Year 9 Options. Subject Information for

Transcription

1 Year 9 Options Subject Information for

2 s Page No. Introduction... 1 Art GCSE... 2 Cambridge Nationals Business Level 1 / Business Studies AQA GCSE... 4 Dance GCSE... 5 Design Technology BTEC... 6 Design Technology Product Design GCSE... 7 Drama GCSE... 8 English and English Literature GCSE... 9 Film Studies GCSE Certificate in Financial Education CeFE Level MFL - French GCSE MFL - German GCSE Geography GCSE History GCSE BTEC IT Computer Science GCSE Mathematics WJEC Creative and Media Level 1 / Music BTEC & GCSE Physical Education GCSE Physical Education BTEC Sport Religious Education SMSC Science GCSE Textiles GCSE... 26

3 Introduction The purpose of this booklet is to give some information about the subjects that make up the curriculum offered by Charles Darwin School. The information will describe the content studied, how students are assessed and possible future careers in each area. Core curriculum at Charles Darwin School: English Language and Literature Mathematics Core and Additional Science or Triple Science (Physics, Biology and Chemistry) PE Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Education (SMSC) Via option choices - students are expected to study either History, Geography or a Modern Foreign Language Students are guided to various pathways with the aim of giving them the best chance of success in the future. For students who show a particular strength in Science this will mean Triple Science will have been added to their choices already. Similarly, for students who show a particular aptitude for a Modern Foreign Language, this will also have been added to their choices. We understand that making these choices can be a challenge and we hope that this booklet, the Options Evening and the follow-up meeting with form tutors will provide the necessary support for both students and their families. The school reserves the right, if necessary, of course to amend the subjects that are on offer in this booklet. Page 1

4 Art GCSE GCSE Art is about having an adventurous and enquiring approach to life and your environment in order to produce a personal response using a range of ideas. You will develop an understanding of a wide range of artists and their work through which you can make connections whilst experimenting with a variety of materials. Skills Required Throughout the course you will continue to draw, paint, print, collage and construct in addition to solving problems, experimenting and taking risks. The practical skills you develop will help you to express ideas and use visual language. You must be keen to make projects unique to you, you should be organised and prepared to work hard outside of lessons. Project based exam: 40% Coursework (2 projects): 60% You could continue your interest in the subject with an A Level in Art, leading to a foundation or design-based undergraduate course. Careers suggestions could include jobs in the following fields: Advertising Design Media Publishing Architecture Engineering Fashions Theatre Interior design Animation Page 2

5 Cambridge Nationals Business Level 1 / 2 This is a vocational qualification that takes an engaging, practical and inspiring approach to learning and assessment. The Cambridge Nationals in Business and Enterprise provides students with a broad foundation of knowledge required for further study in business including the different types of business, career planning (including recruitment) and the role of enterprise in business. 3 units (1 unit is examined and the other 2 units are coursework) Unit 1 - Introduction to Business (examined unit) Unit 2 - Planning for Work Unit 3 - Setting up and running an Enterprise Good literacy and numeracy skills are required for this qualification and with the majority being coursework there is a heavy workload (75% coursework and 25% examined). Exam: 25% Coursework: 75% Business Studies lends itself to many career options, below are just a few: Secretary Personal Assistant Administrator Receptionist Marketing Executive Promotions Manager Events Manager Sales Executive Business Analyst Financial Advisor Trader Sales Manager Page 3

6 Business Studies AQA GCSE Business Studies helps students understand the way organisations function, covering marketing, finance, human resources and operations management. The course looks at how small enterprises can grow into multi-national corporations, the challenges they face and uses real examples to illustrate how this affects the business. Accurate use of vocabulary is critical for high grades so the ability to learn terms and their meanings is essential to success. There are three units, two written externally examined papers and one controlled assessment. Units Unit 1 - Setting up a business [Written paper (1 hour): 60 marks / 40%] Unit 2 - Growing a business [Written paper (1 hour): 60 marks / 35%] Unit 3 - Investigating business [Controlled assessment: 40 marks / 25%] Good literacy and numeracy skills, an ability to carry out independent learning whilst being able to prepare and revise for exams effectively. 2 written papers: 75% 1 controlled assessment: 25% Business Studies lends itself to many career options, below are just a few: Secretary Personal Assistant Administrator Receptionist Marketing Executive Promotions Manager Events Manager Sales Executive Business Analyst Financial Advisor Trader Sales Manager This course would set you up with the basic skills to complete the AQA A Level in Business Studies. Page 4

