Subject: BUSINESS STUDIES Qualification: GCSE Level: 1 & 2 (A* - G) Head of Dept: Ms A Camacho Exam Board: Edexcel Exam: 75% Controlled Assessment: 25% Tiered papers: None What is the content of the Course? The course is made up of 3 units, two of which are examined, one of which is a controlled assessment: Unit 1: Setting up a Business Spotting a business opportunity. Enterprise. Putting an idea into practice. Making an effective start-up. Wider world. Unit 2: Investigating as a Business - controlled assessment conducted under exam conditions. This unit will be based on an investigation of a small business or entrepreneur. Students will be required to research and apply their findings to one of the topics from Unit 1. Unit 3: Building a Business Meeting customer needs. Marketing. Effective financial management. Effective people management. The wider world and its impact on businesses. What skills will be developed? Critical thinking skills - the ability to understand what theories to apply in a particular case. Interpersonal skills - communication and group work. Finance skills - you will learn to produce basic accounts for a business. Presentation skills - you will learn how to present and market a product and how to present a business plan to an investor such as a bank. Report writing skills - you will learn how to produce a business report. Who would this subject suit? Anyone with an interest in how businesses work. Anyone who thinks they would make a good candidate for Dragons Den or The Apprentice! Anyone who is comfortable with exams rather than coursework (those who prefer coursework but who still wish to study a business course should consider BTEC Level 2 in Business) What could I do next with this subject? Studying Economics, Business Studies or OCR Nationals Level 2 in Business at A Level. Goffs Sixth Form offers all of the above. It will also help prepare you for a career in a range of business areas. The knowledge gained will also equip students with general business and customer skills that can be applied to almost any job. This course would also support your application for a business apprenticeship at 16+. 1
Subject: BTEC BUSINESS Qualification: BTEC First Award Level: 2 Head of Dept: Ms A Camacho Exam Board: Edexcel Coursework: 75% External Assessment: 25% What is the content of the Course? The Edexcel BTEC Level 2 First Award in Business has core, optional specialist and optional generic units. Learners must complete both core units, plus further units 2 units, the other units will be specially selected units that are interesting and should enable students to do very well. COMPULSORY UNITS: Unit 1: Enterprise in the Business World Internal assessed coursework. Unit 2: Finance for Business External assessed exam. What skills will be developed? The BTEC Business course is intended to provide you with an introduction to the business world, enabling you to investigate a range of study areas. You will be able to develop your skills in the areas of: Communication. Application of number. ICT. Problem solving. Working with others. Improving independent learning. It could also provide a route to employment into the many diverse areas of business, including roles in specialist areas such as marketing, finance, customer service or human resources in large businesses, or a more generic role in a small, local business. In the two core units, learners will develop the key enterprise and financial skills and knowledge necessary to enable them to understand how businesses recognise opportunities, and build on them to succeed. Learners will understand how a business makes and manages its money, and plans for the future. Who would this subject suit? This course will suit someone who has an interest in the world of business and how business works, and is keen to master the latest information technology, hardworking, and capable of coming up with solutions to problems. It will also suit someone who has thought about a future career in jobs such as human resources, customer services or actually setting up their own business. 2
After GCSE FURTHER EDUCATION If you meet the requirements for entry into Sixth Form, you can progress on to study A Level Business Studies. After A Level HIGHER EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT & APPRENTICESHIP Higher Education: Study a degree at university Course examples: Business and Management Accountancy Advertising & Marketing World Politics Law Finance Economics Employment & Apprenticeship: Marketing Assistant Advertising Assistant Bank Clerk Personnel Officer Retail Buying Assistant Administrator Sales Representative After Higher Education CAREERS Trader Chartered Accountant Sales Executive Retail Manager Management Trainee Insurance Underwriter Systems Analyst Business Studies Teacher Marketing Executive Management Consultant Human Resources Trainee 3
