developments in biology, understand these fully as questions about
including genetic engineering and them will be in the exam.
cloning
Plant life and ecology Beyond GCSE
GCSE science is an entry requirement for
Chemistry includes: many further educational courses. If you
Fundamentals in chemistry, atomic want to do A-level science you will need at
structure, the periodic table, bonding least a grade 6 in GCSE combined science.
and chemical formulae
The chemistry of construction, metals Find out more
and the useful products of rocks Please speak to your science teacher if you
The chemistry of oil, which deals with have any questions.
everything from fuels to plastics
|8 Aspire Enjoy Succeed
Option
Business Studies
Introduction
The GCSE in Business
Studies is industry relevant, geared to key
sector requirements and very popular with
schools and colleges because it suits such a
broad range of learning styles and abilities.
Business skills are essential for success in
employment and provide fundamental
knowledge required by employers, in addition
to providing transferable skills for future
study.
Teaching strategies
Summary of the topics you will cover: GCSE Business Studies is an academic
Students will have to study a variety of qualification that takes an engaging, practical
topics, these include: and inspired approach to studying business.
Business in the real world Theory, problem solving and working in a
Influences on business team are all important parts of the course.
Business operations
Human resources Assessment
Marketing The course is assessed through two written
Finance exams papers, each one lasting 1 hour 45
minutes. Each paper counts for 50% of the
Subject content: GCSE. The qualification is linear, meaning
Students apply their knowledge and that students will sit all their exams at the
understanding to different business contexts end of the course.
ranging from small enterprises to large
multinationals and businesses operating in Beyond GCSE
local, national and global contexts. Students Studying and succeeding in GCSE Business
develop an understanding of how these Studies can lead to students studying the
contexts impact on business behaviour. following at A-Level.
Business Studies
The course requires students to draw on their Economics
knowledge and understanding to: Accounting
Use business terminology to identify
and explain business activity Find out more
Apply business concepts to familiar Further information about the units and the
and unfamiliar contexts methods of assessment will be available from
Develop problem solving and decision Mr Khan or by visiting the AQA website.
making skills relevant to business
Investigate, analyse and evaluate http://www.aqa.org.uk
business opportunities and issues
Make justified decisions using both
qualitative and quantitative data
including its selection, interpretation,
analysis and evaluation
Aspire Enjoy Succeed |9Option
Option
Computer Science
Introduction
The course gives
students a real, in-
depth understanding
of how computer
technology works.
Students will no doubt be familiar with the
use of computers and other related
technology from ICT/Computing at Key Stage
3 and also their other subjects.
However, this course will give them an
insight into what goes on ‘behind the scenes’,
including computer programming, which
many students find absorbing.
Teaching strategies
Summary of the topics you will cover: Computer Science is an academic
qualification. The lessons will have a strong
Component 01 – Computer Systems focus on problem solving and logical thinking,
Component 01 focuses on Computer with students expected to display their
Systems, such as software security and learning using a variety of methods. Students
networks. It is an examined unit and makes will be able to use computers to aid their
up 40% of the assessment total. studies, but time spent working in groups will
Component 02 – Computational prove to be just as valuable.
Thinking, Algorithms and Programming
Component 02 is a written exam, focused on Assessment
computational thinking and algorithms. The two units are assessed through two
Students are principally assessed on their written exams. The other unit requires
ability to write, correct and improve students to complete an assessed
algorithms. programming project under timed conditions
Component 03 – Programming Project in school.
(non-exam assessment). This component
is the non-exam assessment where Beyond GCSE
candidates will be challenged by a range of If you choose to study Computer Science at
exciting and engaging tasks to apply the GCSE level, then it can lead to studying
knowledge and skills they have learned. Computing at A-Level and then at University
if you desire.
What will I learn?
A Computer Science qualification is relevant A Computer Science qualification is a good
to the modern and changing world of basis for work as an IT consultant, computer
computing. It is a practical subject where hardware engineer, web designer, software
learners can apply the knowledge and skills engineer, analyst, network administrator,
learned in the classroom to real-world software applications developer and IT
problems. It is an intensely creative subject project manager.
that involves invention and excitement.
