GCSE OPTION COURSES 2015/16

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1 GCSE OPTION COURSES 2015/16

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3 To all Year 9 Students This booklet has been prepared to inform you about the compulsory and optional GCSE subjects you will study over the next two years. It is important that you read this booklet carefully and if you are unsure of anything you must seek help. The timetable of events for this year s options process is as follows: TIMETABLE OF EVENTS 1. On Tuesday, 13 th January 2015 you will have an assembly with me to explain how the GCSE options process will operate. 2. On Wednesday, 14 th January 2015 you will have an Options Evening from 4.30pm to 6.00pm to find out about all the GCSE subjects on offer. All subjects will be represented by teaching staff. 3. Throughout this period subject staff will be able to answer any questions you may have in relation to their subject. Now is the time to do your research! 4. On Monday, 2 nd February 2015 you are invited with your parents to Parents Evening to get a general progress report and to discuss your choice of subjects. 5. You must indicate which optional subjects you are interested in studying to GCSE level by Tuesday, 3 rd February The enclosed form must be signed and returned to your Form Teacher by this date. 6. Groups of GCSE optional subjects will then be drawn up to accommodate as many requested subject combinations as possible. 7. Your choice of GCSE subjects will then be finalised bearing in mind the group structure that has been drawn up. 8. It is particularly important to consider the order of your option subjects as you may not get your first or second choice. Choose your option subjects in order of preference. MR P M KENNEDY Principal Remember - it may not be possible to change subjects once you have made your choice.

4 CORE SUBJECTS AT KEY STAGE 4 All girls must study: English English Literature Mathematics Science Spanish/French Life Skills including ICT Core & Citizenship GCSE Physical Education (non GCSE) SCIENCE AT KEY STAGE 4 In Science you will study either Core Science and Additional Science leading to two GCSE grades, or the three separate Sciences, leading to three GCSE grades. Your Science teachers will guide you carefully in this choice. OPTIONAL SUBJECTS AT KEY STAGE 4 You also make a choice from the following optional subjects: Art and Design Business Studies Computing (GCSE) Drama Economics Geography Graphics Health and Social Care History Home Economics ICT (GCSE) Media Studies Music Physical Education (GCSE) Religious Studies Sociology Textiles Technology If you have chosen Core Science and Additional Science you choose three subjects from this list. If you have chosen three separate Sciences you choose two subjects from this list.

5 Please note: It is only possible to run an optional subject if there is sufficient demand for it. It will not be possible to offer every combination of subject asked for; this is why you need to list all the optional subjects in which you have an interest. It is important that you should continue to participate in as wide a variety of extracurricular activities as you can throughout the two years of your GCSE courses and beyond. Universities and employers always look further than work done in the classroom. If you have private music lessons it is also important to realise that the higher grades of the Associated Board contribute to university entrance points. Any questions relating to the Options process should be referred to Mr McGarry. Any subject queries should be directed to your teacher for that subject. You should be aware the government have introduced a new classification of certificate: The English Baccalaureate To be accredited with this, you must achieve at least a grade C in the following subjects: English Language Maths Two Science subjects One MFL - Either French or Spanish Either Geography or History Please discuss further with your subject teacher if you want more advice.

6 AQA GCSE ENGLISH LITERATURE Students will study GCSE English Literature in a linear fashion, alongside GCSE English Language. They will begin to study English Literature at the end of Year 9 and throughout Year 10 and 11. They will be examined at the end of Year 11. The course will be assessed through 2 examination units. EXAMINATION Paper 1: Shakespeare and the 19 th Century Novel (40% of GCSE) Section A: A study of a Shakespeare play students will write about an extract from the play and then about the play as a whole. Section B: A study of a 19 th century novel students will write about an extract from the novel and then about the novel as a whole. Paper 2: Modern Texts and Poetry (60% of GCSE) Section A: Modern texts students will answer one question from a choice of 2 on their studied modern prose text. Section B: Poetry students will answer 1 comparative question from the chosen Anthology cluster. Section C: Unseen Poetry students will answer 1 question on one unseen poem and one question comparing this with a second unseen poem.

7 AQA GCSE English Language (8700) Students will study GCSE English Language in a linear fashion, alongside GCSE English Literature. They will begin to study English Language at the end of Year 9 and throughout Year 10 and 11. They will be examined at the end of Year 11. The course will be assessed through two examination units and one non-examination unit. EXAMINATION Paper 1: Explorations in creative Reading and Writing (50% of GCSE) Section A: Reading literature fiction texts. Section B: Writing descriptive or narrative writing. Paper 2: Writers viewpoints and perspectives (50% of GCSE) Section A: Reading non-fiction/literary non-fiction texts. Section B: Writing writing to present a viewpoint. NON EXAMINATION ASSESSMENT Spoken Language (separately endorsed, does not contribute towards the overall GCSE grade) What s assessed: presenting, skills, responding to questions and feedback and the use of Standard English.

8 AQA MATHEMATICS GCSE Your daughter is in the first national cohort of students to study the new GCSE in Mathematics. The increased volume of mathematical content being examined, means that your daughter has already begun her course of study for the new GCSE; it was started in September of Year 9. The GCSE in Mathematics is a two tier examination, Foundation and Higher. Sets 1-3 generally follow the higher tier examination with sets 4 and 5 following the foundation tier. Foundation tier allows grades 1 to 5; higher tier allows grades 4 to 9, with grade 9 being the highest. The assessment is the same for both higher and foundation tiers: Paper 1: non-calculator Content Content from any part of the specification may be assessed Assessment 1 hour 30 minutes Written exam 80 marks 33.33% of GCSE Paper 2: calculator Content Content from any part of the specification may be assessed Assessment 1 hour 30 minutes Written exam 80 marks 33.33% of GCSE Paper 3: calculator Content Content from any part of the specification may be assessed Assessment 1 hour 30 minutes Written exam 80 marks 33.33% of GCSE All papers have a mix of question styles, from short, single-mark questions to multi-step problems. The mathematical demand increases as a student progresses through the paper. All students will follow the AQA specification for the examination, with all three examination papers being taken at the end of year 11. Full details of the specification, including all subject content, can be found at:

9 AQA GCSE SCIENCES We offer a choice of three routes to GCSE qualifications in Science: Separate Sciences (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) Three GCSE qualifications Science A and Additional Science Two GCSE qualifications Science A and Additional Applied Science Two GCSE qualifications Separate Sciences This is the preferred route for those students who enjoy science and may be considering a science based career. Each subject is taught as a separate GCSE by subject specialists and this is the best preparation for those students wishing to follow AS or A2 courses in Biology, Chemistry or Physics. Science A and Additional Science This route will lead to two GCSE qualifications in Science. It covers all three sciences. In Year 10 students will complete the Science A GCSE and in Year 11 they will complete the Additional Science GCSE. The content covered will be the same as the first two thirds of each of the Biology, Chemistry and Physics GCSE courses. This route is an adequate preparation for students considering one AS or A2 level course in Biology, Chemistry or Physics. Science A and Additional Applied Science This route also leads to two GCSE qualifications in Science. It covers all three sciences. In Year 10 students will complete the Science A GCSE and in Year 11 they will complete Applied Science GCSE. The content covered in Science A will be the same as the first third of each of the Biology, Chemistry and Physics GCSE courses. In Year 11 this route deviates from the other options and students will follow a vocational science course with a larger centre assessed component with less emphasis on the written examination. This route will provide a basis for further vocational study in Science e.g. Applied Science at AS Level.

10 BIOLOGY, CHEMISTRY & PHYSICS Examinations and Internal Controlled Assessment All modules for each Science will be examined in the form of a 1 hour written paper consisting of closed questions, structured questions and questions requiring longer answers. The Quality of Written Communication (QWC) will be assessed. For each Science GCSE internal controlled assessment is required in the form of an Investigative Skills Assessment. Separate Science GCSE Unit of Each Separate Science Date of Examination Contribution to final GCSE grade 1 Summer (Year 11) 25% 2 Summer (Year 11) 25% 3 Summer (Year 11) 25% ISA During lessons throughout the course until the end of the Spring term of Year 11 25% Controlled Assessment - Investigative Skills Assessment (ISA): Controlled Assessment is structured as follows: Introduction Research and planning (2 lessons) Stage one assessment Practical investigation Analysis of results Stage two assessment One ISA mark must be submitted for each GCSE. Should your daughter underachieve in the ISA, it will be necessary for her to attend at lunch-time or enrichment for a second attempt. Pupils must be present for all seven lessons in order for the ISA to be assessed.

11 SCIENCE A AND ADDITIONAL SCIENCE Science A covers the same first unit as in the Biology, Chemistry and Physics specifications. The Additional Science covers the same second unit as in the Biology, Chemistry and Physics Specifications. Examinations and Internal Assessment All Modules for each Science will be examined in the form of a 1 hour written paper consisting of closed questions, structured questions and questions requiring longer answers. For each Science GCSE internal controlled assessment is required in the form of an Investigative Skills Assessment. Core Science Unit Date of examination Contribution to final GCSE grade B1, C1, P1 Summer (Year 10) 75% (25% for each subject) ISA During lessons throughout the course and moderated during May in the Summer term of Year % Additional Science Unit Date of examination Contribution to final GCSE grade B2,C2,P2 Summer (Year 11) 75% (25% for each subject) ISA During lessons throughout the course and moderated in May of Summer Term of Year 11 25% Controlled Assessment - Investigative Skills Assessment (ISA) Similar to the separate sciences Controlled Assessment is structured as follows: Introduction Research and planning (2 lessons) Stage one assessment Practical investigation Analysis of results Stage two assessment One ISA mark must be submitted for each GCSE. Should your daughter underachieve in the ISA, it will be necessary for her to attend at lunch-time or enrichment for a second attempt.

12 SCIENCE A AND APPLIED SCIENCE Science A covers the same first unit as in the Biology, Chemistry and Physics Specifications. Additional Applied Science is a context based course that is more heavily weighted towards internal controlled assessment tasks. A co-ordinated approach to content delivery is taken, with pupils taught by subject specialists in the three areas of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Examinations and Internal Assessment The Science A Modules will be examined in the form of a 1 hour written paper in each of the sciences consisting of closed questions, structured questions and questions requiring longer answers. For Science A GCSE internal assessment is required in the form of the ISA. For the Additional Applied Science GCSE the method of assessment is included in the table at the bottom of the page. Science A GCSE Unit Date of Examination Contribution to Final GCSE Grade B1, C1, P1 June (Year 10) 75% (25% for each subject) ISA During lessons throughout the course and moderated during May in the Summer term of Year % Year 10 Controlled Assessment - Investigative Skills Assessment (ISA) Similar to the separate sciences Controlled Assessment is structured as follows: Introduction Research and planning (2 lessons) Stage one assessment Practical investigation Analysis of results Stage two assessment One ISA mark must be submitted for each GCSE. Should your daughter underachieve in the ISA, she will be expected to attend at lunchtime in Enrichment for a second attempt Year 11 Unit Title Method of Assessment GCSE Contribution 1 Science at Work Written paper (1 hour) - Summer of Year % 2 How Scientists use Practical Techniques A controlled assessment based on two assignments: Investigating the work of scientists and how they use science. How scientists use evidence to solve problems. Autumn Term of Year %

13 AQA MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES FULL COURSE The GCSE course in both French and Spanish builds on what you have already learnt at KS3. The topics which you will cover relate to yourself and the area in which you live and include the following: health, relationships and choices, free time and the media, holidays, home and local area, environment, school/college and future plans, current and future jobs. The examination will be divided into the four MFL skills which will be weighted as follows: Listening 20% Reading 20% Speaking 30% Writing 30% > > These skills will be tested in a terminal examination. You will complete controlled assessments throughout the course and will submit 2 pieces per skill at the end of the course. Lessons will be largely in the target language and will cover the necessary vocabulary and grammatical content in the context of the topic areas. Listening and reading activities will introduce new topics which will then form the content of speaking and writing assignments. You will have an examination at either Foundation or Higher level in listening and reading. You will be required to learn vocabulary on a regular basis and to complete regular written assignments in order to improve your writing skills. You will need to convey information clearly, express and explain ideas and points of view and write using a well organised structure. You will need to write using a wide variety of structure and vocabulary using a range of structures and tenses with considerable success. You will work on improving the accuracy of your work. You will also prepare for an interview and a conversation which will form the oral examination. You will need to present ideas, information and points of view confidently, using a wide range of vocabulary and structure, good accent, intonation and fluency. You will continue to work with the French/Spanish Assistant who will help you to prepare for this section of the examination which will be conducted by your teacher. You will continue to study the structure and grammar of the language in order to write accurately and with some flair.

