Eggar s School. A Specialist Science College with Mathematics. 2014» 2017 Examination Courses 2015» 2018 Examination Courses

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1 Eggar s School A Specialist Science College with Mathematics 2014» 2017 Examination Courses 2015» 2018 Examination Courses

2 Planning for Years 9, 10 and GCSE Examination Courses During the coming weeks we will offer opportunities for Year 8 students to gather all the information and guidance needed to make good decisions about their Key Stage 4 (KS4) courses. We expect all our students to leave with the best possible qualifications. As such, we aim to offer a broad and balanced programme which will allow for further specialisation at Post-16 or later. The curriculum is divided into the compulsory core subjects and a choice of option subjects. The core curriculum is as follows: English Literature English Language Mathematics Science * ICT PE (Core) Philosophy and Personal Development *There are two options for Science, either the completion of three Sciences (Physics, Chemistry and Biology) or the double award Science (Combined). A decision on which Science course a student will follow is made later in the summer term. Option subjects: Art Business & Enterprise Citizenship Computer Science Design and Technology Drama French Geography Health and Social Care History Music Performing Arts Photography Physical Education Spanish

3 This booklet sets out the process through which Year 8 students will make their GCSE course choices for September. Each option subject is described in detail with coursework requirements and advice on possible future career paths. We hope you will understand that, if a course in the option choices is under-subscribed, we may not be able to timetable the subject and the same applies if the course is oversubscribed. Therefore you must make one reserve choice you would be happy to study. It may be necessary for parents to make a small financial contribution to some courses. For example, where use is made of Alton Sports Centre, a nominal charge has to be made to meet hiring costs. Design Technology is a course where students will need to provide ingredients and materials or meet the cost of the school providing them. Teachers will also be arranging visits to exhibitions, museums, and theatres to complement work in school. It is hoped that all students will benefit from a residential experience before completing their schooling. However, financial needs should not preclude any student from full participation on any course. If there are any difficulties you should consult the Head Teacher. Special Educational Needs Some students may continue to need specialist teaching at KS4 to address their learning difficulties. Arrangements will be made on an individual basis to ensure that every student has the best possible learning support in order to gain the greatest success. If you have any questions please discuss them with Mrs Campbell, Individual Needs Curriculum Leader. The Options Process Step-by-Step In order to make the best choice of subjects to study in Years 9, 10 and 11, we suggest you follow the 4 steps listed below: STEP 1 Take time to read through this booklet and consider which subjects you would like to study next year. STEP 2 Come to Academic Review Day on Thursday 19 March and meet with a member of the Leadership Team or your Year Progress Leader to discuss your ideas. STEP 3 Attend Year 8 Parents Consultation Evening on Thursday 26 March to discuss current progress and attainment with subject teachers. Parents will also be able to gauge their child s suitability for KS4 optional subjects. STEP 4 Complete the Options Application Form and return it to your tutor by 15:00 on Monday 30 March 2015.

4 ART AND DESIGN GCSE Curriculum Leader: Mr P Colburn Jackson Curriculum Team: Ms S Kinteh, Mrs C Drewe Students taking this option have three lessons of Art and Design per week. Students are expected to complete a range of different assignments demonstrating skills and understanding. The course comprises 60% coursework; this will be undertaken over the three year period culminating in an extended study based examination over seven weeks. This will lead to a 10 hour examination, which will more than likely take place over a weekend in the summer term, and is externally assessed. All students can expect to use a wide range of materials and techniques throughout the course. Students should develop their knowledge of artists, art movements, key processes and techniques, whilst developing individually as artists and creative thinkers. Students are expected to work independently towards completion of their coursework. They will also be required to purchase a range of art materials including a number of sketchbooks. Careers in Art and Design include web design, graphics and product design, fashion design, theatre design, film and video production, photography, digital imaging, computer game design, publishing, advertising, traditional artist roles; painter, potter, sculptor etc. The list is continually growing. Career progression at post 16 is through courses offered at Alton College, Farnham College, and Basingstoke College of Technology amongst other institutions. Further studies can take place at university, through apprenticeships, or employment within any of the growing number of creative and media industries.

