GCSE Option Sharjah English School

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1 Option Dear Parents, Year 9 students have now reached an important point in their schooling where they have to decide which subject options to take for their s. Before this choice can be made, teachers, parents, and students must all work together to ensure that the final decision is one which will be to the satisfaction of all concerned. We believe that a broad, balanced education is essential and this policy is reflected in our option choice format. Our Option Package reflects a programme of subjects which will prepare our students thoroughly for future studies in whichever system of education they enter. It will also give them diversity of subject matter, essential for future employment. To ensure breadth and balance in each student s individual curriculum, we do insist that all students take English and English Literature, Mathematics, Science and up to four further subjects, chosen from the Option Choices, to level. Students also take Physical Education and a Personal, Social and Health Education course as non- subjects. For the majority of students a total of nine subjects will be studied. An Options/Curriculum Evening has been arranged for Sunday 18 th March to consider the option choices your child will make when he/she is in Year 10. The evening will begin at 3.30 pm in the new Auditorium, with an outline of the options process and explanation of the key issues. The presentation will be followed by the parent / teacher meetings, where you will be able to discuss your child s academic progress and their suitability to take specific subjects at level. The Options Presentation will also be repeated at 5.00pm. Teachers will be available for consultation until 6.00pm. As it is a Curriculum Evening leading to option choices, we feel that your son/daughter should accompany you and being an official school meeting, we ask and expect them to be in school uniform. Yours sincerely, Ed Rees Head of Key Stage 4

2 ENGLISH LANGUAGE - AQA English aims to develop pupils skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening; to enable them to communicate with others confidently, effectively, precisely and appropriately. In speaking and listening, pupils will take part in a variety of tasks, including individual presentations, debate, discussion, drama activities and role-play. They will develop their abilities to listen and respond to speakers ideas and to use a variety of techniques in their talk appropriate for audience and purpose. Students will study a wide range of fiction, non-fiction and media texts, developing their understanding of the way writers use language, structure and form to achieve effects and influence readers. As writers, they will learn to adapt their vocabulary and form appropriately to purpose, enabling them to communicate clearly, effectively and imaginatively. Written Controlled Assessment Students will produce a written coursework folder which will contain four assignments: Extended Reading A detailed response of 1200 words, to a text studied in class. Creative Writing Students complete two written tasks, totalling 1200 words. 1. Moving Images (writing for or about moving images) 2. Commissions (responding to a given brief) 3. Re-creations (taking a text and turning it into another). Spoken Language Study Students will complete one task, focusing on a specific area of spoken language 1. Social attitudes to spoken language 2. Spoken genres 3. Multi-modal talk. Assessment Criteria Formal Examination- 1 paper (40%) Written Controlled Assessment (40%) Speaking and Listening Controlled Assessment (20%) Virtually all career choices require students to have a sound knowledge of English. Students must obtain a grade C or above if they are applying to university.

3 ENGLISH LITERATURE - AQA The English Literature course is combined with GSCE English Language and students entered for both subjects will be able to gain two s at the end of the course. The course aims to develop students interest and enthusiasm for literature. Through the study of a range of literary texts, students will develop their abilities to respond critically and imaginatively, appreciating the social, cultural and historical contexts and values that are presented. Controlled Assessment This assessment is an extended task of 2000 words that requires students to make links between a Shakespeare play and one other text. Assessment Criteria Formal Examination - 2 papers (75%) Controlled Assessment (25%) A grade C in English Literature is essential for a student who is intending to study English Literature at AS or A level. Universities and employers also hold this qualification in high regard as it indicates a more sophisticated knowledge and understanding of the language.

4 MATHEMATICS Edexcel A 2MA01 This course is a traditional linear route to Mathematics, comprising of two terminal examination papers. There are three main areas of study: Number and Algebra, Geometry and Measures, Statistics and Probability. The course aims to develop mathematical knowledge, skills and understanding such that students will confidently tackle and solve a range of familiar and unfamiliar problems, including those drawn from reallife contexts and other areas of the curriculum. They will think and communicate mathematically both logically and creatively. Students will become more fluent in making connections between different areas of Mathematics and its application in the world around us. Two written papers, one calculator (50%) and one non-calculator (50%). A good qualification in Mathematics shows evidence of logical thought processes and the ability to cope with statistical and analytical skills. This core subject is highly valued by most employers and is often required for entry to further or higher education. Possible careers are: accountant, air traffic controller, architect, banker, bursar, CAD draughts person, tax inspector, economist, engineer, financial consultant, insurance, pilot, surveyor, teacher, stockbroker, operational research.