7 Dance GCSE Elements to be studied include: Performance and Choreography, Written Paper, Study of Professional Dance Works to help inform written paper and practical elements. Students will: Create a piece of dance based on a given stimulus. Perform as a solo and within an group. Study 8 professional works for comparison. Homework is set regularly and must be completed. Students must wear all black and have bare feet. There are no prior learning requirements for GCSE dance. However, students must have a love of dance, a desire to learn and improve technical skills, as well as enjoy watching and analysing professional dance works. Practical lessons take up a large part of the course. Students must be medically fit and willing to dance every lesson. Please note: Many different styles of dance will be explored during the course. It is essential students are prepared to study these different styles (contemporary, Bharata Nathan, ballet and jazz), both practically and through research projects. It should be noted that the coursework units require the use of a fusion of styles in their response to access the full marks. Students open to a variety of dance styles will have a better chance of success. Current arrangements (subject to change) Written Exam: 40% Coursework Practical s: 60% Potential Future Careers Dance Performer Choreographer Movement Therapist Route into Performing Arts Courses Dance Teacher Dance Historian Route into A Level Dance/Degree Route into Stage School Page 5

8 Design Technology BTEC This course is for pupils who like investigating, designing and making things. In every assignment you will be set a life-like brief. To meet each brief you will need to investigate, design, create and present a solution on a variety of projects. Pupils must be aware that this course is 60% paper-based work and 40% practical work. You will have the opportunity to work with a variety of materials or techniques, including: Graphics Modelling from basic materials Woodwork CAD (Computer-Aided Design) or CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacture) Plastics Metalwork ICT for research, writing and presenting Electronics Lots of drawing You must be happy to draw. This course will involve writing, researching and drawing, as well as making. Practical/coursework: 100 % 4 projects: One project will be a timed and examined, design and make project - set by the exam board. This vocational qualification is great if you are a hands-on learner and want to get stuck into designing and making. A variety of assessment methods allows everyone to access the course. Anyone who is thinking about leaving school for work or college in a design or manual skills-based job, or wants to continue their education in design or practical subjects will find the BTEC in design technology suitable. Page 6

9 Design Technology Product Design GCSE This course is for pupils who want to get stuck into designing products and learning practical skills so they can make what they have designed. Initially the course provides pupils with the chance to improve on practical skills and then design work. This part of the course provides essential practice for the coursework where you create a design portfolio and product of your own. This will make 60% of your final grade. Continuous exam preparation will ensure each pupil is ready to tackle it at the end of Year 11. The exam will make 40% of your final grade and focuses on materials, design practice and manufacturing. You will experience: 2D and 3D Designing, Card Modelling, Woodwork, Plastics, Electronics, CAD (Computer-Aided Design) or CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacture) and Manufacturing Good drawing ability A love of cool products/brands Creativity and innovation Good work ethic/ability to work hard/independently This course involves, writing, researching and maths as well as drawing, designing and making Exam: 40 % Practical/coursework: 60 % Great if you are interested in designing and making products. You could follow with an A Level in Product Design and the many design-based university courses. The creative industries are a growing, exciting and important sector with lots of different types of designing and creative university degrees and careers. The course will suit all abilities so it is also a good choice for those who want to leave school for work or college in design or manual, skills-based jobs. Page 7

10 Drama GCSE In Year 9 you will develop your voice and movement skills. You will be introduced to script work, develop your use of key drama techniques and learn about different styles of acting. This will prepare you for performance work in Year 10 and 11. The GCSE Drama course includes: Devising your own piece of theatre from a stimulus Studying different theatre practitioners Scripted performance work Studying a set text and exploring how scenes could be staged Watching live theatre performances You will also: Create a portfolio of evidence about the devising process Evaluate your performance work Complete a written exam The subject is taught in a practical way, however due to the coursework and written exam you will be required to write every week and complete regular written homework. You will need to be prepared to perform every lesson and need the ability to co-operate and work as part of a team. It is expected that you will be able to work with everyone in the class, think imaginatively and reflect on your own work. You will enjoy GCSE Drama if you want to study a subject that is practical, creative and encourages you to consider the world around you. Any students interested in careers in the Arts industry would benefit from taking GCSE Drama. Studying Drama would also benefit any job which demands developed interpersonal skills, thinking on your feet and where sharing and presenting ideas is common. Page 8