Subject: ECONOMICS Qualification: GCSE Level: 2 (A*-G) Head of Dept: Ms A Camacho Exam Board: AQA Exam: 100 % Tiered paper : n/a What is Economics? It doesn t matter if you haven t studied Economics prior to taking this course. You don t have to have already studied Economics before to be an expert! All of us have a basic understanding of many concepts that, when put together, make up economics. Thus, you will know that prices go up if there is a shortage of something that people really want and if the reverse were likely to happen, price would be likely to fall. This is just an example, what makes economics special is that it uses technical vocabulary to explain it. Economics is classed as a social science... this means that is has much in common with subjects like sociology and psychology. You can t study people to strict laboratory conditions, although theories and concepts should be based on careful collection of evidence. This means numerical data is very important, as is the development of logical and ordered arguments. Why is Economics useful? To understand the things in the newspaper you read. To help you understand many problems the world faces and how they can be solved. It can help you see what the politicians are trying to convince you of and how truthful they are being. It is a highly respected subject to universities and will support many careers. Finally, it will help you win arguments! What is the content of the Course? Unit 11 Personal Economics: Money. Work. National & Global Economy. Unit 12 Investigating Economic issues: Managing the Economy. Current Economic Issues. How will I be assessed? 4
What skills will be developed? Critical thinking skills - the ability to understand which theories to apply in a particular case. Interpersonal skills - communication and group work. Data analysis skills analysing current Economic data such as Inflation, GDP and unemployment. Report writing and presentation skills - you will learn how to produce and present an economic report. Who would this subject suit? Anyone with an interest in how markets and the economy work. Anyone who is interested in current economic issue such as the state of the economy, recessions and recoveries and the cost of living. Anyone who is comfortable with exams rather than coursework. Anyone with higher levels of ability in English and Maths, as the subject involves challenging levels of literacy and numeracy. What could I do next with this subject? Study the A Level Economics course. Good grounding for university as it is an academic qualification recognised by all universities. Recognised by employers. Lead into jobs in the business sector, public sector, investment banking and many other high paid jobs. 5
After GCSE FURTHER EDUCATION If you meet the requirements for entry in Sixth Form, you can progress on to study A Level Economics. After A Level HIGHER EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT & APPRENTICESHIP Higher Education: Study a degree at university Course examples: Economics Law Banking & Finance Mathematics Medicine Statistics Business Management Employment & Apprenticeship: Finance Assistant Administration Supervisor Customer Services Advisor Settlements Administrator Foreign Currency Advisor Claims Handler Financial Advice Assistant Credit & Risk Assistant Cashier Underwriter Broker Accounting Technician After Higher Level CAREERS Accountant Financial Advisor Teacher Civil Service Statistician Computer Engineer Economist Investment Banker Financial Risk Analyst Investment Analyst Actuary 6
Subject: BTEC HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE Qualification: BTEC First Award Level: 2 Head of Dept: Miss S Allen Exam Board: Edexcel Coursework: 75% External Assessment: 25% What is the content of the Course? To achieve this qualification you must successfully complete 1 compulsory unit and 2 optional units (which are decided on by your teachers). Compulsory Units: Unit 1: Human Lifespan Development. Unit 2: Health & Social Care Values. Optional Units 2 chosen from: Unit 3: Effective Communication in Health and Social Care Internal. Unit 4: Social Influences on Health and Wellbeing Internal. Unit 5: Promoting Health and Wellbeing Internal. Unit 6: The Impact of Nutrition on Health and Wellbeing Internal. Unit 7: Cultural Diversity in Health and Social Care Internal. Unit 8: Individual Rights in Health and Social Care. What skills will be developed? BTEC Firsts in Health and Social Care provide a broad, solid foundation for progression to Level 3 and employment in the health and social care sector. This new suite of BTEC First qualifications will offer learners a wide range of optional specialist units from How the Human Body Works to Life Coaching and Personal Training Who would this subject suit? Can you imagine yourself working with the general public? Are you interested in a career in occupational therapy or social care? Do you like a challenge? If the answer is yes to any of the questions above, then maybe you should consider studying BTEC Level 2 Award in Health & Social Care. Through your studies you will look at a wide variety of subjects relating to all the Health & Social Care. You will learn about the employment opportunities available, the application and selection process and how you should prepare for them. What could I do next with this? Students can progress on to the BTEC Level 3 Diploma course. The qualification will give you the knowledge, understanding and competency needed when considering entering employment in the health and social care sector. You will gain a grounding in the essential skills and broad fundamentals crucial to this area of study, giving you the 7
