Year 9/10 Course Information

Year 9/10 Course Information

GCSE Mathematics Students are following the AQA specification. The new specification was introduced in September 2015. The first exam for the new specification will be in June 2017. Specification at a glance. Subject content: number algebra ratio, proportion and rates of change geometry and measures probability statistics The new curriculum has seen changes with some topics, which historically have only been tested at Higher tier, now moving to Foundation tier. New content has also been added to the Higher tier in order to stretch and challenge the most able students and better prepare them for studying A level maths. Assessments: The AQA GCSE mathematics has a :- Foundation tier (grades 1-5) Higher tier (grades 4-9) Students will take 3 papers Paper 1 (non calculator) Written paper 1hr 30 min (80) marks Counts as one third Paper 2 (calculator) Written paper 1hr 30 (80 marks) Counts as one third Paper 3 (calculator) Written paper 1hr 30 mins (80 marks) Counts as one third

GCSE English/English Literature Subject name: GCSE English Language Exam Board: AQA How is the course assessed? Two final examinations at the end of Year 11. Main Areas Covered: non-fiction reading, including comparisons of 19th and 21st Century texts; non-fiction writing; reading literature fiction; writing a descriptive or narrative fiction piece. Subject Name: GCSE English Literature Exam Board: AQA How is the course assessed? Two final examinations at the end of year 11. Main Areas Covered: Shakespeare, 19th Century novel, modern drama, poetry including unseen poetry.

GCSE Science Year 9 Students There are two different pathways for Year 9 students:- Subject Name: GCSE Combined Science (2 x GCSE grades) Exam Board: AQA Examinations in Summer Year 11 Only Main areas covered: 1/3 Biology, 1/3 Chemistry, 1/3 Physics or Subject Name: Separate Sciences - GCSE Physics, GCSE Chemistry, GCSE Biology. Exam Board: AQA Examinations in Summer Year 11 Only Main areas covered: Biology Cell Biology, Organs and Systems, Ecology, Plant Biology, Health Chemistry - Atoms, Elements Compounds, Acids and Alkalis, Organic Chemistry, Inorganic chemistry, Analytical chemistry Physics Forces, Motion, Electricity, Nuclear Physics, Medical Physics Year 10 Students There are two different pathways for Year 10 students:- Core and Additional Subject Name: GCSE Core Science (1 x GCSE grade) and GCSE Additional Science (1 x GCSE grade) Exam Board: AQA Examinations in Summer Year 11 only plus one controlled assessment Main areas covered: Each GCSE is 1/4 Biology, 1/4 Chemistry, 1/4 Physics, 1/4 Investigative skills or Triple Science Subject Name: GCSE Physics, GCSE Chemistry, GCSE Biology (3 Separate GCSEs grades in Science) Exam Board: AQA Examinations in Summer Year 11 only, plus one controlled assessment per subject Main areas covered: Biology Cell Biology, Organs and Systems, Ecology, Plant Biology, Health Chemistry - Atoms, Elements Compounds, Acids and Alkalis, Organic Chemistry, Inorganic chemistry, Analytical chemistry Physics Forces, Motion, Electricity, Nuclear Physics, Medical Physics

GCSE Religious Studies Year 9 In Year 9 students will develop their learning and understanding from Year 8 by applying their knowledge of religious beliefs to some of the most sensitive moral issues of our time. How do we deal with the suffering in our world? Does religion improve or damage relationships between people? Is life sacred? What causes conflict and wars? Is it ever Just or Right to fight wars? Students will enjoy offering their thoughts but also be able to for articulate ideas and expand on their knowledge. This course will prepare them for the Ethics, Philosophy, Social Justice & Conflict sections of the new GCSE RE syllabus. We anticipate that we will follow the GCSE Edexcel course from 2015 for year 9, (still awaiting accreditation) whereas current y10 follow the OCR syllabus. Year 10 Examination Board: OCR Course code: J621 Full Course Philosophy & Ethics The course is made up of 4 units: B601 Philosophy, Deity, Religious and Spiritual Experience, the end of Life B602 philosophy Good, Evil Revelation & Science B603 Ethics Relationships, Medical Ethics, Poverty and Wealth B604 Ethics Peace & Justice, Equality and the media. All units are a one hour exam taken at the end of Year 11

GCSE Geography Year 9 Geography In year 9 students will initially develop their geographical knowledge further building upon skills acquired in years 7 and 8. The year will begin with a study of the urban world, firstly focussing upon urbanisation and issues in developing countries connected to the growth of megacities. Students will then progress onto a study of urban areas within the UK with a particular focus on Nottingham and other UK cities. They will investigate the processes involved in the growth and change of cities over time. There will also be a study of the cause and effect of change of retail environments within the UK as well as the issues associated with leisure use in rural and urban zones within the UK. Students will then study one newly industrialising county and one low income country with a particular focus on global patterns of development and the impact of globalisation on countries at different stages of development. This urban unit will be complemented in years 10 and 11 with in depth studies on changing physical environments and environmental challenges faced at global scale. We anticipate the students will follow the WJEC Eduquas GCSE Geography B syllabus which will be awarded in 2018 which compliments the current KS4 syllabus. Year 10 Geography Examination Board: WJEC Course code: 4240LA The course is made up of 3 units: Unit 1 Two stepped questions based on Themes 1/3 Unit 2a One stepped question based on Theme 3 Unit 2b One problem solving examination question based on any of the three themes Unit 3 Controlled Assessment One written piece of work based on fieldwork. Accounts for 25% of total marks.

GCSE History Year 9 History GCSE History is studied over the course of three years. There have been lots of recent changes to the GCSE syllabus. No longer will Controlled Assessment be completed and so now all of the GCSE final grade will be made up from exams sat at the end of the three year course. The topics that will be studied in Y9 are WW1 and Germany 1919-39. The WW1 element will not be tested in a final exam but will instead be used as a bridging unit to help students understand the assessment rigors of GCSE as well as giving students the background to the first assessed unit on Germany. The Germany 1919-39 topic will focus on Germany at the end of WW1 and will look at the reasons for the rise of Hitler. The course will be completed by looking at the changes Hitler made in Germany during his reign of terror. In Y10, students will focus on the Cold War by looking at the Superpower relations during the years 1943-1991. This unit will look at the different Cold War crises as well as reasons for the start of the Cold War and the reasons why it ended by 1991. Students will complete Y10 by studying Elizabethan England and in Y11 students will study Medicine Through Time. Assessment in History will solely be made up from exam style questions that tests recall of events (AO1), student s ability to analyse events (AO2) and source based skills related to analysis of sources (AO3) and analysis of interpretations sources have (AO4). Three exams will be sat related to each of the topics at the end of Y11. However, all of the above does still require accreditation. Year 10 History Examination Board: Edexcel Course code: History Route B The course is made up of 4 units: Paper 1: Medicine through time (1h 15 minutes) (25%) Paper 2: Nazi Germany (1h 15 minutes) (25%). Paper 3: The Impact of WW1 and WW2 on Britain (25%) Controlled Assessment completed in class worth 25% of total grade

GCSE Art Art Year 9 and 10 Subject Name: GCSE Art and Design Exam Board: Edexcel Coursework 60%. Externally set assignment 40% Assessment for both the Portfolio and the Externally set assignment is based on the following criteria : Developing ideas and investigating the work of other artists, designers or cultures, eg Andy Warhol. Banksy, Surrealism, and Contemporary Artists in general. Producing visual studies and analysing the work to understand how and why it was made. Recording relevant ideas and observations showing technical skill and imagination. Refining ideas by experimenting and using a wide range of appropriate materials including paint, pencil, pastels, inks, photography, digital art, ceramic etc... Creating a personal final piece (or pieces). This brings together the pupils own ideas informed by their developmental studies and experiments and also makes a clear and relevant connection to the work of another established artist, designer or culture. All work produced for the Portfolio and for the Externally Set Assignment is supported by research which is intended to inform your own practical studies. This includes studying the work of artists who have explored a similar theme, technique or subject.

GCSE Drama Year 9 Edexcel 3 component units. Theatre makers in Practice (written) 40% Devising (and performing) 40% Performance from Text (20%) Externally assessed May/June of Year 11 Year 10 Edexcel Unit 1- Drama Exploration= Controlled Assessment Unit 2- Exploring Play texts and Responses to Live Theatre = Controlled Assessment nit 3- Drama Performance = External visiting Examiner 60% Controlled Assessment 40% Examination

GCSE Music Year 9 Subject Name: Pre-Btec/GCSE Course Skills Development Exam Board: Edexcel 6 interim and final assessments (6 Studies) Assessment for both the Portfolio and the Externally set assignment is based on the following criteria : Minimalism Understanding of polyrhythmic music and contemporary minimalist styles exploring how different polyrhythmic textures and musical conventions are used by minimalist composers including the use of repetitive and changing rhythmic and melodic motifs in different styles of minimalist music. Soundtracks Unit aims to give pupils the experience of being film soundtrack composers and explores the challenges and musical devices used in film soundtrack composition. The unit focuses on three genres of film soundtrack: Action/Thriller Soundtracks, Western Soundtracks and Horror Movie Soundtracks. Popular Song In this unit, pupils explore the genre of popular song, learning how different artists and groups have created different musical arrangements of the same song. Pupils learn about different musical devices used in popular songs including how the different structural elements are sequenced horizontally to produce the classic form of a popular song, as well as how different textural layers combine vertically showing awareness of the different parts used in a popular song. Music Theory (Associated Board Royal Schools of Music) Grade 1-3 (2 Assessments) ABRSM s Music Theory exams aim to give students a thorough understanding of the building blocks of music, starting with the basics of rhythm and notes, and going on to cover harmony and counterpoint, composition, and a broad knowledge of western music, including composers and their works, structure, style and period. Each Music Theory paper is marked out of a total of 100, with 66 marks required for a Pass, 80 for a Merit and 90 for a Distinction. Disco Learn about the origins of disco music and how its context influenced its musical style Learn about the musical and stylistic features of disco music such as steady pulse, hooks and riffs, instrumentation and rhythm, harmony and melody. Explore the links between the music and dance steps of disco and the impact of venue and occasion on the way disco music is performed. All work produced for the Portfolio is supported by research which is intended to inform your own practical studies. This includes studying the music industry artists who have explored a similar theme, technique or subject.

GCSE Music Year 10 Subject Name: Btec Level 2 First Award Exam Board: Edexcel Assessment for both the Portfolio and the Externally set assignment is based on the following criteria : Unit 1 Compulsory The Music industry (External Exam) Understand different types of organisations that make up the music industry Understand job roles in the music industry Unit 2 Compulsory Managing a music product Plan, develop and deliver a music product Promote a music product Review the management of a music product Unit 5 Music Performance Develop your music performance skills and review your own practice Use your music performance skills within rehearsal and performance Unit 7 Music Sequencing Explore music sequencing software techniques Use music sequencing software to create music All work produced for the Portfolio and for the Externally Set unit is supported by research which is intended to inform your own practical studies. This includes studying the music industry artists who have explored a similar theme, technique or subject..

GCSE PE Year 9 Exam Board: Edexcel 60% Two Written Exam s one out of 90 mks and one out of 70mks 30% Performance: Choice of three activities (30 mks) per activity 10% PEP-Personal Exercise Plan (20 mks) Component 1: Fitness & Body Systems,(36% of qualification) 90 mk written exam 1h 45 mins Topic 1:Applied anatomy & physiology Topic 2:Movement analysis Topic 3Physical training Topic 4 use of data Assessed externally Component 2: Health & Performance (24% of qualification) Written exam 1h 15 mins 70mks Topic 1:Health fitness & well being Topic 2:Sport psychology Topic 3:Socio cultural influences Topic 4:Use of Data Assessed externally Component 3: Practical Assessment 30% Performance: Choice of three activities (30 mks) per activity One must be a team performance One individual performance On free choice of activity Internally assessed and the moderated externally Component 4: PEP 10% (20 mks) of qualification Aim and planning analysis Carrying out and monitoring PEP Evaluation of PEP Internally assessed and the moderated externally Year 10 PE Examination Board: Edexcel Unit 1 Theory Exam 40% 1hr 30min Unit 2 Practical Element 60% Healthy active lifestyle (5 topics) Your healthy active body (5 topics) Together the following three components make up a final 10 marks that are added to the 4 practical performances. These assessments will be completed by December. Section 2.1 Practical Students graded out of 10 in 4 performances. All performance scores are tracked and the best 4 scores put forward. Practical moderation runs throughout the school year after each sporting activity is delivered. Section 2.2 PEP 6 weeks fitness training in a gym environment. Students will then monitor and evaluate how effective their plan was. A total score is then created out of 50 marks to create a practical grade. The theory grade and practical are added together to create an overall course grade.

GCSE Spanish Year 9 Spanish is an essential subject for those who want to embrace and open their mind to the world. Millions of people across the world speak Spanish and it enhances business opportunities and opens doors to University and career success. In Spanish you will be assessed on your Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing. You will also learn of the culture of Spain. Students will take 4 examined based tasks. We are likely to be taking the Edexcel course which will be accredited in Autumn 2015. Year 10 Examining Board: EDEXCEL Course Code: 2SP01 Two exams one listening and one reading and understanding Controlled Assessment - Two pieces for writing, two pieces for speaking Main Topic Areas: Listening and Reading Out and about Customer service and transactions Personal information Future plans education and work Speaking and writing Media and culture Sport and leisure Travel and tourism Business, work and employment

GCSE Business Studies Year 9 and 10 Examining Board: - Edexcel - Unit 1 introduction to small businesses. 25% of overall mark 45 minute multiple choice exam Unit 2 investigating small businesses. 25% of overall mark. Controlled Assessment research task. Unit 3 Building a business 50% of overall mark. Comprises of a combination of multiple choice short and extended answer questions, data response questions and scenario based questions.

GCSE Product Design Examination Board: AQA Course code: 4555 40% written exam 60% controlled assessment Main Topic Areas: Students are studying either Food or Resistant Materials focus Unit 1 - Written paper 40% of total marks Pre-Release material issued Main topic areas: Materials and components, Paper and card, timber based materials, Plastics, Ferrous and non-ferrous materials, Food products, New Materials Design and Market Influences covering Product analysis, Packaging, Marketing, Human factors, Environmental and Sustainability Issues Unit 2 - Design and Making Practice Consists of a single design and make activity selected from a range of board set tasks

BCS Level 2 Certificate in ITT Application Skills Examination Board: BCS British Computer Society Unit 1 Word Processing Exam 45mins Using the application Document creation Formatting Objects Mail Merge Prepare Outputs Unit 2 Presentations Exam 45mins Using the application Developing a presentation Text Charts Graphical Objects Prepare Outputs Unit 3 Spreadsheets Exam 45mins Using the application Cells Managing Worksheets Formulas & Functions Formatting Charts Prepare Outputs Unit 4 Improving Productivity Exam 60 mins Learners will be assessed by combining the skills they have learned in the other 3 units

GCSE Computer Science Examination Board: Edexcel 75% Written Exam 25% Controlled Assessment Main Topics: Problem Solving Programming Data Computers Communication and the internet The Bigger picture Key texts: Edexcel Computer Science (Steve Cushing) Edexcel My Revision Notes (Steve Cushing) Useful websites: Teach ICT.com BBC Bitesize All students have been issued with a revision guide

GCSE ICT Examination Board: Pearson Edexcel Course code: 5IT01 & 5IT02 Unit 1 Living in a digital world 1 hour 30 minutes written exam Personal Digital Devices Online Goods & Services Online Communities Connectivity Operating Online Issues Unit 2 Using digital tools Controlled Assessment Completed in class over 40 hours Research & information gathering Modelling Digital Publishing Evaluating Outcomes Working efficiently & safely

Health and Social Care Examination Board: OCR Subject Name: Level 1/2 Cambridge National Certificate in Health and Social Care 25% Written exam 75% Controlled Assessment (Pupils complete three centre assessed units worth 25% each Main topics: Essential values of care for use with individuals in care settings. Communicating and working with individuals in a health, social care and early years setting Creative activities to support individuals in a health, social care and early years setting Understanding the development and protection of young children in an early years setting

Examination Boards Websites www.ocr.org.uk www.aqa.org.uk uk.pearson.com (Edexcel) www.wjec.co.uk