11 English and English Literature GCSE English Language and English Literature are two separate GCSEs which are studied together and share some common skills. For English Literature you will study reading and writing; you will read and analyse a whole range of different fiction and non-fiction texts and you will also be expected to produce your own accurate and effective written pieces in a wide range of styles for different purposes and audiences. In English Literature you will also study different types of fiction texts; poetry, a novel, a modern and a Shakespearian play. Skills Required The main skills you need for these GCSEs are the ability to speak, read and write competently in the English language. Clearly, how well you do this is a big factor in deciding the grades you get, although effort also plays an important role. The other qualities that we encourage in the English Faculty are: enthusiasm, empathy, creativity, a positive outlook and the ability to work well with others. English Language English Literature Exam: 100% Exam: 100% Everything! Even if you want to do an apprenticeship to be something like a plumber or a farrier, they are still going to ask for a good pass in an English Language GCSE. Page 9

12 Film Studies GCSE The WJEC Film Studies GCSE course is a stimulating and enjoyable introduction to a wonderful and varied field. As well as allowing you to engage with and explore the latest trends in Hollywood, this GCSE also asks you to bring your own cinematic tastes and values into the class room. The course requires a mix of creative and traditional academic skills as well as a love and fascination for contemporary film. You will need to develop the ability to combine the theory of film criticism with your own opinions, informed by your values and tastes. Creatively, you should be interested in exploring the film form across a range of contexts and traditions, developing production skills such as camerawork, script-writing, photography and editing. Exam: Paper 1 30% Paper 2 20% Controlled conditions coursework: 50% Film Studies at GCSE is perhaps the first step you can make in a career within the film industry. In order to succeed in the film business, however, you will need to show a commitment beyond the school curriculum by attempting as much work experience as is possible in your own time, perhaps beginning with the television industry or small specialist post-production houses based in and around London. More realistically, Film Studies is a respected and academically rigorous course of study that sits well with Arts and Humanities subjects and thus would allow ambitions for future careers in a number of professional arenas. It can also be followed further in our Sixth Form and lead onto a valuable degree course. Page 10

13 Certificate in Financial Education (CeFE) Level 2 As a Technical Award, the Level 2 Certificate in Financial Education (CeFE) provides an introduction to public finance and the economy, financial management skills and enterprise. Through developing this knowledge and a valuable range of applied and transferable skills, CeFE provides a foundation for further study in business and finance-related disciplines, as well as a wide range of other fields. It will also help prepare for the financial decisions of adulthood. Key content areas: Public finance and the economy, and their impact on individuals, businesses and society. Enterprise and business, including how these rate to: Financial management Benefits to and consequences for businesses, individuals and society Financial management, including: Financial planning Budgeting and financial management tools for managing money Spending and borrowing To be successful in this course you need to have good literacy skills and the capacity to learn technical terms. Unit 1: Unit 2: Unit 3: 20 stand-alone multiple-choice questions and 5 sets of stimulus material each with 3 associated questions (total marks 35); 15 stand-alone multiple-choice questions and 5 sets of stimulus material each with 4 associated questions (total marks 35). Pre-release case study requiring written responses to 5 associated questions (total marks 25). There is no coursework. To achieve a pass for each unit, learners are required to achieve 50% of the UMS (the raw mark is subject to change following the grade award meeting); 1 resit is permitted per unit. This qualification is graded A*-C only. Students currently study IFS qualifications at Level 3 (A Level) at Charles Darwin School and the Institute of Financial Studies qualifications can be studied right up to post graduate level. The skills and knowledge are closely associated to banking, insurance and financial services industries so a wide range of opportunities are available. Page 11

14 MFL - French GCSE Lifestyle (health, relationships, choices) Leisure (free time, holidays) Home and environment (home, local area, environment) Work and education (school, college, future plans, current and future jobs) To be able to understand (by listening and reading) and provide (by speaking and writing) information relating to students own experiences in the four content areas above, and also the experience of other people. This includes people in countries or communities where French is spoken. Exam: Listening 25% Reading 25% Writing 25% : Speaking 25% ICT/Business Banking/Finance/Accountancy Hospitality/Catering Management/Law PA/Receptionist/Customer Service Teaching Translating Healthcare Travel/Holidays Page 12

15 MFL - German GCSE Lifestyle (health, relationships, choices) Leisure (free time, holidays) Home and environment (home, local area, environment) Work and education (school, college, future plans, current and future jobs) To be able to understand (by listening and reading) and provide (by speaking and writing) information relating to students own experiences in the four content areas above, and also the experience of other people. This includes people in countries or communities where German is spoken. Exam: Listening 25% Reading 25% Writing 25% : Speaking 25% ICT/Business Banking/Finance/Accountancy Hospitality/Catering Management/Law PA/Receptionist/Customer Service Teaching Translating Healthcare Travel/Holidays Page 13

16 Geography GCSE The exam boards have yet to publish their draft specification. The following has been set by the Department of Education to be included in the new GCSE: Unit 1- Living with the physical environment: Natural hazards, Weather hazards, Climate change, Ecosystems, Rivers coasts and South Coast field trip (Year 9) Unit 2 - Challenges in the human environment: Cities, Economic development, Multinational companies, UK economic structure, Resource management and Urban field trip (Year 10) Unit 3 - Geographical application: Field work sills (15% of GCSE), Map skills, and Decision making activities (pre-release material) The course will develop a range of skills including: Geographic Information System (GIS), Field work and out-of-classroom learning, Data interpretation, Analytical assessment and Map skills. Unit 1 Exam: 1 hour 30 minutes 35% Unit 2 Exam: 1 hour 30 minutes 35% Unit 3 Exam: 1 hour 15 minutes 30% Geography supports a wide range of careers including office-based and outdoor jobs. For example: Town planning HR Manager Meteorologist Waste Management planning Conservation Manager Environmental consultant Page 14

17 History GCSE History is a popular GCSE. Students are provided with a broad and diverse curriculum which involves studying four units covering a wide period to time. The specification is changing for teaching next year and as yet there is nothing definite that has been published. However, we expect the new curriculum to look something like the following: 1. A thematic study which covers a broad period of time. We will study the History of Medicine present. 2. A period study which will focus on a time span of at least 50 years. We study the Cold War Two depth studies which will focus on a short time span and require students to understand a particular historical situation. We will study Henry VIII and his minister and also Germany A study of the historic environment. This will require pupils to examine the relationship between a place and historical events and developments,. We study trench welfare and the treatment of soldiers in WWI. Students should have enjoyed History at Key Stage 3 and must have a keen interest in the events of the past and how they affect people and society. They need to be enthusiastic and prepared to do extra reading whilst keeping up to date with what is happening in the world around them today. As they progress through the course, students will use historical sources and over time will learn how to analyse and evaluate them, arriving at judgements and using their own knowledge to draw out conclusions. A deep commitment to the subject and a willingness to work hard with all the work set is expected. You will be choosing a GCSE subject that is highly regarded amongst colleges, universities and employers. Students who have done well in history often study for higher qualifications in subjects such as politics, law, economics and sociology. Many people working in law and accountancy have studied history. There are many careers that are directly related to history such as travel and tourism, museums, the media industry, libraries, government research and, of course, history teaching! Page 15