Computer Science will value computational Find out more
thinking, helping learners to develop the skills Further information about the Computer
to solve problems and design systems that do Science course is available from Mr Danby or
so. by visiting the OCR website:
http://www.ocr.org.uk/
| 10 Aspire Enjoy SucceedOption
Dance
Introduction Assessment
GCSE Dance is a diverse, interesting and GCSE Dance is 60% practical and 40%
highly practical course. Over the two years theory. The exam board is AQA. The course
you will explore a variety of dance styles. is broken down into:
You will learn how to structure and create
dances (choreography), develop performance Component 1:
skills and build analysis skills to enable you to Performance 30%, Set phrases through a
understand and evaluate dance works. solo performance (approximately one minute
in duration)
Duet/trio performance (three minutes in a
Summary of the topics you will cover: dance which is a maximum of five minutes in
duration)
Performance Choreography 30% - Solo or group
Choreography choreography – a solo (two to two and a
Critical Appreciation half minutes) or a group dance for two to five
Safe Practice dancers (three to three and a half minutes)
Prescribed Professional Works
Component 2:
Dance Appreciation 40% - A 1 hour 30
Should I take dance at GCSE? minute exam testing knowledge and
Yes if you: understanding of choreographic processes
Have a passion for dance and performing skills
Are enthusiastic and open-minded to Critical appreciation of own work
varying styles of dance
Enjoy performing your work in front of Critical appreciation of professional works
others
Have a keen interest in making up
dances
Want to develop your communication
skills and enjoy working as part of a
team
Are committed to hard work and are
prepared to put in the time to practise
and refine your dancing ability
Beyond GCSE
Teaching strategies
You will take part in practical and theory This is a favourable qualification for students
lessons every week. You will be learning who would like to pursue dance/performing
teacher led choreography and be supported arts in the future. GCSE Dance also provides
with choreography work based on a set a fantastic opportunity to develop confidence,
theme. Professional dance works will be cooperation and creativity.
studied with the opportunity to watch a live
performance. Find out more
If you have any questions or would like to
find out more please see Mrs Blaze or Mrs
Diaper.
Aspire Enjoy Succeed | 11Option
3D Design
Introduction Enjoy making models with a range of
Our daily lives revolve around well designed different materials such as woods,
products. This course allows students to use plastics, card and metals
Enjoy solving problems and finding
their imagination and creative skills to design
solutions
and make a range of products suitable for Can plan and organise your time
human use. The course specification is effectively
AQA GCSE Art & Design (3D Design)
Teaching strategies
Summary of the topics you will cover Students will learn in a variety of ways. They
In Year 10 Students will design and make a will conduct primary and secondary research
range of products based on particular when assessing their ideas and work hands
themes. They will develop their design skills on with tools and machines to develop their
as well as practical skills, allowing them to practical skills.
bring their ideas into reality.
Shortly after the first term students will begin
their coursework which makes up 60% of the
course. Students produce a sustained project
where they research, produce a range of
ideas and models leading onto a final
practical piece.
In Year 11 students will continue working on
their coursework portfolio and begin Assessment
preparing for the exam in January, where Portfolio of design & make tasks
they will respond to set tasks, followed by a worth 60% of their final mark.
practical exam in April of Year 11. Externally set task worth 40% of
final mark.
Beyond GCSE
This subject is useful to those who are:
Considering further education after
GCSEs in Product Design, Industrial
Design, Exhibition Design, Resistant
Materials or Technology and
Engineering.
Interested in working in Design,
Engineering or many other skilled
trades.
Should I take 3D Design at GCSE?
Find out more
Yes, if you:
If you want to find out more about the
Are enthusiastic and enjoy your
course please see your Mr Worth or Mrs
design lessons
Elliott.
Enjoy developing ideas and coming up
with new ones
Like producing design drawings and
sketches of your ideas
| 12 Aspire Enjoy SucceedOption
Drama
Introduction Teaching strategies
Drama is an exciting, creative and You will experience a combination of
challenging course. It consists of a wide performance and theoretical work during the
range of stimulating activities designed to course. Some of the techniques used in
encourage students to develop as effective lessons will include cross-cutting, forum
and independent learners. theatre and split scene. Students are also
encouraged to assess each other and work in
Students will develop an insight into and an teams to deliver a performance.
understanding of a wide range of drama
techniques. They will be required to develop Assessment
and demonstrate competence in a range of Drama is assessed in three parts:
practical, creative and performance skills
Component 1: Understanding Drama
The course specification is AQA. A written exam paper worth 40% of the
overall mark. This is separated into 3
compulsory sections which cover knowledge
of theatre terms, study of a set text (play)
and analysis of a performance of live theatre
seen by students.
Component 2: Devising Drama
A controlled assessment in Devised
Performance with an accompanying portfolio
worth 40% combined (comprising a Devising
Log worth 60 marks = 75% of the overall
40% and a Devised Performance worth 20
marks = 25% of the overall 40%).