5 SCIENCE - AQA / 4462 or 4411 / 4421 / 4451 ROUTE 1: SCIENCE/ADDITIONAL SCIENCE (2 S OVER 2 YEARS) This is the route that is offered to the majority of pupils in the UK. It covers all the main aspects of science and will allow pupils who excel to progress on to AS courses. The course involves pupils completing Science in Year 10 and Additional Science in Year 11. This will require 6 modules of study and 2 practical assessments. Pupils will receive 6 lessons per week. ROUTE 2: BIOLOGY, CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS (3 S OVER 2 YEARS) This is a route in the UK normally only offered to students who excel in science and is a much more intensive and fast paced course. It is aimed at students who already show a great aptitude in science and have a strong likelihood of progressing onto AS level courses in science. The course involves pupils completing Biology, Chemistry and Physics over 2 years, allowing them to leave with 3 grades at level. This involves 9 modules and 3 practical exams. Pupils will receive 6 lessons per week. CHOOSING THE RIGHT COURSE Students do not choose which route they will take. Instead they are invited to attend the route that will most suite their ability and needs. This is decision is made based on the following criteria. Achievement in the SAT examination. Achievement in the mock SAT Science examination. Achievement class assessments throughout the year Attitude to learning and effort made in class. Some people may be told that they will be starting route 2 on a trial basis, but that there continuation is conditional on maintaining the level of effort and hard work required over the first few weeks. It is important to make sure that the pupils achieve good grades in their courses and not sacrifice this for the sake of an extra qualification. s in Science are important for almost any career. Employers appreciate the application of thinking skills, analytical ability, problem solving and logic associated with the sciences. They also appreciate people who understand how the world around them work.

6 ART & DESIGN - Edexcel 5AD02 At students will develop an understanding of past and contemporary art and design and be able to produce a personal response embracing a range of ideas. Students will develop skills by widening their working knowledge of materials, practices and technology and use skills to investigate, analyse and experiment using art and design. They will be encouraged to use their imaginative powers and the skills to express ideas, feelings and meanings and use the language and conventions of art and design to show an understanding of its place in history and in society. Unit 1: Personal Portfolio in Art and Design 60% This takes the form of two projects carried out of the two years of the course. The projects are themed and can take the form of work produced in sketchbooks; drawings, photography, paintings etc. Unit 1 is internally set and marked; assessed through controlled assessment Unit 2: Externally Set Assignment in Art and Design 40% This is an externally set theme and is internally marked. Students are expected to spend approximately 45 hours in a informally supervised conditions producing supporting work for their 10 hour controlled examination. All work is moderated externally in May/June Assessment Criteria This is an open entry subject. All students will be required to complete the coursework and exhibit their work. Whether the student views his or her self as a painter, fashion designer, film-maker or sculptor, the same basic rules of art and design apply and the student must be interested, dedicated and show lots of enthusiasm. Art and Design is recognised as an acceptable qualification for entry to many careers and higher education courses. Further training in Art, Craft & Design can include AS/Advanced GCE, Advanced Vocational Certificate of Education (VCE) or BTEC National Diploma, Art College Foundation Course, Bachelor of Art Degree, Master of Arts and PhDs. There are numerous careers in the visual such as; Advertising, Picture Restorer, Marketing, Photographer, Graphic Designer, Teaching, Costumier, Illustrator, Sculpture, Commercial Work, Textiles, Set Designer, Photo Journalist, Magazines, Book Jackets, Computer Graphics, Painting, Interior Design, Fashion Designer, Video & TV, Film Maker, Medical Photography, Printing, Picture Editor, Freelance Cartoonist, Teaching, Curator, Art Therapist etc.