opportunity to build on these afterwards by undertaking another Level 2 qualification, or to progress to a qualification at Level 3, or to enter into your first job within this sector. Do I need to know anything else? Homework is set regularly. You could be asked to do a variety of tasks such as written assignments, research preparation of a presentation etc. Homework is seen as not only an important opportunity to reinforce what has been learnt in class, but also to assess your understanding. 8
Subject: FILM STUDIES Qualification: GCSE Level: 2 Head of Dept: Mrs H Roberts Exam Board: WJEC Exam: 50% Coursework: 50% Tiered paper: No What is the content of the Course? In Film Studies you will be expected to produce two major pieces of coursework which will form 50% of your overall grade. The pieces will cover analysis of the film industry and one film of your choice and a set of practical production tasks. one film exploration into a film of their own choice, consisting of two tasks: (i) Industry research (350-500 words). (ii) Analysis of micro elements in a short sequence from the film (350-750 words). one production consisting of four tasks: a pitch and pre-production for the film on which the final production is based and an evaluative analysis of the final production (350-500 words or equivalent). You will also sit one exam with two sets of questions: Paper 1: Exploring Film (1 hour 30 minutes, 30%) Question 1: Response to a film extract chosen from the genre candidates have studied (questions based on film language). Question 2: Response to genre elements of study, considering all aspects of film language. Question 3: Response to aspects of the marketing and promotion of films. Question 4: A series of creative tasks assessing the knowledge and understanding of films in relation to audience and industry. Paper 2: Exploring Film outside Hollywood (1 hour, 20%) Three compulsory questions on one film: Characters, narratives, themes and issues in the film chosen. The way people, places, events and issues are represented in the film. A creative question involving individual responses to the film (e.g. reviews, blogs, website entries). What skills will be developed? Most importantly you will develop an interest in the reading, appreciation and production of film. You will develop a critical and investigative approach to the industry that creates them. You will learn how to recognise the distinctive ways in which narrative, genre and audience shape productions. You will learn how to recognise the ways and means in which film organisations and institutions represent people, ideas and events to different kinds of audiences. Who would this subject suit? Students interested in or have experience of creating their own pieces of media, from posters to edited photos and films. Students who enjoy film and television and are interested in how they are created for specific audiences. Students who are good at English as several written pieces need to be completed. 9
What could I do next with this subject? Media Studies is a popular subject at A Level if candidates hoped to continue their studies into the Sixth Form. Film Studies is a useful complement to the study of English at all levels. Film Studies is a useful GCSE to have if you want to work in media. This could include jobs such as TV, film, journalism or marketing/pr. The practical skills you learn could be used in a variety of ways, not only in different subjects but also in a working environment. Do I need to know anything else? Film Studies isn t just about watching films. You will be expected to read and write almost as much as you would in your English lessons! 10
Subject: BTEC MEDIA Qualification: BTEC First Award Level: 2 Head of Dept: Mrs H Roberts Exam Board: Edexcel Coursework: 75% External Assessment: 25% What is the content of the Course? The core units provide learners with the opportunity to: Develop the fundamental research skills which underlie all media production. Gain a basic understanding of employment opportunities, job requirements, and working practices in the media industry. Develop an understanding of how media products are constructed for specific audiences or markets. The optional technical and production units enable learners to start building the technical skills and knowledge relevant to a sector (or sectors) of the media industry. You will study three units during the course: An externally assessed unit on Media Sectors and Audiences. Two specialist units to include digital video production and digital publication advertising or print production. One core unit on Planning and Pitching a media product that forms part of the specialist unit work. What skills will be developed? Most importantly you will develop an interest in the enormously diverse world of digital media communication. You will develop a critical and investigative approach to major media forms and the links between them. You will learn how to recognise the distinctive ways in which different digital media technologies shape media productions. You will learn how to recognise the ways and means in which media organisations and institutions