18 BTEC IT Are you creative? Do you have an interest in the IT products that you use every day? The BTEC Award in Information and Creative Technology is designed for young people who may wish to explore a more vocational route through their GCSE. The course has been developed to inspire and enthuse you to become technology savvy about technology products and systems and not just consumers! It also gives you the opportunity to gain a broad understanding and knowledge of the Information Technology sector and some aspects of the creative industries e.g. computer games development. You will understand how professionals create graphics, spreadsheets and websites to enable you to plan and design professional examples for a given scenario. An inquisitive nature, a willingness to find things out and keep up to date with the way ICT is used outside of school. You will be required to describe and evaluate what you have researched, planned and created. Exam unit: Coursework: Online assessment 3 units Each unit has equal weighting and students need to have sufficient points to be awarded a Pass, Merit or Distinction. The BTEC is a useful, real-world qualification and gives you the potential opportunity to enter employment within a wide range of job roles across the Information Technology sector and some aspects of the creative industries including: Software Engineer Website Manager Computer Animator Graphic Designer Page 16

19 Computer Science GCSE Do you have an enquiring IT mind? Want to have a real in-depth understanding of how computer technology works? This course developed in coordination with Microsoft, Google and Cisco provides excellent preparation for higher study and employment in Computing. Students will develop computational thinking skills built on a sound base of conceptual learning and understanding. The course will enable learners to: Understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of Computer Science. Analyse problems in computational terms through practical experience of solving such problems. Think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically. Understand the components that make up digital systems. This course will be particularly suitable for students with an interest both IT and Computing who are currently studying in high Maths and Science sets. You need to show that you can work independently on a task and are able to organise your time and work effectively and have an enquiring mind. Exam units: Computer Systems 40% Computational thinking, 40% algorithms and programming Coursework: Programming Project 20% If you take GCSE Computer Science you will have the necessary skills that enable you to progress to further Vocational or General qualifications. You gain an insight into related sectors and prepare you to make informed decisions about further learning opportunities and career choices. Potential careers include: Engineering Science and medicine Software Engineer Computer Animator Page 17

20 Mathematics GCSE Note: Changes to the National Curriculum have been undertaken by the Government. The Key Stage 4 Programme of Study has been released and the new specifications will be first examined in June In line with latest government advice pupils begin their Mathematics GCSE at the start of Year 9. Students will study Mathematics under three Objectives: AO1: Use and Apply Standard Techniques AO2: Reason, interpret and communicate mathematically AO3: Solve problems within mathematics and in other contexts The content of the course will be Number, Algebra, Ratio, proportion and rates of change, Geometry and measures, Probability and Statistics. The course will provide opportunities to develop key skills in communication; information and communication technology; application of number; improving their own learning and performance; working with others and problem solving. Two tiers of entry decided by the Mathematics Faculty: Higher grades 9 4(3) Foundation grades 5-1 available Exam: Paper 1 Non Calculator 33.3% (1 hour 30 minutes) Paper 2 Calculator: 33.3% (1 hour 30 minutes) Paper 3 Calculator 33.3% (1 hour 30 minutes) A Mathematics GCSE enhances a pupil s prospects in any kind of employment. Those students who study mathematics beyond GCSE will find that a whole range of demanding careers are open to them from medicine, engineering and computer science to finance, law and business. The higher a pupil s mathematics qualification the more doors that will be open to them. Page 18

21 WJEC Creative and Media Level 1/2 The WJEC Creative and Media course offers students the chance to work in a wide variety of roles across a diverse number of media forms during the 3 year course. Year 9 focuses on independent research skills, learning to read media texts and core production skills. These form the basis for investigating a range of media including moving image technology, print production, podcast production, producing short films, and embarking on the theoretical and practical coursework units. Students will need a determination to succeed and a willingness to work independently over sustained periods of time. Students should be creative and willing to develop a wide range of new deep-thinking and technological skills across an exciting and stimulating number of media platforms. Students should also be flexible, open-minded, patient and imaginative, as well as mature and reliable in their approach to what are often independent production challenges. You do not need to already possess skills in digital media creativity but you must be keen to learn and be active across a range of media forms, from photography to video. Whilst you do not need to be a performer or model, you must be willing to organise photo and video shoots in and out of school. If you do not want to develop these kinds of independent skills, then the course is not for you. You also need patience and a willingness to get feedback and use this to improve your creative ideas. The course is made up of 3 distinct units, with 2 of these being internally assessed and worth 75% of the final grade. The two internally completed units require you to build up a wide portfolio of different digital skills as outlined above, including original photography, graphic design and video products. You also need to maintain a written log of your learning and creative experiences during the completion of these two units, recording what you have learnt and how you have improved your work. The final 25% of your GCSE grade is achieved through an external exam that lasts two hours, based on work for a scenario provided by the board in advance. You are allowed to take four sides of research notes completed in class into the exam, these notes being prepared in advance with support from your teacher. There are clear links between this course and the various media industries that already exist and continue to emerge with the development of new technologies and working practices. So this digital media course will potentially be the first step on the road to a specialist media career in, for example, television, film, radio or magazines. Page 19

22 Music BTEC / GCSE Students will choose either the BTEC or GCSE pathway in consultation with their Music teacher. Students who have not yet learned/developed skills through instrumental/singing lessons are likely to follow the BTEC course. Students who have already developed their instrumental/vocal skills through private lessons and/or in class are likely to follow the GCSE course. BTEC: Varied units of work including: Performing Composing Developing a working knowledge of Music Technology Planning and running music events Exploring different music industry jobs and roles - exam unit GCSE: (Currently AQA specification, this is likely to change to Edexcel) 60% coursework in performance and composition 40% listening and appraising exam at the end of Year 11 covering variety of musical set works Skills Required Performance skills on an instrument or singing. Grade 3 standard or higher is required to study GCSE music. Composition skills: the ability to be creative when making up your own music. Listening skills: the ability to make analytical observations about the music you hear. Broad minded about music: open to the study of new types and genres of music. Organisation skills: the ability to be able to plan your work, and complete work to given deadlines. A willingness to learn to read and write music notation. BTEC: 3 units of coursework and one exam, all graded to Pass/Merit/Distinction levels. GCSE: 60% Performing/Composing Coursework; 40% Listening and Appraising exam. Working Musician Work within the Music Industry Radio / Television / Media Music Administration Tour Manager / Technical Support Teaching Music / Instrumental Teaching Working in Recording Studios Music Management / Promotion Music Therapy Theatre / Event management Page 20

23 Physical Education GCSE This course encourages students to be inspired by following a satisfying and worthwhile course of study and to develop awareness and appreciation of their own and others cultures in relation to physical education. Students will be encouraged to use creativity and decision-making skills to plan effectively for performances and to respond to changing situations in a game. Students will become increasingly physically competent through being actively engaged in a range of physical activities, and to become increasingly effective in their performance in different types of physical activity and roles such as player/participant, leader and official. Eventually students will be assessed in 3 different sports based on their performance; one of these sports must be a team sport and one must be an individual sport. Students will develop their ability to engage independently and successfully in different types of physical activity, and to develop and maintain their involvement in physical activity as part of a healthy, active lifestyle. Students will need to have an average level of 5a/6 or above attainment level in their KS3 assessments across a range of sports. Performing in a sport at the following level - school, club, county or regional. Have an understanding of the rules and regulations in at least one sport. An interest in how the body works and an ability to relate the theory to practical situations. Exam: 60% external examinations (2 exams - 30% each) Practical : 30% internal/external assessment Coursework - Personal Exercise Programme with analysis of one sport: 10% internal/ external assessment Pathways into the Sixth Form: A level Physical Education BTEC Sport Level 3 triple award PE teacher Sports Coach Physiotherapy Sports Nutritionist Page 21

24 Physical Education BTEC Sport We deliver the BTEC Sport Level 2 Award, this course is for students to inspire and enthuse learners to consider a career in the sports and active leisure sector, rather than just participate in sports as recreation. Studying the BTEC Award will broaden students understanding and knowledge of and develop skills, in the sport sector, e.g. the health and fitness industry or sports leadership/coaching. The course covers 4 units, some are assessed internally and others through examinations. Students will study the following units: Unit Assessed Unit title 1 External (exam) Fitness for Sport and exercise 2 Internal Practical Sports Performance 5 Internal Training for Personal Fitness 6 Internal Leading Sports Activities This course supports the progression into the Sixth Form leading onto the BTEC Sport Level 3. Skills Required Students should have a passion for sport and perform at a good level (KS3 assessment an average of 4a/5c at the end of Year 8). Students should have a desire to improve their fitness, participate in a range of sports and develop their leadership skills. Students who are interested in a career in the sports sector. Coursework: 75% internal assessment 25% external examination PE teacher Sports Development Personal Trainer Sports coaching Sports Coach Page 22

25 Religious Education Students will gain an appreciation of how religions, philosophy and ethics form the basis of our culture. They will be challenged with questions about belief, values, meaning, purpose and truth, enabling them to develop their own attitudes towards religious issues. Religion can be considered the most important influence on the lives of everyone in the world. Even if we think that we do not believe in any religion, and that it is nothing to do with us, nevertheless, it affects a great many aspects of our everyday lives, wherever we live. We ignore the important role that religion plays in the world at our peril. The specification for next year is changing but we expect the new curriculum to look something like the following: The first exam paper is the study of two religions. Their beliefs, teachings and practices. We expect that the following two religions will be studied: Christianity and Islam. The second exam paper is the study of four religious, philosophical and ethical themes. The expectation is that these will include: Religion, peace and conflict, Religion crime and punishment, Religion, human rights and social justice, and Relationships and families. Skills Required An interest in the world we live in is a vital ingredient for success in the course. Students should also be keen to learn about current affairs and to be aware of what is being covered in the news. There is an emphasis on students being able to communicate effectively and to produce balanced and coherent arguments, showing an empathy for how people respond and react to certain situations which they face. These are skills which will be used time and again through adult life. 2 examinations lasting for 1 hour and 45 minutes each. You will be choosing a GCSE subject that is highly regarded amongst colleges, universities and employers. Students who have done well in history often study for higher qualifications in subjects such as politics, law, economics and sociology. Page 23

26 SMSC This course is a stimulating and fascinating study of many of the moral and spiritual questions which are often in the news and which many individuals might come across at some point in their lives. It explores issues of life and death, such as abortion, euthanasia and world poverty. It also looks at the question of marriage and the family, the part religion plays in community cohesion and the reasons for people following a faith. This course encourages pupils to adopt an enquiring, critical and reflective approach to the study of many of the moral dilemmas faced by society today. An interest in the world we live in is a vital ingredient for success in the course. Students should also be keen to learn about current affairs and to be aware of what is being covered in the news. There is an emphasis on students being able to communicate effectively and to produce balanced and coherent arguments, showing an empathy for how people respond and react to certain situations which they face. These are skills which will be used time and again through adult life. The skills which are learnt and promoted in this course are invaluable for later life, whatever our students decide to do next, whether it be further education or entering the world of work. Page 24

27 Science GCSE All students will study either GCSE Double Award Science or the Triple Award of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, depending on ability and learning style. Importance is attached to the knowledge, skills and understanding of how science works in the world at large as well as in the laboratory. Combined Science: Resulting in 2 GCSEs being awarded, studying each Science that forms a combined qualification Separate Sciences: Resulting in 1 GCSE being awarded for each subject; Biology, Chemistry and Physics (3 GCSEs in total) There will be no separate practical assessment in GCSE from the summer of All Science GCSEs will be 100% terminal assessment. Medical Sciences (doctor, dentist) Teaching Scientific Research Banking Software Engineer Pilot Animal Welfare Oceanographer Mechanical/Electrical/Civil Engineering Chemical Engineering Financial Careers Computer Science Business Management Vet Marine Scientist Page 25

28 Textiles GCSE GCSE Textiles offers a unique opportunity for you to identify and solve real problems by designing and making products using fabric. You will experiment with and investigate a range of both practical (garment construction, dyeing and printing methods, finishing methods and decorative techniques), and theory-based knowledge (fabric properties and characteristics, design and industrial systems, and fashion movements). Creativity and flair in order to create innovative designs The ability to work well on both practical and written work A keen interest in fashion and product design A strong interest in working mainly with fabrics Understanding of how to use a sewing machine would be useful but not essential. Project based exam: 40 % Coursework (2 projects): 60 % The course will provide you with an interest in the design of products within the world around you with a particular focus on those which are textiles-based. You could continue your interest in the subject with an A Level in Fashion and Textiles, leading to a foundation or design-based undergraduate course. Potential careers include: Fashion Designer Printer Interior Designer Product Designer Tailor Stylist Fashion Retail Textiles Designer Page 26

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