7 BUSINESS STUDIES AQA The new Business Studies takes the student through the elements of setting up and running a business. Unit 1 focuses on the entrepreneur and the many factors that influence the decisions of a new start up business, from where to locate, managing small marketing budgets to start up finance. In Unit 2 we examine wider business issues and those a growing and more established business may be affected by, such as changing business objectives, an expanding workforce, the use of more sophisticated marketing techniques and the legal structure of the business.. 1. Unit 1 - Setting up a Business, Written Paper (1 hour) weighting 60 Marks / 40% 2. Unit 2 - Growing as a Business, Written Paper (1 hour) weighting 60 Marks / 35% 3. Unit 3 Investigating Business, Controlled Assessment, (up to three 1 hour sessions) 40 Marks/ 25% Controlled Assessment Students are required to prepare an investigation of a proposed business idea. The research investigation takes place prior to the examined assessment and can take the focus of different business functions such as marketing, operations or strategy. The candidate will be required to examine this focus in detail through primary and secondary research and to ultimately make sound business recommendations based on the analysis of their research findings. Once research is complete the students' enter into a controlled assessment environment, where they are required to write a report answering the pre-released exam question. Business Studies helps the student to develop an understanding of the world of work and, as such, is of value in any career choice. Some of the more obvious careers benefiting from Business Studies include: Import/Export Sales, Marketing, Hotel Management, Catering, Retail Management, Personnel Management, Banking and Finance.

8 DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY AQA (Product Design 4550) (Graphic Products 4555) Design & Technology is concerned primarily with the activity of designing and making of products and systems which are used by and manufactured in an industrialised society. We seek to provide our students with an educational experience which places particular emphasis on the holistic nature of Design and Technology, empowering the pupils and giving them the skills to analyse and resolve the many conflicting issues which crop up when living in a forward thinking global society. On completing their we aim to give the pupils an understanding of, and competencies in the following areas: 1.creative process (decision making and the resolution of conflicting needs) 2.manufacturing (high level skills), including an understanding of industrial systems 3.communication, research and analytical skills 4.the interrelationship between human and technological factors 5.an understanding of the importance of commitment and personal organisation 6.an appreciation of the fact that design can have an impact beyond its intended area 7.an awareness of the historical events that have shaped our world 8.an appreciation of the work of others (including professional designers and peers) COURSEWORK (Controlled Assessment) Design & Technology at includes a major coursework component with 60% of the final grading being based upon the student s project work. This takes the form of a self directed design assignment which evolves into a manufactured model or prototype. This work is started early in Year 11 and most of the study during this time is based around it. A pupil who achieves 100% in this project walks into the exam with a C/B grade before he or she puts pen to paper. The assessment schedule for is 60% coursework and 40% examination. Product Design or Graphic Products? Both courses follow the same pattern and deal with the same design related issues. The major difference is within the materials and media that the students specialise in. The students will be advised on which course will be best suited to them by their Design & Technology teacher. Design Technology as a subject gives the pupils transferable skills and the ability to react creatively in any situation. From the skills listed above; research, analytical, decision making and communication skills, lend themselves to all walks of life. The more specialised knowledge and skills can lead to higher education and employment in the following fields: architecture, engineering (civil, electronic and mechanical), design (product, graphic, interior, service, fashion) quantitative surveying, design management, software or website design and manufacturing management, to name a few. Every day the demand for good quality creative thinkers with the skills to see a project through is growing and this course is designed to help our students be these people.

9 FRENCH AQA 3651 The course concentrates on developing and extending the ability to communicate effectively through the topic areas covered. All students will enjoy increased confidence within the four language skills: Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing. Students will form an understanding and positive attitude towards the culture and civilization of Francophone countries and Francophiles. The French course, at Key Stage 4, is considered a solid academic option and good grounding for further study. The course will also improve students problem-solving skills and memory as well as enhancing their ICT skills. Coursework 25% Formal examinations 75% COURSEWORK The coursework is worth 25% of the total mark and assesses the skill area of Writing. Students submit three coursework assignments from a range of themes. The assignments are not specific to either Foundation or Higher Tier. The grade is awarded on merit, benefiting students of all abilities. There are two tiers of assessment: Foundation and Higher. Students take exams in the three skill areas of Listening, Speaking and Reading. Each skill is worth 25% of the final mark. In the Formal Examinations students may be entered for different tiers for each skill, but may only attempt one tier per skill. The ability to use a modern foreign language is in increasing demand in most occupations. Careers in: Import/Export Sales, Banking, Journalism, Broadcasting, Hotel Management, Travel Industry, Engineering and Marketing can all benefit from a knowledge of French. French is an official working language in dozens of international organisations, including the United Nations, International Olympic Committee and International Red Cross and is the second most frequently used language on the internet. In line with increased globalization, the ability to communicate in a second (or even third) language is critical and will increase a student s marketability. Employers tend to prefer candidates who speak one or more foreign languages.