5 BUSINESS & ENTERPRISE Curriculum Leader: Mr C Legg Curriculum Team: Mr J Foley, Mrs H Atkin This option subject aims to develop the learner s business knowledge and capabilities. The course is designed to build students confidence working within businesses, understanding how they work, are managed and set up. Students learn about markets, advertising, finance, business ownerships and structure. The course includes internally and externally assessed projects and externally assessed examinations in business theory. Business at GCSE level is a three year course covering the following topic areas: Business structure, ownership and funding; Business finance; Advertising and marketing; Business Legislation; Setting up small businesses; Types of business and how they differ from each other; Manufacturing and distribution processes ; Customer services; Employment. Assessment information In Year 9 students prepare for controlled assessment units in Year 10. This will consist of six mini projects which focus on the main areas assessed within the business controlled assessment. In Year 10 business students will complete the course assessed projects whilst beginning to prepare for the final examination. In Year 11 students will prepare for their final business examinations. Students can study Business at A level, or specialise in a number of business related fields. Apprenticeship courses relating to business and enterprise are also available in a number of colleges and post 16 institutions. Business is an excellent course to join if you are interested in running your own company.

6 CITIZENSHIP Curriculum Leader: Mrs C Vickers This course will help you discover what it takes to be a practical citizen, and how to get involved in your community. You will also have an opportunity to put what you learn into practice as you create a campaign in your school or local community. With rights, come responsibilities. You will learn about both, and what they mean to you as an individual in your everyday life. You will also learn about them with regard to each other, within families, within a democracy and as a global citizen. In addition you will find out about the legal and justice systems, democracy and voting Assessment information This GCSE has a combination of exams and controlled assessment. Controlled assessment means coursework you do in a supervised environment which could be in your classroom or, for example, as part of your active campaign. Unit A341 Rights and Responsibilities Controlled Assessment worth 30% Unit A342 Identity, Democracy and Justice a 1 hour written exam worth 20% of your total mark Unit A343 Rights and Responsibilities a 1 hour written exam worth 20% of your total mark Unit A344 Identity, Democracy and Justice Controlled Assessment worth 30% Citizenship Studies would be most useful if you are interested in a career involving government (local and national), charities (especially those concerned with human rights, international development or environmental issues), law, advisory bodies, the police, the Crown Prosecution Service, community groups, roles within the European Union, teaching or journalism.

7 COMPUTER SCIENCE Curriculum Leader: Mr C Legg Curriculum Team: Mr J Foley, Mrs H Atkin Computer Science is an incredibly interesting and relevant field of study. This course counts as one science option within the EBaac. Students studying Computer Science will learn how computers work and think. Students will learn to programme using a number of text based programming languages, completing two large programming projects which are internally and externally assessed. Computer Science is a growing area, opening up a host of opportunities for our students in the Computing industry. This course is challenging, interesting and in depth, giving our learners a solid foundation for further Computer Science study. This option subject, following the OCR GCSE Computing syllabus, is a three year course covering a range of Computer Science topics. Students will learn how computers work; how they communicate; how they are developed and how they are programmed. Students will learn how to program using text based programming languages and will work with a variety of hardware devices. Unit A451 Computer systems and programming. Written paper 80 marks worth 40% Unit A452 Practical investigation. Controlled assessment 45 marks worth 30% Unit A453 Programming project. Controlled assessment 45 marks 30% Assessment at GCSE is based on A*-G Course Structure Year 9 students will focus on developing their theoretical understanding of computer systems and how to programme using python. This year aims to prepare learners for beginning their controlled assessments in Year 10. Year 9 students will also learn how to work with Raspberry Pi s and a range of other hardware. The course also covers some basic electronics topics, specifically focused on computer control. Year 10 is primarily focused on completing two programming assignments which account for 60% of the overall course grade. In Year 11 students will prepare for their Computer Science examined unit. Computer Science can lead to careers in Game Design, Software Development, IT Management, Computer Security and many more computing related fields. Post 18 students with A level qualifications in Computer Science could go onto study Computing at University, or move into a variety of industry positions. Programming is a very employable skill.