represent people, ideas and events to different kinds of audiences. Who would this subject suit? Learners who complete a Certificate/Diploma in Media will obtain a qualification which will enable progression to further study, training, or employment, and enable them to make informed choices with regard to a career in the media industry. Providing opportunities for learners to gain a nationally recognised vocationally specific qualification to enter employment in the media sector. Education and training for those who work or are intending to work in the Media Industry. BTEC qualifications are recognised by employers and education institutions. Provides a good progression route to more advanced qualifications eg BTEC Nationals. What could I do next with this subject? Media Studies is possibly the most popular subject at A Level. If candidates hope to continue their studies into the Sixth Form, BTEC Media would be a good way to start. Media Studies is a useful BTEC to have if you want to work in media. This could include jobs such as TV, film, journalism or marketing/pr. The practical skills you learn could be used in a variety of ways, not only in different subjects but also in a working environment. 11
After GCSE FURTHER EDUCATION If you meet the requirements for entry into Sixth Form, you can progress on to study A Level Media/Film Studies. After A Level HIGHER EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT & APPRENTICESHIP Higher Education: Study a degree at university Course examples: English Media Studies Public Relations Film and Production Marketing Employment & Apprenticeship: Runner for broadcasting/film/ video Administrator Marketing/PR Administrative Assistant Media Secretary Trainee Market Research Assistant Photographer After Higher Education CAREERS Multi Media Specialist Web Developer Multi Media Creator Programme Researcher Media Planner Television/Film Producer Advertising Account Executive Magazine Journalist Writer Broadcast Journalist Market Research Runner Location Manager 12
Subject: PE Qualification: BTEC First Award in Sport Level: 2 (equivalent to 1GCSE A*-C) Head of Dept: Mr M Seller Exam Board: Edexcel Exam: N/A Coursework: 100% Tiered paper: N/A What is the content of the Course? CORE PE UNITS: BTEC Level 2 First Award in Sport: Unit 1: Health and Fitness for Sport and Exercise. Unit 2: Practical Sports Performance. Unit 3: The Mind and Sports Performance. Unit 4: The Sports Performer in Action. Unit 5: Training for Personal Fitness. Unit 6: Leading Sports Activities. Students will achieve a Pass, Merit or Distinction in all the units above to qualify for the BTEC Level 2 First Award in Sport (1 x GCSE equivalent). What skills will be developed? Applying theory to practical situations. Proficiency in practical performance. ICT skills to produce coursework. What could I do next with this subject? Please speak to your PE teacher with regard to which course will suit you. You could also study the Level 3 BTEC National in Sport at Goffs with this qualification. Could lead to potential occupations in the following fields: Health and Fitness Instructor. PE Teacher. Sports Science courses. Leisure Centre Assistant. Sports Coach. 13
Subject: PHILOSOPHY & ETHICS (RS) Qualification: Full GCSE Level: 1 & 2 (A*-G) Head of Dept: Mr A Jones Exam Board: AQA Exam: 100% Coursework: 0% Tiered Paper: None What is the content of the Course? The course examines topics that are relevant to modern society and looks at them from the viewpoints and of all religious perspectives as well as secular (non-religious) perspectives. The course is made up of ethical and philosophical components. The Religious Morality component includes the study of drugs and alcohol, crime and punishment, matters of life (medical ethics) and matters of death. The issues covered in the first two topics include the classification of illegal drugs, the debate on the legalization of cannabis, the death penalty, and the causes of crime, for example. The issues in the second topics include genetic engineering, infertility treatment and cloning as well as the treatment of the elderly and the ethics of organ donation. The Religion and Life component includes arguments for and against abortion, the ethics of war and peace, the problem of prejudice and discrimination and whether animals are equal to humans. The topics covered also include the debate on whether science and religion are compatible. What skills will be developed? You will develop analytical skills through class discussion. You will become more broad minded through hearing and analyzing the viewpoints of others. You will practice writing clear explanations about the topics, your own view about them and those of others. You will gain an insight into the way the modern world works and the issues it faces. You learn about other people s beliefs and cultures. 14