Summary of the topics you will cover: Component 3: Texts in Practice
Practical Drama workshops completed (practical)
during the course Two extracts from one play (each marked out
Study and performance of a scripted of 20 and worth 10% EACH - 20% in total of
play the overall qualification). These are based on
Study of a live theatre production practical Drama skills demonstrating the
seen by the students abilities of a performer.
Practical production skills centred
around acting and stage management Please be aware that in order to successfully
complete the course students will be
Should I choose Drama? expected to see a live performance of a set
Yes if you: play. This may be organised through school.
Have a passion for performance arts
Want to develop your communication Find out more
skills and work as part of a team Mrs Hopkinson will be happy to talk to you in
Are committed to hard work and a little more detail about the GCSE Drama
prepared to put in time for rehearsals course. Alternatively, the course specification
Are interested in theatre and live is available to view online at
performances http://www.aqa.org.uk.
Enjoy expressing yourself and being
creative
Aspire Enjoy Succeed | 13Option
Fine Art
Introduction
In the Fine Art course you will be able to Teaching strategies
experience a range of two and three You will work from given starting points and
dimensional work such as painting, drawing, have the opportunity in lessons to experiment
mixed media, collage, print-making, with, and develop, skills and media. You will
photography and sculpture. The GCSE keep on-going sketchbooks throughout the
specification is AQA Art and Design (Fine course and present these, a portfolio of work
Art). and final pieces for assessment. All class
work and homework from the start of Year
Summary of the topics you will cover: 10 count towards your final GCSE grade.
You will explore the formal elements; colour,
line, tone, texture, shape, form and become Assessment
more aware of Art and Design processes in
two and three-dimensions. A Portfolio of Work, which is
developed over Years 10 and 11
You will research and develop your ideas (60%)
from given starting points, such as Formal Final Examination in Year 11 (40%)
Elements, Decay, and Effects of Light into
finished pieces of artwork. Beyond GCSE
A-level, BTEC, Degree qualifications and
You will learn about the work of other artists Careers in: Art and Design, Fashion,
and designers who have inspired your ideas. Graphics, Architecture, Photography,
Animation.
Find out more
If you want to find out more about the
course, please see Mrs Philippou or Mrs
Elliott.
Should I take Fine Art at GCSE?
Yes, if you:
Are enthusiastic about Art and enjoy
your Art and Design lessons
Want to be practical and creative
Can work independently
Like to experiment with different
media and want to improve your skills
and understanding of Art
Like to find out about different artists
| 14 Aspire Enjoy SucceedOption
Food Preparation and Nutrition
Introduction item per week, in preparation for the Food
Investigation/Preparation Assessments.
The GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition Knowledge and understanding of the topic
course builds upon the skills, knowledge and areas can be gained via class notes,
understanding students have gained whilst completion of homework tasks, video clips,
studying Food and Nutrition in Years 7, 8 and group and individual research from primary
9. It covers a range of topics and will enable and secondary sources.
students to develop recipes which are suited
to the needs of individuals or families, to Assessment
understand the links between diet and
health, where food comes from and the Two Food Investigation Assessments
science of food and nutrition. worth 50% of the final grade. Both
are in Year 11: a food science
The course specification is AQA GCSE Food investigation for 10 hours/2000
Preparation and Nutrition. words, and a design and make project
for 20 hours/20 sides of A4
Summary of the topics you will cover: One written exam paper worth 50%
of the final grade (1 hour 45 minutes)
Food, nutrition and health
Food science Beyond GCSE
Food safety
Food choice This subject is useful to those who are:
Food provenance Interested in working within the food
industry, health service or care
Food Preparation and Nutrition is a practical industry
and theoretical subject. You will develop and Considering further education in Food
show your food preparation and handling and Nutrition, Food Technology, NVQ
skills through practical activities, whilst Catering, A-level Health and Social
applying relevant knowledge and Care or A-level Human Biology
understanding of these 5 areas.
Find our more
Should I take GCSE Food Preparation Please see Miss Reeves for more details.
and Nutrition?
Yes, if you:
Are interested in developing your
practical cooking skills
Are interested in science and how
food works
Enjoy learning about nutrition, food
products, food preparation, food
science, diet and health
Teaching Strategies
You will develop your food preparation and
food handling skills through weekly practical
sessions which will involve meal production,
experimental work, testing and modifying
recipes - often cooking more than one
Aspire Enjoy Succeed | 15Option
French
Introduction Teaching strategies
You can opt to continue your French studies Students will have access to on-line resources
at Key Stage 4. This GCSE course builds on and extension tasks, and the latest audio-
the skills and understanding you have visual materials will be used in lessons.
developed in Years 7 to 9. A variety of topics
are covered, some of which will be totally A great emphasis will be put on conversation.
new, and others more familiar, which you will Students may have opportunities to speak to
study in greater depth. native speakers. Authentic reading and
listening resources will be used to improve
your comprehension and you will tackle many
different writing tasks from writing e-mails to
writing magazine articles. Translation from
English into French and from French into
English are now an integral part of learning a
language at GCSE; this is an excellent skill to
have in the work place.
Assessment
The topics relate to three themes which GCSE languages are assessed in the four skill
you will cover over 2 years: areas of Listening, Reading, Speaking,
Writing, each accounting for 25% of the final
Identity and culture marks. Speaking assessments are conducted
Local, national, international and by your class teacher at the end of Year 11.
global areas of interest The Listening, Reading and Writing
Current and future study and examinations are sat in the summer term of
employment year 11.
The GCSE requires that all topics are studied
in the context of the home nation and
Francophone countries allowing students to
learn about the culture of French speaking
countries as well as learning the language.
Independent Learning
Students taking this course should ideally
have attained a grade 4 or above in their
French studies at KS3. You must be Beyond GCSE
prepared to work independently and to learn A GCSE in a modern foreign language
vocabulary regularly. There will be resources enables you to take an A-level in that
in place to support you and a drop in French language and is highly valued by employers
help clinic at lunchtime designed just for KS4. as well as Further and Higher Education
providers. With it, you will have a
Should I take French at GCSE? competitive edge in the job market, giving
Yes, if you: yourself increased opportunities to travel and
Want to learn about the world we live in work abroad.
and understand different cultures
Would like to improve your Find out more
communication, memory and problem- Your MFL teacher will be happy to talk to you
solving skills about the course and answer any questions
Enjoy learning and speaking French! you have.
| 16 Aspire Enjoy SucceedOption
Geography
Introduction Find out how people are connected and
GCSE Geography is an interesting subject interact with each other and their
that permits students to examine the environment
relationship between people and the fragile
environment we inhabit. This ability to link Teaching strategies
different viewpoints and disciplines provides A variety of teaching strategies are used and
students with the skills to solve problems that include group work, independent learning
we as a global population face. The course and enquiry based activities. Field work is an
specification is Eduqas B. integral part of the course and relevant visits
and techniques will be completed. These
skills add to and enhance your learning
experience. Data collected on field visits will
provide the opportunities to develop
interpretational and analytical skills which will
be applied to and used in paper 3.
Assessment
It is 100% exam and completed through 3
papers.
Component 1: Investigating geographical
issues and is worth 40% (1 hour 45 minutes)
Component 2: Problem solving and is worth
Summary of the themes you will cover: 30% (1 hour 30 minutes)
A variety of themes are covered which look at
human, physical and environmental Component 3: Applied field work enquiry and
Geography. The key themes cover the is worth 30% (1 hour 30 minutes)
following topics which are then assessed
through the 3 papers: Urbanisation, Fieldwork
Contrasting global cities, Urban and rural Please note that it is compulsory to undertake
processes and change in the UK, fieldwork and this may well be in the form of
Development issues, Coasts and coastal a residential visit.
management, Rivers and river management,
Weather and climate, Climate change, Beyond GCSE
Ecosystems, Water resources and Geography opens up a gateway to an exciting
management and Desertification. future. Students can continue to study
Geography at A-level. Other courses
Should I take Geography at GCSE? accessible include Travel and Tourism,
Yes, if you want to: Geology and Environmental Studies. More
Improve your understanding of global specific courses such as Town Planning are
issues, which will affect our lives now and also available.
in the future
Develop a better understanding of the Find out more
way the world works To find out more speak to Mrs Kimber or visit
Enhance your understanding of how the website below:
physical landscapes (e.g. rivers, coasts) http://www.eduqas.co.uk/qualifications/geogr
are formed aphy/gcse-b/
Express opinions about people and places
Find out about different cultures and
societies that are different from your own
Aspire Enjoy Succeed | 17Option
Health and Social Care
Introduction
The Pearson BTEC Level 1/Level 2 Tech Teaching Strategies
Award in Health and Social Care course will You will use practical techniques to measure
provide you with a good understanding of the health of a person and plan how to
Health and Social Care and will help you to improve it.
make choices about your future career You will communicate this to them using
choices. You will develop a wide range of techniques learnt, including the use of body
practical skills which are helpful for a career language and taking into account the needs
in one of the Health and Social Care industry of the person you are communicating with.
sectors.
Summary of the topics you will cover: You may produce a support plan for a person
with specific medical needs, a care plan for
Component 1: Human Lifespan an individual or design a creative activity for
Development a toddler group.
In this component, you will study how people
grow and develop over the course of their
life, from infancy to old age, this includes
physical, intellectual, emotional and social
development, and the different factors that
may affect them.
Component 2: Health and Social Care
Services and Values
This component will give you an
understanding of Health and Social Care
services and will help you develop skills in
applying care values that are common across
the sector (some of which are transferable to
other sectors that involve interactions with
clients or customers). Assessment
Component 1: Assessed tasks. (30% of total)
Component 3: Health and Wellbeing Component 2: Assessed tasks. (30% of total)
In this component, you look at the factors Component 3: External exam (40% of total)
that can have a positive or negative influence
on a person’s health and wellbeing. You will Beyond GCSE
learn to interpret physiological and lifestyle If you want to go into the caring professions
indicators, and what they mean for of social care or health care, you will have
someone’s state of health. You will learn how developed a large range of practical skills.
to use this information to design an Other skills you will have developed are
appropriate plan for improving someone’s communication, critical analysis and
health and wellbeing, including short- and evaluation, decision making and problem
long-term targets. solving.
Should I take Health and Social Care? Find out more
Yes if you: If you want to find out more about the
Like to work in a more practical way course, please see Mrs Moors.
Like to present things creatively
Are interested in people and their
health and lifestyles
| 18 Aspire Enjoy SucceedOption
History
Introduction
Should I take history at GCSE?
The History course builds on the skills and
understanding you have developed in Years 7 Yes, if you:
to 9. You will develop a range of skills such Are curious about the world we live in
as testing interpretations, source analysis & and want to understand where we came
evaluation and second order concepts such from
as causation, consequences and significance. Enjoy reading and are prepared to review
The exam board is AQA. The GCSE what you know
specification requires students to study 4 key Want to think for yourself instead of
areas; the development of medicine, a study being told the answer
of Germany, conflict and tension during the Can write well and want to improve from
inter-war years and the Elizabethan period. the feedback you gain in class
Have enjoyed your history lessons during
years 7, 8 and 9
Teaching strategies
You will use primary and secondary sources
and be expected to analyse and interpret
them. Activities are varied, you will receive a
lot of guidance on exam technique and
revision skills.
Assessment
Summary of the topics you will cover:
2 written papers, each 2 hours long and
An in depth investigation into the worth 50% each. They are both marked out
development of medicine from of 84 marks (including 4 marks for spelling,
medieval times to the present day. punctuation and grammar).
The course looks at the changes in
surgery, public health and the fight Beyond GCSE
against disease.
A study of Germany which includes History teaches students how to analyse
life under the last Kaiser, the impact information, construct arguments and assess
of WWI and formation of the Weimar facts. These skills are invaluable in many
constitution, the rise of the Nazis and careers including law, accountancy,
life in Nazi Germany. management and teaching.
An investigation of the impact of WWI
and causes of WWII, including a Find out more
study of peace and conflict in the
inter-war years. Your History teacher will be happy to talk to
An independent study of Elizabethan you about the course or see Mr Thornton, Mr
England which focuses on the Grundy or Mrs Burgess for more details.
government of Elizabeth I, life under
Elizabeth for Tudor England and
Elizabethan foreign policy. The
students will also need to study a site
of Elizabethan significance.
Aspire Enjoy Succeed | 19Option
ICT
Cambridge National – ICT
(Creative iMedia) Unit R082: Creating Digital Graphics
Digital graphics feature in many areas of our
lives, and play a very important part in
Why Take This today’s world. The digital media sector relies
Course? heavily on these visual stimulants within
The Cambridge products to communicate messages
National in effectively. The aim of this unit is for students
Creative iMedia is to understand the basics of digital graphics
media sector- editing for the creative and digital media
focused sector. This unit builds on Unit R081
qualification that
includes film, television, web development, Unit R084: Storytelling with a comic
gaming and animation. The course provides strip
knowledge in a number of key areas in this Comic strips are as popular today as ever.
field, from pre-production skills to digital They have evolved from their origins in the
animation. With an exciting selection of units early part of the 20th century as simple story
to achieve the certificate, students have the strips, to become whole genres of interest
freedom to explore the areas of creative that span the entire world. Through this unit,
media that interest them. students will explore different genres of
comic strip and the basics of comic strip
This vocationally-related ICT qualification creation. This unit builds on Units R081 and
takes an engaging, practical and inspiring R082.
approach to learning and assessment. It will
equip students with a range of skills and Unit R085: Creating a website
provide opportunities to develop, in context, Multipage websites are the basis of internet
transferable skills such as research, planning, content and are therefore used extensively in
and review, working with others and the creative digital media sector, whether for
communicating creative concepts effectively. mobile phones or computers in all their
The hands on approach has strong relevance forms. This unit will enable students to
to the way young people use the technology understand the basics of creating multipage
required in creative media. websites. It will enable students to
demonstrate their creativity by combining
components to create a functional, intuitive
Summary of the topics you will cover: and aesthetically pleasing websites.
Unit R081: Pre-production skills Assessment
Planning is an essential part of working in the Students will need to complete all 4 units to
creative and digital media sector. This unit gain the Certificate Award. Unit R081
will enable students to understand pre- contains a written paper which is set and
production skills and techniques used in the assessed by OCR. The remaining units will be
sector, as well as gain the knowledge and moderated by OCR. Unit and qualification
skills to create digital media products and results are awarded on a 7 grade scale with:
explore their application. Pass, Merit and Distinction at both Levels 1
It will also develop their understanding of the and 2, and with a new grading of Distinction*
client brief, time frames, deadlines and at Level 2 to further inspire students.
preparation techniques that form part of the Students’ performance on the units will
planning and creation process. determine their overall grade and level.
Find out more – please see Mr Danby
| 20 Aspire Enjoy SucceedOption
Media Studies
Introduction
Media Studies includes the study of
television, film, newspapers, magazines,
radio, advertising and pop music. To
complete this course you will study a range
of topics and create a practical production
where you could create a magazine or a
music video. During this course you will gain
skills in analysis, design, image production,
word processing, marketing, research,
journalistic techniques, filming and editing.
Teaching strategies
Media Studies will be taught for three lessons
a week. You will be expected to be self- What topics will I study?
motivated and have an enquiring mind. Much
of the course will be based around your own A mixture of film posters, old and new
research and areas of interest. In addition to (James Bond), magazines (GQ and Pride),
filming, web-design and editing, the course newspapers, (The Sun and the Guardian)
does have a large written element and will video games, (Fortnite) advertising, (Quality
require a commitment to meeting deadlines Street and This Girl Can), music videos
and a hardworking attitude. (Bruno Mars and Katy Perry) and TV drama,
including crime drama with a close study of
Assessment police show, Luther.
All students will study a linear course for two Find out more
years. The course is a mixture of exams and
creating a practical product. Please speak to Ms. Cellupica for further
Exploring the media is externally information about this course and what it can
assessed. A written examination of 1 hour offer. Alternatively, you can view the
30minutes (40%) specification at:
Understanding media forms and products
is externally assessed. A written http://eduqas.co.uk/qualifications/media-
examination of 1 hour 30 minutes (30%) studies/gcse/
Creating media products. Non exam
assessment (30%)
Beyond GCSE
GCSE Media Studies is a very popular course.
The media industry is a large and growing
area for employment and there are now
many media based courses at colleges and
universities.
Aspire Enjoy Succeed | 21Option
Music
Introduction AOS4 Western Classical Tradition 1910-
The Music course builds on the skills and Present Day - Aaron Copland, British
understanding you have developed in Years 7 Composers, Orchestral Music Kodaly and
to 9. It involves three sections: Performing, Bartok, Minimalism
Composing and Listening/Appraising. The
course specification is AQA GCSE Music. The
course is suitable for students who play a Should I take Music at GCSE?
musical instrument or students who have a Yes, if you enjoy:
keen interest in music.
Composing and performing music
Learning an instrument or singing
Creating music on computers
Learning about all types of music,
including popular, classical and world
Have enjoyed your Music lessons during
years 7, 8 and 9
Teaching strategies
You will learn about the music in the Areas of
Study and go on to compose music that is
related to those areas. You will also perform
a solo piece and take part in an ensemble
performance. Most of the course is based on
Summary of topics you will cover: practical lessons using instruments, with
Component 1: Performing Music theory being used to develop your
Solo Performance- Practice a performance musicianship further.
piece on your main instrument or using ICT
(GarageBand/Logic). Assessment
Ensemble Performance- Practice a Although the subject is divided into 3
performance piece on any instrument or components for the exam, the skills involved
using ICT with at least one other performer. are closely related and they all form an
essential part of a musician’s training. You
Component 2: Composing Music
will work on all units in parallel throughout
Composition 1- Compose a piece of music to
most of the course, completing the
a set brief provided by AQA out of a choice of
performing and composing during the course
four.
and the listening paper at the end of the
Composition 2- Free Composition which can
course.
be any style on any instrument.
Component 3: Listening and Appraising Beyond GCSE
Exam paper where students listen to pieces Students can continue to study music beyond
and answer questions based on these Year 11. GCSE music provides the necessary
following styles foundations to progress onto A-level Music,
AOS1 Western Classical Tradition 1650-1910 A-level Music Technology or BTEC Level 3
- Coronation Anthems, Concerto, Romantic Music qualifications that can be used to
Piano Music, Romantic Requiem progress to higher education (music degree)
AOS2 Popular Music - Rock and Pop from or progress into a strand of the music
1960’s- Present Day, Music from Broadway, industry.
Film and Computer Game Music
AOS3- Traditional Music - Blues, Fusion (incl. Find out more - Mr Parsons will be happy to
Reggae), Latin , Contemporary Folk talk to you about the course.
| 22 Aspire Enjoy SucceedOption
PE/Sports Studies
Introduction
There are two different sports qualifications Teaching strategies
available. Students who choose Both courses have a theoretical element,
PE/Sports Studies as an option will all putting into use the theory which is studied in
complete up to 6 weeks as an the classroom. Students will analyse their
introduction to the two courses. At this own and others’ performance in order to
point they will then decide whether to follow understand and improve their own grades.
GCSE PE or the Cambridge National in Sports
Studies. Assessment
The GCSE PE course requires students to The GCSE PE course has two examinations
have a strong understanding of the that make up 60% of the final grade. Marks
theoretical side of sport whereas the Sports for the final examination are also awarded for
Studies qualification focuses on the practical practical performance in three different
side of sport. activities, these must be from a specified list
including an individual event, a team event
and a third activity that can be either
individual or team.
The Sports Studies course is assessed
through a one hour written examination
paper, which equates to 25% of the course.
The other 75% is assessed through
assignments and coursework tasks which
students will have to complete both inside
and outside lesson time.
Beyond GCSE?
There is a very wide choice of courses
Summary of the topics you will cover: suitable for progression from both
The topics you will study in your theory qualifications, including various vocational
lessons cover the scientific, health and social Sports courses and A-level PE.
aspects of sport. They include:
Applied anatomy and physiology
Movement analysis
Physical training and the use of data
Health, fitness and well being
Sport psychology
Socio-cultural influences
Should I take PE/Sport as an option?
These courses are best for students who
want to learn more about the theory of sport
with a focus on how the body works, how Find out more
this enables people to perform at the highest PE staff will be available to discuss these
level and the barriers to people participating courses further with you if more information
in sport. is required.
Aspire Enjoy Succeed | 23Option
Separate (triple) Sciences
Introduction Further Physics:
Science is the study of the universe and Medical applications of physics
everything in it. The Separate Sciences Using physics to make things work
course further develops the skills needed to Using magnetic fields to keep things
examine and evaluate scientific theories. Like moving
Combined Science, the course is hands-on.
Separate Sciences gives additional time so Can I choose to take Separate Sciences
students delve deeper into key ideas that at GCSE?
fascinate us all. The Separate Sciences course is designed for
more able learners. If you have a passion for
science, and are working at grade 5 or higher
you can choose to take Separate Sciences.
Teaching strategies
Separate Sciences will be taught by
specialists in Chemistry, Biology and
Physics. Both theory and practical work will
be undertaken.
Assessment
Chemistry, Biology and Physics GCSEs are
100% exam based. Students will be expected
to carry out a number of required
experiments; questions about these will form
Summary of the topics you will cover: part of the exam. The exam board is AQA.
The Separate Sciences course comprises 3
GCSEs: Chemistry, Biology and Physics.
Beyond GCSE
Students follow the same content as students Separate Sciences are an excellent
on the Combined Science course. Further introduction for A-level science. Students
materials for Separate Sciences are wanting to take an A-level in science will
summarised below: need to attain at least a grade 6 in the
relevant GCSE. Along with English and
Further Biology:
mathematics, GCSEs science is often an entry
How humans can affect the requirement for university courses.
environment
Transport of substances in animals Find out more
and plants Please speak to your science teacher if you
Homeostasis: how the body maintains have any questions.
internal conditions
Further modern developments in
health care and biology
Further Chemistry:
Understanding the origins and use of
the periodic table
The water we drink
Endothermic and exothermic reactions
Identifying and analysing substances.
Organic Chemistry
| 24 Aspire Enjoy SucceedOption
Sociology
Introduction understanding of the research process by
Sociology is a social science which offers you considering the stages in carrying out
the opportunity to develop your knowledge research and in interpreting data. This will
and understanding of social behaviour and assist you in your assessment of the evidence
identity in the UK and other societies. You used to support or challenging theories in
will learn to analyse and evaluate sociological both components.
evidence gathered through questionnaires,
interviews, observation, official statistics, Should I take Sociology at GCSE?
documentaries and historical documents. Yes, if you:
You will be required to debate and criticise Want to develop critical understanding of
the evidence before drawing your own modern British society and other societies
informed conclusions. The course Want to understand the way in which
specification is Eduqas GCSE. people’s behaviour, beliefs and identity
are shaped and how they impact on
society
Want to develop a critical understanding
of the family and individual identity. This
includes knowledge of family structures
and relationships and the creation of
identity
Think Sociology may be a first step
towards a career in the caring
Summary of the topics you will cover: professions, education, the media, or the
criminal justice system. It will certainly
Component 1: Understanding Social provide a new perspective on the social
Processes world in which we live
This component focuses on the themes of
socialisation, identity and culture. You will Teaching strategies
study the key concepts and processes of You will use case studies and primary and
cultural transmission, including socialisation secondary sources. You will be expected to
and the acquisition of identity, and develop analyse and interpret them. Work is varied
these through detailed study of families and and will include revision sessions in order to
education. Sociological research methods are aid your learning.
presented as a separate topic area but are
also taught in relation to the topics Assessment
mentioned. There are two written papers, one for each
Sociological theory and its relevance in component and each worth 50% of the final
contemporary society also permeates the grade. Both exams are 1 hour 45 minutes
course. long.
Component 2: Understanding Social Beyond GCSE
Structures Students can continue to study Sociology at
The focus in this component is on social A-level. It also develops skills which are
differentiation, power and stratification. This useful for researchers, social workers, health
includes the theme of power, issues of social care professionals, criminologists and the
order and social control, studied through law.
crime and deviance. You will also study
applied methods of sociological enquiry. In Find out more
applied methods of social enquiry, you are For additional information, please see Mr
encouraged to further develop your Hynes or Mrs Vaughan.
Aspire Enjoy Succeed | 25Option
Spanish
Introduction enjoy learning and speaking languages
You can opt to begin a GCSE Spanish course like a challenge and are willing to work
in Key Stage 4. The transferable language- hard
learning skills you have been developing in
Key Stage 3 will stand you in good stead and Teaching strategies
also you will have some ground knowledge Students will have access to on-line resources
from your Spanish lessons in Year 9. and extension tasks, and the latest audio-
visual materials will be used in lessons.
Students choosing this option will A great emphasis will be put on conversation.
ideally be sound linguists, have a Authentic reading and listening resources will
genuine interest in learning Spanish be used to improve your comprehension and
and have the application and you will tackle many different writing tasks
commitment required to work hard, as a from writing e-mails to writing magazine
lot of the learning will be starting from articles. Translation from English into Spanish
scratch and fast paced. and from Spanish into English are also
essential parts of this course.
Summary of the topics you will cover:
Topics covered during the 2-year course will
include: Assessment
Identity and culture GCSE languages are assessed in the four skill
Local, national, international and areas of Listening, Reading, Speaking and
global areas of interest Writing, each accounting for 25% of the final
Current and future study and marks. Speaking assessments are conducted
employment by your class teacher at the end of year 11.
The new GCSE requires that all topics are The Listening, Reading and Writing
studied in the context of the home nation and examinations are sat in the summer term of
Hispanic countries. year 11.
Independent Learning Beyond GCSE
As the GCSE Spanish course is intensive, you A GCSE in a modern foreign language
need to have achieved at least a grade 5 in enables you to take an A-level in that
French and be prepared to work language and is highly valued by employers
independently and learn vocabulary regularly. as well as further and Higher Education
There will be resources in place to support providers. With it you will have a competitive
you. edge in the job market, giving yourself
increased opportunities to travel and work
Should I take Spanish at GCSE? abroad.
Yes, if you:
want to learn about the world we live in Find out more
and understand different cultures Your MFL teacher will be happy to talk to you
would like to improve your about the course and answer any questions
communication, memory and problem- you have.
solving skills
| 26 Aspire Enjoy SucceedYou can also read