8 DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY Curriculum Leader: Mr N Waite Curriculum Team: Mrs L Glennie, Mrs E Larkin, Mrs A Roy Course information In Design & Technology we offer 4 key areas of study which lead to a full GCSE qualification in whichever subject is chosen. In Year 7 and 8 all students have already experienced a good flavour of these areas. They are:- Design & Technology Resistant Materials Design & Technology Graphic Products Design & Technology Textiles Design & Technology Food / Nutrition All 4 subjects follow the same design process, framework and assessment. The difference being the material students work with and the tool kit they use to make their products. During Year 9 students explore these materials by designing and making high quality products. They will also be taught a wide range of skills which will enable them to make a seamless transition into their GCSE work at the end of Year 9. We are very fortunate to be so well equipped. This includes state of the art machinery including our own laptops and exciting computer aided manufacturing equipment. As well as designing and making products students look at the marketing, advertising and industrial processes used in the outside world. All students will use ICT in their work. Students learn how to work independently as well as in teams. They develop high levels of problem solving skills which is something that our students will find invaluable at college and in the workplace. All of the D&T courses are exciting with a high level of rigour. They offer the students a range of specific and generic skills which are highly valued by colleges, universities and employers. Students may go on to study a range of D&T related subjects at college such as Resistant Materials, Product Design, Graphics, Electronics, Fashion, Food, Textiles and Catering. Career paths include engineering and science, the catering industry, textiles and fashion, interior design, graphic design, architecture and carpentry. The Design & Technology courses offer students many skills for life. These include independent learning, problem solving skills, citizenship and teamwork. These are essential skills that colleges and employers are looking for.

9 DRAMA Curriculum Leader: Mrs A Lambourne Curriculum Team: Mrs A Tidman The focus of the Year 9 course is to allow each student to develop their confidence and knowledge of creating and evaluating various different performances. They will be able to explore a range of different skills, techniques, styles and genres to inform the many different performances they will create. This will help to form a foundation of knowledge for their controlled assessments undertaken in Years 10 and 11. During the three years we will study areas such as: Practical options: Devised Thematic, Improvisation, Acting and Theatre in Education Technical options: Lighting, Stage Make-up, Costume Assessment information The Controlled Assessments in Years 10 and 11 make up 60% of the overall exam grade. This is based on the practical/technical options listed above. However, only the two best marks from the two years go forward to the exam board at the end of Year 11. There is a written paper at the end of Year 11 which completes the remaining 40% of the overall exam. The exam focuses on describing, explaining, analysing and evaluating work completed over the course. Practice papers are sat after every controlled assessment in order to get students used to writing about their work. Students will be expected to complete weekly rehearsal diaries and written homework tasks to develop their knowledge and understanding for the written element of the course. Studying Drama can not only develop a student s knowledge of the vast areas of theatre history that are on offer but it can also help develop confidence, communication skills, evaluative skills, team work and creative thinking skills. Careers in Drama include actor/actress, director, stage manager, technical/design, arts administrator, drama teacher, youth theatre worker, television/radio work. The AQA GCSE course is a good starting block towards AS and A level studies, such as Theatre Studies and Performing Arts. Further studies can take place at university, through apprenticeships, or employment. Drama offers a range of transferable skills that are not only confined to the world of theatre or television they can be relevant to a range of different career paths and everyday life.

10 FRENCH - GCSE Curriculum Leader: Mrs M Rushmere Curriculum Team: Mrs J Blitz, Mrs C Heslop The principle objective of the course is to develop each student s ability to use the French language effectively for purposes of practical communication through both the spoken and written word. Students are also taught about the culture of France and French speaking countries and encouraged to take an interest in French and European current affairs. There are four main themes and topics on which the course is based; leisure, lifestyle, home and environment, work and education. Assessment information Final assessment of the GCSE course comprises four elements: Two written controlled assessment tasks 30% of the marks Two speaking controlled assessment tasks 30% of the marks Reading examination 20% of the marks Listening examination 20% of the marks Students will follow the AQA exam syllabus and will be able to take reading and listening examinations at either foundation or higher level. Students will be able to go on and study at AS and A level. Possible careers include translation, interpreting, teaching, media and journalism, tourism, catering, business, administration, politics and many more.