10 ARABIC - Edexcel 2AR01 This Edexcel in Arabic requires students to develop their knowledge of vocabulary and structures in a range of settings which: are relevant and of interest to the student correspond to the student s level of maturity reflect, and are appropriate to, the culture of countries and communities where the language is spoken relate, where appropriate, to other areas of the curriculum The Edexcel in Arabic qualification requires students to : Develop the ability to listen to and understand spoken Arabic in a range of contexts and variety of styles Communicate in speech for a variety of purposes Read and respond to different types of written language Communicate in writing for a variety of purposes Understand and apply a range of vocabulary and structures Develop the language learning and communication skills which can be applied broadly Of course the Arabic language is important aside from the current economic and political issues simply because of the number of countries that speak it. Arabic is spoken by over one hundred and fifty million people throughout the world including the following countries and territories: Algeria, Bahrain, Chad, Comoros Djibouti, Egypt, Ethiopia, the Gaza Strip, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, the West Bank, Western Sahara, the Yemen Arab Republic.

11 GEOGRAPHY Edexcel 2GA01 Geography at is designed to investigate new ideas and approaches to the study of geography in the 21st century at local, regional, national and international scales. It examines aspects of physical and human geography and their associated processes, including relationships between people and environments as well as current issues of local, national and global importance, such as climate change and sustainable development. Geography stresses the importance of fieldwork, out-of-classroom learning and the use of new technologies, including the Geographical Information Systems (GIS), to assist geographical investigation. Unit 1 - Geographical Skills and Challenges Geographical Skills cartographic, graphical, geographical enquiry, ICT and GIS Challenges for the Planet - climate change and sustainable development. Unit 2 - The Natural Environment The Physical World students Coastal Landscapes, River Landscapes, Glaciated Landscapes, Tectonic Landscapes Environmental Issues - A Wasteful World, A Watery World. Unit 3 - The Human Environment The Human World - Economic Change, Farming and the Countryside, Settlement Change, Population Change People Issues - A Moving World, A Tourist s World Unit 4 Investigating Geography Coasts, contemporary, countryside, environmental, rivers, tourism, transport, urban areas Assessment Criteria Each unit is worth 25%. Units 1-3 are examined externally and unit 4 is a controlled assessment. In Units 2-4 students will answer questions from one topic in each section. The diverse nature of Geography means it is a stepping stone to a whole range of future opportunities. Town planning, journalism and media, teaching, economic planning, engineering, business, ICT, environmental management, marketing, leisure and tourism are all careers where geographical skills would be particularly valued.

12 HISTORY Edexcel B History at is designed to help make judgements about the past, think critically when sources of information are presented to us and challenge existing ideas about the world. This course involves the study of a depth and breadth study as well as a controlled assessment. There are four distinct parts to the School s History Project B course: Unit 1: Medicine and Treatment This breadth study focuses on the development of Medicine from the Prehistoric to the Modern World. Students will study how the understanding and treatment of disease changed through time by studying public health, anatomy and surgery. Unit 2: The American West Students will be required to study in depth the American West from The course includes studying the culture of the Native Americans and how, through migration west, this culture was challenged. Students will also study migration of groups West, problems of Law and Order, the Gold Rush, Homesteaders and the Cattle Industry. Unit 3: The Transformation of Surgery This study focuses mainly on students ability to interpret sources on the development of surgery within this period. The focus is on the development of anesthetics, antiseptics, blood transfusion and surgical practice. Unit 4: Representations of History: Vietnam, This controlled assessment comprises of three questions, two based on sources and the other a piece of extended writing. Students study the causes, events and tactics of the war as well as considering the protest movement and ultimate withdrawal of US forces. Assessment Criteria Each unit comprises 25% of the award. Unit 2 will be completed in Year 10 with the option to sit the external examinations in June of that year. There is an option to re-sit this Unit in January or June of Year 11. Unit 4 will be completed in the first term of Year 11 and is internally assessed. Unit 1 and 3 will be completed in Year 11 and will be assessed as an external examination in June of that year. Examinations for Units 1,2 and 3 are all 1 hour 15 minutes long. Entry Information This is an open entry subject with no higher/lower tiers. All students will attempt common examination papers, which will contain questions of graded difficulty requiring answers of varying lengths. The transferable skills developed through the study of History make it a valuable addition for many employers as it shows the ability to make decisions and justify them, assess sources, analyse change and continuity and predict trends. History is a particularly good subject for those thinking of careers in Medicine, Law, Journalism, Archaeology, Academia and Teaching. Subject Title