Who would this subject suit? The subject suits anyone with an interest in the world, the people that live in it and how it works. It is also suitable for students interested in furthering their understanding of the puzzling philosophical and ethical problems facing humanity as the world undergoes massive technological, environmental and political change. What could I do next with this subject? The issues discussed and studied feed into many A Level subjects, including History, Geography, Politics and Sociology. It would be good for students wanting to study those subjects at university as well as Law, Medicine, Anthropology and Philosophy (and plenty of others). It would also be very useful for any job in which you have to deal with a variety of people i.e. police work, medicine, law, education etc. Do I need to know anything else? The course is examined in two papers; both at the end of Year 10. 15
After GCSE FURTHER EDUCATION If you meet the requirements for Sixth Form, you can progress on to study A Level Philosophy & Ethics. After A Level HIGHER EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT & APPRENTICESHIP Higher Education: Study a degree at university Course examples: Medicine Religion and Politics Theology and Religious Studies Anthropology Law Religious Studies Philosophy and Religion Criminology Religion and Sociology Comparative Religions Employment & Apprenticeship: Information Officer Librarian Secretary Assistant Administrator Classroom Assistant Sales Assistant Youth Worker Behaviour Support Assistant Archivist After Higher Education CAREERS Doctor Dentist Civil Servant Librarian Teacher Public Relations Officer Lawyer Social Worker Journalist Human Resources Graduate Trainee Politician Researcher Writer Probation Officer Policy Officer 16
Subject: BTEC Music Qualification: Pearson BTEC Level 2 First Award in Music Level: 2 Head of Dept: Mr N Taken Exam Board: Edexcel External Assessment: 25% Coursework: 75% Tiered paper : N/A The rationale for the BTEC First in Music is to: inspire and enthuse learners to consider a career in the music industry, rather than to participate in music only recreationally give learners the opportunity to gain a broad knowledge and understanding of, and develop skills in, the music industry, e.g. the live sound industry, solo or group professional performance, or music promotion and publishing support progression to a more specialised level 3 vocational or academic music course or an apprenticeship give learners the potential opportunity to enter employment within a wide range of junior job roles across the music industry, e.g. runner, roadie (backline technical support), stage crew, venue staff, music promotion, and retail and sales roles. The two core units covered will be: Unit 1: The Music Industry which provides an overview of the industry, particularly focusing on the shape of the modern industry and covering the emergence of the role of the self-employed producer, performer and promoter. Unit 2: Managing a Music Product which covers essential aspects for progression. This unit looks at the development a music product. As well as providing a vehicle for demonstrating skills and learning, it also introduces the role of planning and promotion in the management of a music product. Learners can base their work on a live concert, event, a CD or online product, providing opportunities for both music performers and technologists. The other two units will be selected from a combination of composing, performance and music performance. 17
Progression opportunities The Edexcel BTEC Level 1/Level 2 First Award in Music provides the knowledge, understanding and skills for level 2 learners to progress to: other level 2 vocational qualifications level 3 vocational qualifications, such as BTEC Nationals, specifically the Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Certificate/Subsidiary Diploma/Diploma/Extended Diploma in Music Technology (QCF) related academic qualifications. Learners intending to progress to GCE in Music should ensure that their choice of units on the Edexcel BTEC Level 1/Level 2 First Award in Music is appropriate and that they are suitably prepared to ensure their progression is sustainable. For example, learners intending to progress to GCE in Music should ensure their music performance skills are supported by progressive mastery qualifications such as the ABRSM, Trinity or Rockschool grades. Learners progressing to GCE in Music Technology should support their music technology skills with appropriate theory and general musicianship skills employment within the music industry, such as junior roles in venues, concert support, administration and clerical roles. Learners who achieve the qualification at Level 1 may progress to related level 2 vocational or academic qualifications, such as BTECs or GCSEs. Developing employability skills One of the main purposes of BTEC qualifications is to help learners to progress ultimately into employment. The vast majority of employers require learners to have certain technical skills, knowledge and understanding to work in a particular sector, but they are also looking for employability skills to ensure that employees are effective in the workplace. Unlike technical skills, which may become outdated over time, employability skills enable learners to adapt to the everchanging roles needed to survive in the global economy. These skills include: self-management, teamworking, business awareness and customer awareness, problem solving, communication, basic literacy and numeracy, a positive attitude to work, and the use of IT. 18