14 Lessons will be varied with plenty of interactive work using ICT. You will be encouraged to back up your examination preparation in your personal area on the computer and will have access to a range of supplementary and support materials on the Academy Intranet and on the Internet. We are sure that you will agree that in the 21 st Century GCSE qualifications in Modern Foreign Languages are highly desirable and advantageous in the world of work. To be able to offer more than one language adds to the advantage and facilitates the learning of further languages in the future.

15 EDEXCEL CITIZENSHIP GCSE During Year 10 and Year 11 you will continue to follow The Belvedere Life Skills Programme. This is delivered through a combination of Life Skills, Personal, Social and Health Education in Year 11 and Citizenship lessons in Year 10. In Year 9 you will have followed the Edexcel specification for GCSE Citizenship. You will have covered much of the syllabus for Unit 1. The Unit 1 exam will take place in the Summer of Year 10, along with the Unit 3 exam. In Year 10 you will continue to follow the Edexcel specification to achieve a full GCSE in Citizenship. This will include two Controlled Assessments. The Controlled Assessments will be active citizenship projects based on contemporary issues. Unit 1 Unit 2 Unit 3 Unit 4 Exam Summer, Year 10 Controlled Assessment September-December, Year 10 Exam Summer, Year 10 Controlled Assessment March/April, Year 10 20% 30% 20% 30% In Year 11 you will focus upon preparation for your future, with personalised careers advice and guidance. Personal Finance and Key Skills education, including study skills will be developed through a range of activities. Time is allowed for careers interviews and preparation for work.

16 CURRICULUM PHYSICAL EDUCATION (Non GCSE) Physical Education is a compulsory subject, nationally and at The Belvedere Academy. It is essential that students become fully involved in activities in order to gain the maximum benefit from these lessons. AIMS: To gain maximum enjoyment from a chosen activity. To realise the importance of exercise and a healthy lifestyle i.e. health related fitness. To co-operate fully with others. To gain a real sense of fair play. To understand and recognise the different levels of performance within the group. OBJECTIVES - at the end of Key Stage 4 all pupils will be: Competent at a number of activities. Able to recognise the importance of Health & Fitness. Able to recognise the importance of rules, etiquette and fair play. Able to work/play co-operatively with others and recognise different competences of peers Experience different roles in relation to sport including; umpire, official, organiser and coach.

17 GCSE OPTION COURSES 2015/16 INFORMATION ON ALL GCSE OPTION SUBJECTS NOW FOLLOWS. PLEASE REMEMBER TO SEE SUBJECT REPRESENTATIVES AT THE YEAR 9 OPTIONS EVENING TO FIND OUT FURTHER DETAILS ABOUT THESE COURSES.

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19 WJEC ART AND DESIGN GCSE What is GCSE Art and Design? It s about having an adventurous and enquiring approach to art and design and developing the skills to express it. Throughout your GCSE Art and Design studies you will develop an understanding of past and contemporary Art and Design and be able Why should I choose Art? If you are creative and enjoy your Key Stage 3 studies choose Art and Design for GCSE. If you are interested in art, craft or design and if you have an aptitude for the subject you are a perfect candidate. You don t have to be good at drawing to succeed in GCSE Art and Design. The emphasis in GCSE Art & Design is on the process of developing independent ideas and work. The skills you will develop doing GCSE Art You will develop a working knowledge of the materials, practices and technology of art and design. You will develop the skills to investigate, analyse and experiment using art, craft and design. You will develop your imaginative powers and the skills to express your ideas, feelings and meanings. You will develop an understanding of the language and conventions of art and design. You will develop an understanding of the place of art, craft and design in history and in society.

20 How is the course structured? Students will complete WJEC Art, Craft and Design for GCSE. The WJEC GCSE in Art & Design consists of 2 parts. One of coursework and one externally set assignment.. Component Completion % of final GCSE grade Coursework To be completed during lesson time and for homework 60% Externally set assignment Eight weeks preparation time Ten hours timed examination 40% Method of Assessment Internally set Internally marked Externally moderated Externally set Internally marked Externally moderated Requirements Must include sketchbook and must show evidence of all assessment objectives Must include sketchbook and must show evidence of all assessment objectives What about coursework? Throughout Year 10 and 11 you will complete a range of tasks including drawing, painting, oil pastel, ink, clay, mixed media, digital, and photography. Your coursework should include research, supporting studies and work showing the development of your ideas, leading to one or more outcomes. You direct your learning and outcomes and choose to complete your outcomes to suit your strengths and preferences. Your teacher will set you assignments and tasks. What about the exam? In January during Year 11 you will complete a 10 hour exam over a number of days. You will be given the exam paper approximately eight weeks before the date of the actual timed exam. You will then have the eight weeks in which to prepare for the exam. During this time you must research and develop ideas and prepare for your final exam in your sketchbook, your teacher will be available to guide and advise you with this exam preparation. You will find it useful to brainstorm ideas by writing down everything that comes into your head, and then choosing one idea you can develop further. Will I go on any visits? You will go on visits to art galleries during your course. During these visits you will have an opportunity to explore the amazing cultural diversity that Liverpool has to offer. The Art Department hopes to offer an international art trip in the near future. During visits will be expected to collect research material and/or complete your own pieces of art work. Your teacher may suggest that you organise your own visits to relevant places to collect research material for your projects. You may also have the opportunity to work with artists in the form of workshop.

21 What could I do with a GCSE in Art & Design? There are many things you can go on to do with a GCSE in Art and Design. The Creative Industries in the UK are currently booming. There are a host of careers which require a background in Art and Design. You could go on to take an AS level in Art & Design, or use your skills to explore alternative study or career paths. If you are unsure about whether to choose GCSE Art and Design, the best thing to do is to speak to Mr Mason or Mrs Garlick who will be able to provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision. Each year the students gain excellent results in GCSE Art and Design. In our 2013/14 cohort of students 58.3% of our girls gained A*/A and 100% of the cohort gained A*-C. The GCSE Art and Design results are consistently amongst the best in The Belvedere Academy.

22 AQA BUSINESS STUDIES Credit Crunch, Interest Rates, Marketing, Global Economy, Entrepreneurs all words and phrases that may or may not sound familiar but will affect you in the future! GCSE Business Studies is an interesting and relevant course concentrating on the understanding of how businesses are organised and how they are influenced by local, national and international pressures. Subject Content External environment and business economics and politics. Enterprise and the role of the entrepreneur. The ownership and control of business from the smallest to the biggest! Business planning setting and using aims and objectives. The management of people within a business - leadership and motivation. Marketing influencing the consumers. Finance and accounts working with the numbers. Production how goods and services are made. What skills are being developed and examined? Business Studies requires logical, analytical thinking. Being able to evaluate cause and effect is important. The world of business is constantly changing, and events reported in the news will have an impact on business. Keeping up to date and with current business affairs is important so that you can apply your knowledge to the business world. How will you do this? By taking part in discussions, debates and presentations; analysing case studies and studying newspaper articles. The emphasis will be on the application of the subject to the real world, and the development of a range of life skills. Skills that will be useful in any career path that you may choose. What you can expect to see in class-work and homework. Homework may be case study work or research projects into various aspects of today s business world. Class work will include case studies and various individual and group activities. Everything is designed to build up your knowledge, skills and examination technique; but most importantly your ENJOYMENT of business studies. Final Examination: Assessment Paper 1 Structured questions based on a case study of a small business organisation and the issues that it might face Paper 2 Structured questions set on large business case studies. Controlled Assessment taken as a pre-released project that students research prior to writing up their project under examination conditions. Progression beyond GCSE: This course is an important, but not essential, foundation for the study of Business Studies or Economics at A-Level. Many students will go on to study Business or one of its many disciplines at university. All students are influenced by businesses today and will be tomorrow. Many will go on to be the entrepreneurs and managers of the future. Prepare for your future with GCSE Business Studies.. a subject that is happening now!

23 EDEXCEL GCSE DRAMA GCSE Drama allows students to explore and understand the society in which they live through a variety of acquired drama skills. It enables students to become creative thinkers, independent enquirers, self-managers, team workers, reflective learners and effective participators. We strive to provide students with the creative as well as the personal skills needed to move into further training or further education according to individual abilities, aptitudes and ambitions. Course Content The course will focus on: developing dramatic skills; devising and performing drama; the exploration of text in practical work; the exploration of the historical and cultural context that influences the development of drama. On the course students will: perform, direct and design their own production; develop a clear understanding of the demands of the theatre; perform in a number of venues and settings; work as an individual and as part of a team. Students on this course will be expected to participate in extra curricular activities and attend theatre performances a minimum of once per term with school, and as often as possible in their own time. Method of assessment Students will be assessed through a mixture of practical and theoretical assignments as well as through a working portfolio of evidence. It is important that students are interested in gaining a greater understanding of how theatre and plays work, and that they are well motivated and keen to be involved in performances.

24 Course Content: Year 10 is concerned with developing the necessary drama skills required for Papers 1 and 2. The year is divided into projects, each lasting approximately half a term. These projects will be based around team work, individual work, scripted text, improvisation and devising, styles of performance, mask work and acting for film. Students will create a portfolio of evidence throughout this year. Year 11 takes the form of the following: Unit Title Description Drama Coursework 1. (30%) Unit 1: Drama Exploration 1 Teacher assessed practical work supported by a portfolio of documentary evidence. Drama Coursework (30%) Unit 2: Drama Exploration 2 Teacher assessed practical work supported by a portfolio of documentary evidence. Drama Performance (40%) Externally assessed practical examination of either a devised or scripted performance. This unit of coursework is concerned with the use of drama to explore ideas and issues in response to stimulus material selected from different times and cultures. Students have the opportunity to use drama forms to deepen their knowledge and understanding of an idea or issue and to communicate this understanding through the medium of drama. This unit of coursework is concerned with the exploration of a complete and substantial play. The purpose of this unit is to give students knowledge and understanding of the ways in which playwrights, performers, directors and designers use the medium of drama to communicate their ideas to an audience. This unit is concerned with the skills required in drama to perform work to an audience. Students have the opportunity to demonstrate their skills as performers using a choice of stimuli.

25 AQA GCSE ECONOMICS Economics is about making sense of your life and the choices and opportunities that face you in everyday life. Using two units from the suite of Business and Economics courses that AQA offer at GCSE, the two Economics units are designed to: develop an interest and enthusiasm for Economics; develop an understanding of a range of concepts; develop an enquiring, critical and thoughtful 'economist's mind'; practise skills, qualities and attitudes which will equip candidates for the challenges; opportunities and responsibilities of adult and working life. At GCSE, there are two units both examined by external assessment. Unit 1: Personal Economics. This unit aims to equip candidates with the basic tools of the economist to help them understand their place in, and contribution to the local, national and global economy as consumers, workers and citizens. Students will be encouraged to investigate a range of contemporary issues, analysing the evidence from different perspectives so as to make reasoned judgements and informed decisions Assessment; Written Paper: 1 hour 15 minutes: Handling money and deciding how to use it. Purpose, nature and rewards of work. Impact of international trade. How exchange rates and other economic factors affect the economy. The global economy. Unit 2: Investigating Economic Issues. In the study of this unit students will further develop their understanding of economic concepts and theories studied in Unit 1. They will apply these to a range of economic issues locally, nationally and globally. Mainly this investigates how the government manages the economy. Assessment; Written Paper: 1 hour 15 minutes: The Government s economic goals. How the economy works. How and why the government tries to control the economy. Influence of European Union economic policies on the UK. Economics is a versatile subject that can help in a number of careers. Not only is it highly recognised by big corporations, banks and the government, but a qualification in Economics could also be valuable support in a career like marketing, law, journalism or teaching.

26 OCR GEOGRAPHY SPECIFICATION B Studying Geography at GCSE will help you to learn and understand more about the world around you and about current environmental issues. It will also give you a variety of critical and analytical skills which are valuable for further study of any subject. Geography GCSE forms a core part of the new English Baccalaureate. We follow the OCR B course which identifies the geographical themes for study but allows us flexibility to choose our own locational examples. The main themes include: Economic Development Imbalances in the quality of life between countries are investigated. Certain aspects of farming, manufacturing industry and tourism are studied. Issues concerning rising energy demands and the changing importance of different forms of energy are discussed. Hazards and the Environment The environmental effects of human activity are considered at various scales from local to global. Different approaches to managing environments are investigated such as sustainable development in the rainforests and management of different (and often conflicting) land uses in Britain s National Parks. Population and Settlement Reasons for the distribution, density and growth of world population are considered, also migration and the characteristics of settlement in different parts of the world. Rivers and Coasts Processes and features are studied as well as their effects on human activity. As a result of studying the themes you will acquire and develop a range of geographical skills including: Selecting and extracting relevant data from geographical sources such as maps and photographs. Planning investigations. Interpreting data by identifying patterns, trends and relationships. Using evidence, analysing and synthesising data to reach conclusions. Communicating the outcome of your investigation.

27 The controlled assessment (25% of the total mark) assesses independent understanding and skills. The group as a whole will undertake one piece of fieldwork; within this there will be scope for individual initiative and also for particular interests. Geography is a valuable subject at GCSE involving skills of literacy, numeracy, spatial awareness and communication. It heightens awareness of the local and global environment and is most useful for all types of career and for the adult world. It links together the arts and sciences and gives an understanding of the patterns, processes and changes which affect all our lives.

28 WJEC GCSE GRAPHIC COMMUNICATION Can you guess the logos? Description of the Course Graphic Design affects your daily life. From a simple, small chewing gum label through to a huge advertising billboard, Graphic Design is everywhere. The skills you learn in presentation, and appreciating what is good design and how design works, will be beneficial to you in all walks of later life. You may become a Graphic Designer working on multi-million pound corporate identity designs, or a Creative Director producing the next Chanel advertising campaign (in press and on TV and cinema). You may use your design skills to open up other avenues with careers in animation, illustration, interior design, product design, television, cinema, magazines... the list is endless. You may not take up a career in design afterwards but your skills and design appreciation could help you produce winning sales presentations, or help you understand how your business should look and promote itself. GCSE Graphic Communication is about designing and producing designs by examining, questioning and experimenting with ideas relating to your lifestyle and the environment around you. You have to think about the practicalities of your design and its commercial viability. This prepares you for our rapidly changing technological world and for working for and with clients. This course allows you to explore words and images, which are part of our everyday lives. You will look at advertising and publicity; you will design packaging and consider corporate identity. You will design logos and develop your ideas using ICT. You will be taught about the use of photography, develop your skills in illustration and animation. Links with other subjects Media Studies, ICT, Textiles, Art & Design, Product Design. Possible Careers Graphic Designer Web Designer TV Graphics Animation Design Product Design Advertising Designer Creative Director Art Director 3D Design Film Production Interior Design Freelance Design Packaging Design Digital Design Architect Crafts person - ceramics or product designer Illustrator Gallery or Museum Curator Photographer Artist This is a contemporary course that will allow you to develop your creative skills.

29 The course has four assessment objectives that enable students to: Investigate and understand the work of existing designers, artists and cultures. Draw and photograph from first hand observations to record their ideas. Experiment with a variety of materials and processes to produce their work. Produce their own imaginative and creative designs and understand how best to present these. Examples of GCSE work From the top clockwise: CD cover illustration Concert Poster P!nk logo design and wristbands Airline identity design Tree stencil graffiti meets nature Exam Board: WJEC Key Exam Dates: Portfolio completed by December 2016 Start externally set task preparation January 2017 Controlled test April 2017 Linear How the course is assessed: 60% of marks for portfolio 40% for externally set task

30 GCSE HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE (Edexcel) For the GCSE in Health and Social Care you will study two units: Unit 1 Understanding Personal Development and Relationships Unit 2 Exploring Health, Social Care and Early Years Provision Unit 1 Understanding Personal Development and Relationships For Unit 1 you will study four key topics: Human growth and development Factors affecting human growth and development Effects of relationships on personal growth and development The effect of life events on personal development You will learn about how people grow and develop from birth to old age. In particular, you will learn about the physical, intellectual, emotional and social aspects of development across the lifespan. You will also learn about how a wide range of factors can influence an individual s growth and development over the lifespan including: physical factors such as biology and genetics; environmental factors such as pollution and housing conditions; economic factors such as wealth and income; social factors such as the family, employment and unemployment and psychological factors such as stress and mental health problems. In addition to the above, you will learn about different types of relationships including: family relationships, personal and intimate relationships, friendships and working relationships and you will consider how these relationships can affect our personal growth and development. Finally, you will learn about how a variety of expected and unexpected life events can influence an individual s life and state of wellbeing including: marriage, childbirth, death of a spouse, divorce, serious illness and redundancy. You will complete this unit by exploring the different types of services to help support individuals to deal with such life events.

31 Assessment for Unit 1 Assessment for Unit 1 is through a 1 hour-15 minute written exam paper which has a total of 70 marks. The paper consists of 15 multiple-choice questions and a series of questions based on case studies and short scenarios. Assessment for this unit constitutes 40% of the total marks for the GCSE. Unit 2 Exploring Health Social Care and Early Years Provision For unit 2 you will study five key topics: The range of care needs of major client groups How health care, social care and early years services are accessed and the barriers to access How health, social care and early years services are provided Workers in health, social care and early years Care values which underpin service provider interaction During unit 2, you will learn about the care needs of different client groups including: infants, children, adolescents, adults and individuals with specific needs. You will also explore the different types of health and social care services available to meet the needs of the different client groups. You will learn about how people can gain access to the services they need and explore some of the barriers that might prevent people from gaining access to such services. In addition to the above, you will learn about the different types of jobs that people who work in health and social care settings perform and about the standards and rules required for good professional practice. Assessment for Unit 2 Assessment for this unit is through a task set by Edexcel which must be completed under controlled conditions (i.e. supervised in school). This coursework will be marked out of a total of 50 marks. The marks for this unit constitute 60% of the total marks for the GCSE. For this assessment, you will have the chance to work on your project over a number of weeks during which time you will have the help, support and guidance of your teacher. Students who go on to study Health and Social Care subjects at A level or university enter a wide variety of different careers. Some of the most popular career choices include:

32 AQA MODERN WORLD HISTORY SPECIFICATION B AQA Linear Revised Specification for first examination 2015 and for examination 2017 The History Department will be offering AQA GCSE History B specification Throughout the course you will have opportunities to study History from a variety of perpectives, including political, social, economic and cultural which will help you to appreciate the diversity of the societies studied and the experiences of the people in these societies. It will provide you with the opportunity to study the 20 th Century in both breadth and depth. It will present you with the opportunity to study the History of Britain, Europe and the World in the 20 th Century. It will allow you to build upon your Key Stage 3 Studies and help you to develop your historical skills and prepare you for the study of History at A Level. Why choose History? The past is a fascinating subject so you might choose to study History purely for interest and enjoyment. History at GCSE is a good choice for any career. The range of skills and the knowledge you will gain are valued by all employers. Careers which particularly value History include Law, Business, Management, Journalism, Media, Banking and Education. History provides you with skills which are helpful in both career and everyday life. You will learn to analyse pieces of evidence and become more aware of their use and accuracy. You will be able to understand and appreciate different points of views and draw logical conclusions. Your written and oral communication skills will improve and you will be able to express yourself clearly and logically. History is a study of people and the way in which their actions have changed the world and the differences which individuals can make this knowledge allows you to understand fully the world in which we live today.

33 The specification includes: Unit 1: International Relations: Conflict and Peace in the 20 th Century. Unit 2: 20 th Century Depth Studies Written Paper - 1 hour 45 minutes - 69* marks % Unit 3: Historical Enquiry British History Controlled Assessment - 40 marks - 25% *This mark is made up of 60 marks for content plus 9 marks for spelling, punctuation and grammar (SPaG). Unit 1: International Relations: Conflict and Peace in the 20 th Century Provides you with an outline study of the main events of the 20 th Century. You will be required to answer THREE questions. The three areas the History Department at Belvedere choose include: Part One - The Origins of the First World War Part Two - Peacemaking and the League of Nations Part Three - Hitler s foreign policy and the origins of the Second World War

34 Unit 2: Twentieth Century Depth Studies This unit offers Depth Studies of national or regional issues and developments. There are three sections: A, B and C. Depth study topics at Belvedere are:- Section A The Roaring 20s: USA, Section B Hitler s Germany, Section C Race Relations in the USA, Unit 3: Historical Enquiry - British History This unit will be assessed by means of controlled assessment. Candidates will submit their responses to two questions on Britain in the 20 th Century, prepared under controlled conditions. Tasks and sources will be set by AQA. Each year a two-part Historical Enquiry will be set on each of the optional topics in this unit. The task and sources will be published each year. Historical Enquiries will be replaced on an annual basis and will only be available for one assessment opportunity. One of the options below will be chosen:- The British People in War Britain at War Britain and the aftermath of War The Changing Role and Status of Women since 1900 Each Historical Enquiry will focus on the evaluation of sources and historical interpretations. Students will have a taught element, as well as time to carry out research for the chosen Historical Enquiry. They must keep a record of all the sources and websites they use, to assist the teacher in authenticating their work. Candidates will record their work in a research diary. This diary will be used when answering the Historical Enquiry questions in controlled conditions.

35 AQA HOME ECONOMICS (Food & Nutrition) Home Economics: Food and Nutrition is an interesting and stimulating programme of study for students of all ability ranges. The course aims to develop practical food preparation skills and to foster an understanding of the importance of good nutrition and a healthy diet. You will study the scientific processes involved when food is cooked, and how storage and food preparation methods can affect the finished results. The practical cookery skills and theoretical knowledge acquired from this course will equip young people with the ability to make discriminating consumer choices about food and health. You will need to have a passion for creating and eating food and a desire to find out the how and the why of cooking techniques. There are 5 core areas of study: Nutrition, diet and health throughout life. Nutritional, physical, chemical and sensory properties of food in storage, preparation and cooking. Techniques and skills in food storage, preparation and cooking. Factors affecting consumer choice. Food hygiene and safety. There may be opportunities to visit different food establishments and to listen to guest speakers at the Academy. GCSE Home Economics: Food and Nutrition focuses on practical cookery and all the different ways in which raw ingredients can be made into interesting, healthy and creative dishes which are suitable for a wide variety of situations. This can range from planning and making a simple packed lunch to designing a day s menus for someone with a special dietary need. Alongside the development of practical skills you will study the most recent recommendations for a healthy diet and apply these guidelines when planning practical work and managing resources. Food hygiene and consumer choice are also included as important aspects of this course. Experiencing making sushi at Sapporo Experiencing making pizza at Il Forno

36 ASSESSMENT A written paper which has short answer and structured free response questions. This paper is worth 40% of the total marks A board set Controlled Assessment worth 15% marks to be completed in Year 10 A board set Individual Investigation worth 45% to be completed during the first half of Year 11. These tasks are completed in school time under supervision within the classroom. They build on the skills of research, analysis, investigation, practical work, organisation and evaluation. The skills and knowledge acquired will be relevant and transferable to other subjects and supports GCSE Health and Social Care.

37 AQA GCSE COMPUTING In January 2012 in his speech at BETT2 Michael Gove announced: "Computer Science is a rigorous, fascinating and intellectually challenging subject." He went on to say: "Long after today's pupils leave school and enter the workplace - long after the technologies they used at school are obsolete - the principles learnt in Computer Science will still hold true". Students who opt for a Computer Science based GCSE will develop their understanding of current and emerging technologies, understanding of how these work and apply their knowledge and understanding in a range of contexts. Students will acquire and apply knowledge, some technical skills and an understanding of the use of algorithms in computer programs to solve problems using programming. Students will use their knowledge and understanding of computer technology to become independent and discerning user s of IT who are able to make informed decisions about the use of technology and be aware of the implications of different technologies. Who chooses Computing? Students who want to develop and apply their creative and technical skills, knowledge and understanding of IT in a range of contexts. Generally if you are good at Maths and Science you will enjoy the challenge of Computing. What will you study? During the course you will develop computer programs to solve problems, develop the skills to work collaboratively, evaluate the effectiveness of computer programs/solutions and the impact of, and issues related to, the use of computer technology in society. The theory topics you will cover include the fundamentals of computer systems, hardware, software, the binary representation of data, databases, computer communications, networks and of course programming. You will complete at least two controlled assessments which count towards your final grade. A written examination paper will comprise the final 40% of grade. In the practical Programming based controlled assessment you will need to draw a series of flow diagrams and from these write some coding to be implemented in a programming language which will solve a series of given tasks. You will then need to test your solutions. An example could be to write a program for a currency convertor. The other controlled assessment will be an investigatory based project where you will look into solving a computing problem for a real business scenario.

38 Students who choose GCSE Computing often move on to study ICT or Computing at A Level. At University level they choose Computing or Engineering based degrees which lead to jobs as Web Designers, Programmers, Software Engineers, Games Designers or Systems Analysts. After all as leading computer scientist Karen Spärk-Jones said: "Computing's too important to be left to men". To find out more about Programming and leading women in Computer Science visit It is amazing what Computer Scientists can do; look at this short video of a robotic dog which could be used in warfare American Military- unveil their robotic

39 ICT AT GCSE Controlled assessment coursework makes up 60% of the GCSE grade so it is important that you do all the coursework well and that you follow instructions. The good part about having so much coursework is that you can go into the written examination with lots o confidence if you know you have good coursework marks. The content is split into four sections which is assessed in three units Current and emerging technologies Students will explore the impact of current and emerging technologies. This topic explores technology in a variety of contexts that will interest your students; from computer and mobile technologies to communication and entertainment systems. A range of ICT tools and techniques Students will explore the ways in which tools and techniques are used to develop ideas and to solve problems. Collaborative working Collaborative working is a life skill that students will explore in the context of ICT. Areas covered range from developing an understanding of project management and the advantages and disadvantages of home working, to technologies that aid collaboration such as video conferencing. Society s use of ICT Students will explore legal, social, economic, ethical and environmental implications of the use of ICT. You can apply issues being discussed in the classroom to real world situations that affect individuals, organisations and society. Students can discuss their own personal effects of ICT including the growth of personal websites and social networks. Unit 1 Systems and Applications in ICT comprises 40% of the total GCSE and is assessed by an external examination. The questions are broken up into structured questions and students have one choice of essay question. Unit s 2 and 3 are coursework based tasks named Applying ICT and Practical Problem Solving in ICT. These are controlled assessments internally assessed and externally moderated. During the assessment of Unit 2 a description of a situation will be provided by the exam board each year. Within the given situation, and working independently, candidates will be asked to solve one or more tasks requiring independent use of ICT. The purpose of unit 3 is to ask candidates to solve practical problems which they may meet in education, the community or in the work place. ICT must be used to solve the problem. Unit 2 assessment will be taken in year 10 and Unit 3 in year 11.

40 CORE ICT On the chosen course students will develop basic work related learning skills in a Business context through completing assignments focusing on the main software applications. The aim is that when students leave the Academy they will be confident users of ICT in whatever profession they choose. Skills gained may be in the following areas: File Organisation Web Browser Databases Business Documents Spreadsheets Presentation Multimedia & Video

41 AQA GCSE MEDIA STUDIES SPECIFICATION A What is Media Studies? Media Studies is the study of film, television, newspapers, magazines, radio and pop music. It is based around four key concepts: Audiences Representation Language Institutions The course is structured as follows: Coursework is worth 60% of the total marks This involves three assignments assessing the following: Practical production skills Cross-media knowledge Understanding of the key concepts The Controlled Assessment is worth 40% of total marks The test is 1½ hours long. It is a pre-released topic with stimulus aimed at testing the skills acquired over the two years. The test has two tiers (Higher and Foundation)

42 Edexcel GCSE MUSIC A Warm Welcome to Edexcel GCSE Music. This syllabus offers an exciting and varied programme of study for pupils, intended to broadly develop pupils skills in the three essential areas of musicianship: performance, composition and listening and appraising. Pupils undertaking GCSE Music will receive the following benefits: A broader understanding and appreciation of a wide range of different kinds of music. Development of valuable life skills and attributes, such as critical and creative thinking, artistic sensitivity, emotional awareness, cultural understanding, self-discipline, self-confidence and self-motivation. Active engagement in many forms of music making. g A challenging yet satisfying and stimulating course of study. Edexcel GCSE Music Assessments Unit % of the course Assessment Unit 1: Performing Music (5MU01) 30% One solo performance; One ensemble performance. Both internally assessed. Unit 2: Composing Music (5MU02) 30% One of the following options: Two compositions; Two arrangements; One composition and one arrangement. Internally assessed. Unit 3: Listening to and Appraising Music (5MU03) 40% One listening paper lasting for 1 hour and 30 minutes focused on the 12 set works for this unit. Externally assessed.

43 Unit 1: Performance (5MU01) Performance lies at the heart of everything we do as musicians. Pupils studying GCSE Music will be able to develop their performing skills in both a solo and ensemble context. This unit will give encourage pupils to develop their creative thinking, their artistic sensitivity, their critical awareness, self-discipline and self-confidence. Pupils will learn to strongly think about how they interpret and communicate the music of their instrument(s). Unit 1 Assessment: Students will need to produce one solo performance of their own choice in any style or genre. Students who play instruments which are usually accompanied by the piano (for example the flute, violin or voice) can choose to have an accompanist for their performance depending on whether their chosen piece requires one or not. The performance may be: A solo performance on any instrument A solo improvisation on any instrument A sequenced performance Students will also need to produce one ensemble performance. This can be with as little as two people, although pieces with an accompanist are not considered to be ensemble performances; pupils must be careful of this when selecting their pieces. The performance can be: Performance of an undoubled part in an ensemble (minimum of two people); Improvisation as part of an ensemble; Rehearsing and directing an ensemble; Presenting a multitrack recording. What will the examiners need? You will need to produce a recording of your performances with your teacher which will be sent to the examiners for moderation. You will also need to provide scores of your pieces. Pupils who opt for the improvisation route will need to produce a written annotation of their performance, outlining from beginning to end what they did in their performance. In a nutshell, at the end of this unit you will have produced: Two performances one solo and one ensemble; Two recordings of these performances; Two scores or written annotations for these performances.

44 Unit 2: Composition (5MU02) Composing emphasises the creative aspect of music and allows pupils to appreciate the process of creating music. Pupils will be encouraged to explore a vast range of compositional techniques to develop and manipulate ideas and turn these into completed pieces of music. Unit 2 Assessment: For this unit pupils can choose to submit either: Two compositions; Two arrangements; One composition and one arrangement. Pupils must also submit a score for each composition/arrangement, or a written annotation which fully explains the compositional process in detail. Most pupils will create their score using Sibelius 7.5. Each composition must be between 2-4 minutes in length.

45 Unit 3: Listening and Appraising (5MU03) In this unit pupils will develop their listening and appraising skills through the study of music across a variety of styles and genres. Over the duration of the two year course, pupils will explore four Areas of Study, each containing three set works: Area of Study 1 Western Classical Music G. F Handel: Chorus: And the Glory of the Lord from Messiah; W. A Mozart: 1 st movement from Symphony no. 40 in G minor ; F Chopin: Prelude No. 15 in D flat major (the Raindrop Prelude ), Op.28; Area of Study 2 Music in the 20 th Century Arnold Schoenberg: Peripetie from Five Orchestral Pieces, Op. 16; L Bernstein: Something s Coming from West Side Story; S Reich: Electric Counterpoint 3 rd movement; Area of Study 3 Popular Music in Context Miles Davis: All Blues from the album Kind of Blue; Jeff Buckley: Grace from the album Grace; Moby: Why Does My Heart Feel So Bad? from the album Play; Area of Study 4 World Music Capercaillie: Skye Waulking Song from the album Nadurra (Celtic); A Shankar: Rag Desh (India); Koko: Yiri (Africa). Pupils will explore and analyse each set work in comprehensive detail, studying them in relation to use of harmony and tonality, rhythm and melody, texture and timbre, and dynamics and tempo. During this study, pupils will also learn to train their ears to identify how a composer uses features such as texture, harmony and melody etc. Unit 3 Assessment: Pupil will sit a 1-and-a-half-hour listening exam at the end of year 11 which will focus entirely on these 12 set works. Pupils will be expected to answer questions based on melodic and rhythmic features, harmony & tonality, dynamics, timbre and texture for each set work. It would be useful for pupils to familiarise themselves with these set works in preparation for the beginning of their GCSEs in year 10. Recordings of all of these set works can be found for free on YouTube. The exam will be a mixture of multiple choice question, short and free responses, followed lastly by an extended essay answer which will be based on one or more of the 12 set works. This is the only part of the course which is externally assessed.

46 AQA PHYSICAL EDUCATION GCSE FULL COURSE There are two components for the Full Course GCSE Specification: 1. TERMINAL EXAMINATION 40% UNIT 3: Knowledge and Understanding for the Active Participant Including the following themes:- Leisure and recreation, diet, physical and mental demands of performance, health, fitness, training, school and Physical Education, Cultural and social factors, International and social factors. 2. UNIT 4: Controlled Assessment (practical work) 60% Students can choose to participate as a player/performer, organiser, leader/coach, choreographer or official. At least 2 assessments must be as a performer/player, and they must include activities from at least 2 of the following groups (ways of thinking): Gymnastic activities, including trampolining Athletic activities Games Swimming Dance Outdoor/adventurous activities, including the Duke of Edinburgh Award Bronze expedition Fitness and health activities Physical Education is a nationally recognised science and especially useful for any student considering a career in teaching, sports development, sports science, leisure and tourism. A good level of practical performance is important (60% of award). It is expected that candidates have an existing aptitude and interest. Involvement in P.E. extra curricular activities and sport in and out of school is essential.

47 OCR RELIGIOUS STUDIES (PHILOSOPHY & ETHICS) At GCSE, Religious Studies follows OCR s Philosophy and Ethics Course. Philosophy, literally meaning a love of wisdom, is the study of seeking knowledge and wisdom in understanding the nature of the universe. Ethics relates to the study of moral judgment and what is right and wrong, good and bad. It leads on from the work studied in Year 9 on Ultimate Questions and Religion in the Media. This is a highly topical and invigorating course that requires candidates to question modern Philosophical and Ethical issues from the standpoint of the 6 Major World Faiths: Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and Sikhism. Students will cover a maximum of twelve topic areas over their two GCSE years. The topics are as follows: Philosophy 1 Ethics 1 Nature of Belief- How and where believers worship Religion and Equality- Racism, colour prejudice, sexism, ageism Philosophy 1 1. Deity 1. Deity Religious Religious Experience Experience 3. End of Life Philosophy 2 Philosophy 2 1. Good & Evil 1. Good and Evil Revelation Revelation 3. Science and & Religion Ethics 1 1. Relationships 1. Relationships Medical Medical Ethics Ethics Poverty and & Wealth Ethics 2 Ethics 2 1. Peace & Justice 2. Equality 3. Religion & the Media 1. Peace and Justice 2. Equality 3. Religion and the Media Deity- what Is God like? Do miracles really occur? End of Lifedifferent theories on what happens when we die Religion and Human Relationships- marriage and divorce, sex and contraception Revelation: how God is revealed to believers Good Good and and Evil: Evil: why why is there is good there and good in and the evil world? in the Angels, world? heaven, Angels, the heaven, Devil and the Devil hell and hell. How is the course assessed? Each candidate will sit 4 x 1 hr examinations at the end of Year 11 All examinations have 3 short answer questions, 1 mid-length question and one long answer question to be answered in an essay style. Candidates are asked to demonstrate their knowledge, understanding and analysis of the areas covered. There is a large emphasis on the candidate s own opinion and opinions of others as they are assessed on evidence, evaluation and argument. During lessons your teacher will assess you in lots of different ways: your contribution to class discussions, your commitment to the course and the standard of your GCSE practice answers.