13 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Edexcel - 2IT01 This new course has been designed to ensure that it is truly engaging, covers relevant skills as well as new and emerging technologies. It emphasises the development of transferable skills such as problem solving and thinking creatively, logically and critically. Its main features are: a new Controlled Assessment (60% weighting) flexible assessment options: unitised structure with the option to assess in January or June or teach the two-year course and assess at the end one specification and question paper suitable for all students (40% weighting). UNIT 1: Living in a Digital World In this unit, students explore how digital technology impacts on the lives of individuals, organisations and society. Students learn about current and emerging digital technologies and the issues raised by their use in a range of contexts (learning and earning, leisure, shopping and money management, health and well-being, on the move). They develop awareness of the risks that are inherent in using ICT and the features of safe, secure and responsible practice. 40% of the total. This unit is assessed through a 1 hour 30 minute examination paper set and marked by Edexcel. UNIT 2: Using Digital Tools This is a practical unit. Students broaden and enhance their ICT skills and capability. They work with a range of digital tools and techniques to produce effective ICT solutions in a range of contexts. Students learn to reflect critically on their own and others use of ICT and to adopt safe, secure and responsible practice. They put into practice what they learned about digital technology in Unit 1. 60% of the total The unit is internally assessed under controlled conditions. Students must complete a controlled assessment task provided by Edexcel. Students must complete the task within 40 hours. Marking of the task is carried out by teachers and moderated by Edexcel against set assessment criteria. Information Communication Technology is of great value in any career choice. ICT plays an increasingly important role in many aspects of our everyday lives both at work and at home.

14 Music AQA 4270 A in Music touches many areas of the subject that are not covered in instrumental or singing lessons. Students will learn how to compose for a variety of instruments and voices. They will also be taught how to use modern software such as Sibelius 6 and Cubase 5 to record and realize their compositions. There is a listening paper focusing on three areas: The Pop Song in the 20th and 21st centuries; World Music; The Western Classical Tradition. They must also record 2 pieces or songs on their main instrument or voice. Composing and Appraising Coursework. One Composition, in a genre chosen by the exam board, with an appraisal by the candidate. Completed under controlled conditions, submission by recording. (20% of the total marks.) Composing Coursework. One free choice Composition, completed under controlled conditions, submission by recording. (20% of the total marks.) Coursework Performing. (1) One solo performance on voice or instrument. (2) EITHER a group performance with at least 2 other people OR a music technology performance. Pieces to be recorded and submitted to the Exam Board. It is anticipated that several different pieces will be recorded during the 2 year course, and the best of these selected for submission. (40% of the total marks.) Listening and Appraising Paper. Written paper of 1 hour 15 minutes, focusing on the Pop Song, World Music, and the Western Classical Tradition. (20% of the total marks.)

15 PHYSICAL EDUCATION Edexcel 1827 Physical Education is primarily a practical based course offering students the opportunity to develop skills in a wide range of activities such as Team Games, Gymnastics, Swimming, Fitness and Athletics. Students will learn about exercise, how the body works to help in exercise and through training how performance can be improved. Knowledge and analytical skills necessary to look at and to improve personal performance in selected activities will be developed. Students will have the opportunity to select four activities from at least two of the options on offer. For students who enjoy sport this will therefore be a very enjoyable course. This course will help students build upon basic skills taught in KS3. There is one written examination at the end of the course, which will test knowledge and understanding of the factors affecting performance and the importance of participating in physical activity. The examination will be 1 hour and 45 minutes and involve short questions that enable students to apply their knowledge and understanding. Throughout the course students will be assessed as they learn and develop new skills and techniques through a range of different activities. The final coursework is worth 60% of the total marks and students will need to offer four activities for assessment. The course is designed to develop the ability to observe and analyse different performances. In the final assessment students will need to analyse performance in one of their chosen practical activities. Physio, teacher, sports development, sports scientist, strength and conditioning coach, sports technology designer

16 OPTION CHOICES Name : Indicate your choice from each column by writing the subject in the appropriate space at the bottom. Only one subject may be chosen from each column FRENCH PHYSICAL EDUCATION INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY MUSIC MUSIC HISTORY GEOGRAPHY ART & DESIGN HISTORY BUSINESS STUDIES DESIGN TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS STUDIES YOUR CHOICE The option choices above will support a core curriculum of English (Language and Literature), Mathematics, Science (Double Award) - 5 examination subjects. Non- examination subjects to be studied will also include: Physical Education, Personal, Social and Health Education. Parent / Guardian: Student: Date: Date: