Option choices for Year 10

Option choices for Year 10

Contents Page 1. The Options Process 3 2. Curriculum and Timetable at Key Stage 4 4 3. Core subjects 5 English Language English Literature Maths Physical Education Science: Double Science (2 GCSEs) Science: Separate Sciences (3 GCSEs) 4. Option subjects 10 Ethics, Philosophy and Society can only be chosen as a replacement for a subject in Option A or B selected in Year 8 Geography History French German Spanish 5. Year 10 Option Choices Form 16 2

1. The Options Process Options Booklet and Tutor time Students will meet with their tutors to discuss their options. Copies of the booklet will be provided to all students and available for parents on our website. Year 9 Options/Parents evening Tuesday 1 st March 2016 This is an opportunity for you and your parents to attend a talk outlining the options process. You will also be able to discuss possible option choices with your subject teachers. Complete options form This booklet gives details of all of the courses and at the end of the booklet is an options form. Please complete your options form and hand to Valerie Hastings by Tuesday 8 th March. Do think about Don t pick a subject because which subjects you enjoy and why which subjects you are good at and why what you want to do when you leave IVC and whether your option choices will help you to achieve this who else can give you information or advice about the courses being offered you like the teacher as you may not get that teacher next year your friends are doing it as you may not be in the same group as your friends you think it will be easy. No subject will be easy! 3

2. Curriculum and Timetable at Key Stage 4 Years 10 and 11 Students will be asked to make two further options choices to study in Years 10 and 11, to supplement the choices made in Year 8. Students will study four options subjects, options A and B from Year 9, plus two additional options C and D. These additional two options will be selected from Languages and Humanities. Students who wish to study more than one of the Humanities alongside a Language or vice versa may be allowed to replace one of their Year 8 options with History, Geography, French or EPS subject to suitability. Some students will receive additional Literacy or Numeracy support or Maths and English Boosters Sessions instead of studying a 4 th option subject in block D and will therefore only select one option as part of the Year 9 options process. These students will be identified by the College and parents will have the opportunity to discuss this additional support with key staff as part of the options process. Compulsory Student must study all of these subjects: English Maths Science Physical Education (Core) Hours per fortnight: 10 8 12 4 Options for 2016/17 Option C choose ONE: History Geography 4 hours per fortnight Option D choose ONE: French German Spanish Functional Skills English and Maths (Level 1) - Students Identified by College Additional Maths and English - Students Identified by College 4 hours per fortnight *Some students may be able to drop their Option A or B subject at the end of Year 9 to pick up either French, EPS, Geography or History. 4

English Language English Language will be studied with English Literature. Two GCSE grades are awarded. English Language GCSE develops and tests students' ability to read, write, speak and listen. Students respond to a variety of texts, and to write for and speak to a range of audiences and purposes. What will I do in lessons? You will explore a range of texts You will develop your writing skills You will be taught how to speak confidently to an audience and to alter your language depending on who you are talking to What skills will I develop? Public Speaking Independent thinking Investigation skills Analytical thinking Using references in my writing Creative writing and writing for a purpose For more information contact Ms E Moran, Lead Practitioner: English 5

English Literature English Literature will be studied with English Language. Two GCSE grades are awarded. English Literature GCSE exposes students to a range of literary texts, both contemporary and historic. English Literature develops and tests students' ability to respond to them in an analytical way. What will I do in lessons? You will study literature from around the world and across time You will cover plays - modern and heritage, poetry - modern and heritage from the UK and abroad, and Novels, modern and heritage, from the UK and abroad You will learn about why the authors wrote the literature they wrote, how they wrote it and what the effect was when they had written it. What skills will I develop? A wider understanding of the world An ability to explore the big ideas in life Analytical thinking A capacity to make connections between ideas and texts A wider vocabulary For more information contact Ms E Moran, Lead Practitioner: English 6

Maths All students take GCSE Maths. Exams can be taken at either Higher or Foundation level and will be graded from 1-9. The level of entry for each student is decided early in Year 11. What will I do in lessons? The course conforms to the requirements of the National Curriculum. Number - understanding place value and extending the number system, carrying out calculations, solving numerical problems. Algebra - understanding functions, equations, formulae and graphs. Shape, Space & Measures - the geometry of shapes, calculations of area, volume and perimeter, using metric and imperial units and transformations. Handling Data - tables, charts, statistical diagrams, averages and spread, probability. Using and applying Maths to a variety of problems How will I learn? Teacher explanation Practice from texts Student exploration Discussion ICT work Practical work Occasional group For more information contact Mrs C Johnson, Lead Practitioner: Maths Faculty 7

Physical Education Physical Education is a compulsory part of the Key Stage 4 programme. What will I do in lessons? You will participate in a range of practical activities. In Year 11, you may participate in additional off site activities such as rowing, golf or squash You will learn advanced skills and apply them in demanding situations. In Year 10 and 11 you will decide to focus on sports that are mainly recreational, competitive or that develop personal fitness. You will design, carry out and monitor your own training programme (PEP) as part of a focus on fitness. You will take a qualification in Sports Leadership What skills will I develop? You will acquire skills by playing games You will learn as a team player You will have increased responsibility for your own learning outcomes You will expand your decision making skills by deciding on roles that are best suited to you. These can include performer, coach, leader or official roles. You will plan, carry out and monitor your own training programme for fitness and health For more information contact Mr A Baldwin, Lead Teacher: PE 8

GCSE Sciences We follow the AQA Science specifications. There are two pathways available, leading to the award of either two or three GCSEs. There are 9 GCSE Science units: B1, B2 and B3 in Biology, C1, C2 and C3 in Chemistry, and P1, P2 and P3 in Physics. Each Science GCSE comprises three units, plus a controlled assessment. The students taking two Science GCSEs will take exams in units B1, C1, P1 for Core Science, and B2, C2, P2 for Additional Science, plus two controlled assessments. Students taking three GCSEs will take all 9 exams, plus three controlled assessments, for GCSEs in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. What skills will I develop? Planning designing investigations Interpreting data handling and drawing conclusions from data Applying knowledge and understanding to new situations Communicating effectively using good scientific vocabulary Mathematical skills carrying out calculations and using formulae. How will I be assessed? Each of these skills will be assessed regularly in each unit, in addition to end of unit tests and practice controlled assessments Which pathway will I take? The pathway you follow will be determined by your performance in Year 9 Assessments. For more information contact Dr R Mead, Assistant Principal: Science 9

Ethics, Philosophy and Society (EPS) This subject can only be chosen as a replacement for a subject from Option Block A or B selected in Year 8 The issues covered in EPS are very relevant to students wishing to pursue any profession which requires logical thinking, as well as those wishing enter the caring professions. You will have the opportunity to acquire and develop knowledge and understanding of the beliefs, values and traditions of Christianity and at least one other religion. What will I do in lessons? The study areas are: Animal Rights Medical Ethics Environment Care of Elderly and Death Wealth and Poverty Abroad Drug abuse Abortion and Beginnings of Life Crime and Punishment War and Peace Wealth and Poverty in Britain Religion and Young People Prejudice Through exploring these topics you will consider the influence of beliefs and responses to moral issues as well as learning how to identify, investigate and respond to fundamental questions of life raised by religion and human experience. What skills will I develop? You will be presented with a number of learning situations, including debate, visiting speakers, research, watching the news, reading newspapers, simulations, watching extracts from documentaries, educational programmes, films, literature, listening to the experiences of others, exploring facts and data, as well as teachings from the set faiths and holy scriptures. You will need to be open-minded about ethical questions and willing to debate philosophical, moral and spiritual issues. You should respect the views of other people, even if you do not share them. For more information contact Mr M. Murray, Assistant Principal: Humanities 10

Geography Take Geography if you are interested in the beauty and power of the earth you want to understand the challenges facing the world today including climate change, food security, energy choices, population and natural phenomena What will I do in Geography lessons? There are five themes which make up the Geography course: Physical geography Population and Settlement Natural Hazards Economic Development Field work techniques What are the main areas of study? You will gain an understanding of the themes studied, and investigate examples of how these ideas apply to the world around you. You will be invited to go on field trips related to your studies Do I need any special skills? An ability to work in a team and on your own An ability to do your own research on the subject matters An ability to be able to interpret maps An ability to identify appropriate field work techniques What can Geography GCSE lead to? Career opportunities could include Town Planning, Coastal Protection Manager, Environmental Protection, Leisure Industry, Charity work, Teacher, River engineer, Weather Forecasting or Transport Management For more information contact Mr M. Murray, Assistant Principal: Humanities 11

History Take History if you are motivated to find out more about the past and its impact on our lives today you have enthusiasm for, and a wide interest in people and the choices that they make you enjoying making judgments and expressing your opinion based on evidence you have a desire to find out more about the topics taught What will I do in History lessons? You will be introduced to the skills required for final examinations including researching and investigating You will participate in evaluation of historical sources, creative writing, visual learning and role play You will have the opportunity to attend the residential trip to Berlin You will debate the opinions and ideas of others, and form your own opinions and judgments What are the main areas of study? Germany 1918 to 1945: a study of Germany in depth examining the problems faced by Germans after the First World War, the rise of National Socialism, and what life was like for Germans under Nazi government. Medicine through Time: a development study evaluating the concept of change and continuity. How did people's beliefs about what caused disease, and their actions to treat and prevent disease, change or remain the same from Pre-Historic society up to the 20th Century. Examining each major time period and civilisation and factors such as Religion, War, Technology and Chance. The Arab-Israeli conflict 1967 to present day Do I need any special skills? An ability to work in a team and on your own Good organisational skills The ability to explain how you have formed your opinion A willingness to listen and to contribute positively in lessons What can History GCSE lead to? Many Historians continue to study History in the sixth form and at University. History teaches analytical skills and helps you to explain your views persuasively in debate and on paper. History is an excellent foundation for a career in law, politics, journalism, business and teaching. For more information, contact Mr M. Murray, Assistant Principal: Humanities 12

French The French GCSE has been refreshed from September 2016 and will now be a fully-linear examination. There are terminal papers for Reading, Writing and Listening; the Oral aspect is assessed by your teacher in a terminal exam in year 11. Foreign languages are increasingly essential for a wide variety of careers with an international dimension, but are also important for personal and social development and enjoyment. What will I do in lessons? You will learn to communicate effectively through the skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing. You will cover the following five topic areas: Home and local area Health and sport Leisure and entertainment Travel and the wider world Education and work What skills will I develop? You will practise the language by speaking and writing You will be exposed to the language for listening and reading comprehension You will have links with French-speaking schools abroad You will develop dictionary skills You will complete project work including film making, songs and research into foreign countries Creative use of ICT For more information contact Mr D Wright, Assistant Principal: Languages 13

German The German GCSE has been refreshed from September 2016 and will now be a fully-linear examination. There are terminal papers for Reading, Writing and Listening; the Oral aspect is assessed by your teacher in a terminal exam in year 11. Foreign languages are increasingly essential for a wide variety of careers with an international dimension, but are also important for personal and social development and enjoyment. What will I do in lessons? You will learn to communicate effectively through the skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing. You will cover the following five topic areas: Home and local area Health and sport Leisure and entertainment Travel and the wider world Education and work What skills will I develop? You will practise the language by speaking and writing You will be exposed to the language for listening and reading comprehension You will have links with French-speaking schools abroad You will develop dictionary skills You will complete project work including film making, songs and research into foreign countries Creative use of ICT For more information contact Mr D Wright, Assistant Principal: Languages 14

Spanish The Spanish GCSE has been refreshed from September 2016 and will now be a fully-linear examination. There are terminal papers for Reading, Writing and Listening; the Oral aspect is assessed by your teacher in a terminal exam in year 11. Foreign languages are increasingly essential for a wide variety of careers with an international dimension, but are also important for personal and social development and enjoyment. What will I do in lessons? You will learn to communicate effectively through the skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing. You will cover the following five topic areas: Home and local area Health and sport Leisure and entertainment Travel and the wider world Education and work What skills will I develop? You will practise the language by speaking and writing You will be exposed to the language for listening and reading comprehension You will have links with French-speaking schools abroad You will develop dictionary skills You will complete project work including film making, songs and research into foreign countries Creative use of ICT For more information contact Mr D Wright, Assistant Principal: Languages 15

Year 10 Options Choices Form Please write in BLOCK CAPITALS Student name: Tutor group: Please read this options booklet for full details about the courses. On this form you need to select your options for Year 10. Please bear in mind what you want to do in the future when choosing this year. Please select one subject from each of the options blocks. Option Blocks 2016 Option C Geography History Your Choice Option D French German Spanish Functional Skills English and Maths (Level 1) - Students Identified by College Additional Maths and English - Students Identified by College I wish to drop (insert subject) from my Year 8 subject choices and study EPS / HISTORY / GEOGRAPHY / FRENCH (delete as applicable) Student signature: Parent/ Guardian signature: * Please return this form promptly to Valerie Hastings by Tuesday 8 th March 2016 * 16