11 GEOGRAPHY Curriculum Leader: Ms J Debens Curriculum Team: Mrs A Sutehall, Mrs G Lomas Course information The Geography course is both topical and varied in its content and should appeal to those with an enquiring mind and the ability to communicate their ideas. It deals with both physical and human Geography, but has a focus on events and processes that are in the news and therefore relevant to the students and to future careers. A large component of the course also examines the skills that go into conducting fieldwork, analysing patterns in data and developing students opinions based on their findings. The course is designed to challenge ideas and beliefs about the world around them, reflecting on previous events and situations to better understand why things are happening now. We aim to look at different places with different levels of development, to see if patterns emerge, and seek to make sense of events that shape our lives. Assessment information Geography GCSE is being amended from 2016 with the final assessment pattern being confirmed shortly. However there is now no longer a controlled assessment, with all assessment being based on terminal exams. Fieldwork is a compulsory and assessed part of the course. Geography students are highly sought after in the modern workplace, where there is great desire for students who are able to communicate their understanding of the world around them through written, graphical, numerical and ICT forms. A Geography student is multi-skilled and able to explain, analyse and justify their ideas and reasoning. The syllabus lends itself well towards future study post-16, and can ultimately lead to careers as diverse as town planning, disaster management, conservation, travel agent, retail management or diplomacy.

12 Curriculum Leader: Ms B Hey HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE Course information Edexcel GCSE in Health and Social Care has been developed to provide learners with a stimulating and engaging introduction to the health and social care sector. You should be interested in working with people, particularly within the areas of health, social care and early years. The course helps you to understand how people grow and develop from birth through to later adulthood. It looks at the personal relationships people have during their lives and how growth and development affects them. You will also learn about what it means to be healthy, the factors that affect health and wellbeing, and how health is measured. This knowledge will not only help you understand others but maybe also yourself. Assessment information As part of the course students will be required to carry out a 22.5 hour controlled assessment and conduct an investigation about health, social care and early years organisations. Students will also be required to sit a 1 hour 15 minute, exam paper. Opportunities within the health and social care sector are far reaching and cover many areas of interest: Health care sector: Doctors, nurses, care assistants; Social care sector: Social workers, youth and community workers, welfare rights officers, administrative officers in social care settings, health promotion/education specialists; Early years: Child minding, teaching assistants, youth workers, nursery managers, advice and mediation. There has been a big increase in demand for staff in childcare and it is expected to keep increasing. This means that there is a lot of scope for developing yourself if you choose this area of care as a career.

13 HISTORY OCR Schools History Project Curriculum Leader: Mrs C Daish Curriculum Team: Miss E Cox, Mrs L Campbell, Mrs L Smith Course information This year the History department are changing their units to offer new and exciting content which focuses on the Modern World and Ancient Times. Year 9: The World at War : This is a non-examined unit which will look at World War One and Two. Germany : This unit will look at Germany from the end of World War One until the end of World War Two. It will focus on Hitler, the emergence of the Nazi Party, and what it would have been like to live in Nazi Germany. It will then move onto Germany during the war and elements of the holocaust. Year 10: Controlled Assessment: Modern World Depth Study. This unit will be completed in class and will focus on an aspect of modern world history. Students will be expected to write a 2000 word essay in eight lessons. Medicine through Time: This unit will look at medicine from Ancient times to Modern day. The content that students study here will be used for two exams a source paper, and a knowledge paper. Year 11: Medicine through Time: A continuation of the unit started at the end of Year 10. The remainder of the year will be used for revision as all exams will be completed at the end of Year 11. History is a highly regarded subject and is looked upon favourably by employers. It provides students with an ability to articulate their arguments and provide evidence to support those points of view. It will also provide students with the ability to write analytical essays, and prove that they can use a variety of different resources. Many students who study History go onto careers in publishing, journalism, law, social work or politics.

14 MUSIC Curriculum Leader: Mr M Farris Curriculum Team: Miss B Eni-Olotu During Year 9 students will continue to develop their musical skills in relation to studying a GCSE Music course in Years 10 and 11. Units of work will further explore and develop composition techniques, solo performance techniques (this can be on an instrument or voice), Music Technology and Music Theory. Where appropriate, these skills will always be delivered with a strong emphasis on practical music making. Throughout the course students will utilise the department Mac books to explore sequencing and recording music using a range of specialist software programmes. Students will also be introduced to the content of the GCSE course and examine some of the set works contained in the GCSE Anthology. Work completed throughout Year 9 may be appropriate for submission towards coursework in Year 10. The ability to play an instrument or sing will make the GCSE music course more accessible and students are expected to have lessons on their chosen instrument or voice. To support ensemble performance and reading from notation, all students taking music in Year 9 will be required to join a suitable extra-curricular group. Assessment Information The GCSE course is made up of three assessment areas. The bulk of this will be completed during the end of Year 10 and throughout Year 11: Performance 30% (comprised of one solo and one ensemble); Composition 30% (comprised of two pieces composed by the student); Listening 40% (1½ hour written paper based on 12 set works studied throughout the course). Successful completion of a GCSE Music course could lead to a possible career in Music performance, Music Production or Music Teaching. Further opportunities to study music may include BTEC Level 3 Music/Music Technology, A Level Music/Music Technology or a more specialised course at an institute such as the Academy of Contemporary Music in Guildford.

15 PERFORMING ARTS Curriculum Team: Mrs A Tidman, Miss N Bertram Performing Arts offers a broad and balanced course with maximum opportunities for a stimulating experience of a range of performing activities. Candidates may choose from the following performing arts disciplines: Dance, Drama and/or Music. The course is performance led and encourages students to think beyond school based performing arts. We look at careers in the industry; how to put on a show including managing a budget; developing performance skills and community showcase opportunities. Assessment information Assessment is a combination of practical performance and written exploration with controlled assessments and formal exam. All aspects of the course are closely linked with the course content and the higher proportion of assessment is practical based. Studying Performing Arts can not only develop a student s knowledge and skills in their chosen discipline but it can also help develop confidence, communication skills, evaluative skills, team work and creative thinking skills. Careers in Performing Arts include dancer, actor, director, stage manager, choreographer, technical/design, teacher (dance, drama, music), musical theatre careers, youth club work.

16 PHOTOGRAPHY Curriculum Leader: Mr P Colburn Jackson In Year 9 students will have three lessons of Photography per fortnight. The course is structured to expand students range of skills, techniques and critical understanding. It follows the Edexcel GCSE Art and Design programme of study. Home study is essential to the course, most of the developmental and research tasks will be carried out independently, allowing a greater amount of practical work to be completed in lesson time. Students are required to complete at least two hours of independent study per week. Those who attain the highest grades routinely do considerably more than this. Assessment Information Assessment will take place regularly throughout the year. This will mainly take the form of discussions between the learner and teacher that will result in an agreed action plan for improvement. Final outcomes are internally assessed and externally moderated. All work produced from the offset will be moderated and contribute towards their GCSE final grade. All students opting to do photography are required to submit an application. This consists of both practical and written elements. The brief for the application will be received during the options process. Students should have access to a camera with the capacity to zoom and produce images at least 7 Megapixels in size. Access to a digital SLR type camera would be beneficial as these cameras allow the widest scope in terms of shooting options and image control, a version of Photoshop (or similar) for home use is also recommended. Students will need to contribute towards the production costs of their final photography piece. However, each student will have different requirements.

17 PHYSICAL EDUCATION Curriculum Leader: Mr S Laycock Curriculum Team: Mr C Michael, Mrs C McCready- Williams, Miss N Bertram The course is split into two parts to include practical and theory elements. The practical element will consist of an assessment in three separate activities in the role of performer/participant. Students would be expected to be at either school or club level in one particular sport and take part in in extra-curricular activities to include primary school events. The theory element of the course consists of a terminal exam. Students will also be expected to complete a Personal Exercise Programme and an Analysis of a Performance Project. GCSE PE Full Course Unit 1 A terminal exam lasting approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes; Unit 2.1 Assessment in three practical sports (Performer/Participant); Unit 2.2 Project in Analysis of Performance and Personal Exercise Programme A Level PE at College; BTEC Level 3 qualification at College. Entry in the Sport and Leisure Industry, Sports Coaching, Sports Leadership, Initial Teacher Training and the Armed Forces.

18 SPANISH - GCSE Curriculum Leader: Mrs M Rushmere Curriculum Team: Mrs J Blitz The principle objective of the course is to develop each student s ability to use the Spanish language effectively for purposes of practical communication through both the spoken and written word. Students are also taught about the culture of Spain and Spanish speaking countries and encouraged to take an interest in Spanish and European current affairs. There are four main themes and topics on which the course is based; leisure, lifestyle, home and environment, work and education. Assessment information Final assessment of the GCSE course comprises 4 elements: Two written controlled assessment tasks 30% of the marks Two speaking controlled assessment tasks 30% of the marks Reading examination 20% of the marks Listening examination 20% of the marks Students will follow the AQA exam syllabus and will be able to take reading and listening examinations at either foundation or higher level.