Fine Art

ENGLISH LITERATURE

IGCSE

SKILLS REQUIRED

Students should be keen readers who read widely and independently most days, enjoying a full range of non-fiction material alongside fictional choices. In class, students need to be confident with discussion and debate in small group and whole class contexts and to have a keen interest in exploring a range of ideas, meanings and opinions. Students should also be willing to persevere with more challenging texts.

This qualification will further develop a students ability to: ● Read a wide range of classic literature fluently and with good understanding, and make connections across their reading ● Read in depth, critically and evaluatively, so that they are able to discuss and explain their understanding and ideas ● Develop the habit of reading widely and often appreciate the depth and power of the ● English literary heritage ● Write accurately, effectively and analytically about their reading, using Standard English ● Acquire and use a wide vocabulary, including grammatical terminology, and other literary and linguistic terms they need to criticise and analyse what they read school.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES ● Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9-1) English Literature Student Book

● Unseen poetry revision guide ● Of Mice and Men revision guide ● Macbeth study guide ● An Inspector Calls study guide

SPECIFICATION LINK

FURTHER STUDY It is compulsory for students to gain a minimum of Grade 6 in both of their English IGCSE qualifications, in order to study either specialism at A Level. Excellent achievement in English is highly regarded by employers. Success in English can support exciting career opportunities in politics, publishing, teaching, public relations, law, journalism, social work, management and librarianship. Perhaps most importantly though, this qualification will establish and nourish a deep understanding and appreciation of literature and its impact and importance in the world around us.

FINE ART

GCSE

MR DAN EMERY Head Of Art

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The GCSE Fine Art course will enable students to investigate and record the visual world using a range of creative techniques and processes to explore highly personal interpretations and responses. Students will develop and refine visual and written literacy, self expression, risk taking creativity and broaden their appreciation of emotional, moral and social awareness.

The course is delivered to actively engage and promote independent creativity in the context of local, regional and international culture and the art community.

demery@britishschool.sch.ae

Fine Art may be defined as work developed primarily to communicate aesthetic, intellectual or purely conceptual ideas and meaning. For example, work could be the outcome of personal experiences, thoughts and feelings, or simply to observe and record people, places and things in new and unique ways. Fine Art work will demonstrate an understanding and application of formal elements and creative skills, including mark-making. Students will use visual communication sensitively and thoughtfully to document their artistic investigations and fully support their intentions. Students will also understand that Fine Art practitioners may work to client commissions or undertake self-directed projects. They will need good communication skills in order to collaborate with peers, teachers, and promote and exhibit their own work.

Students will use a wide range of 2D and 3D materials and combine traditional and contemporary techniques, processes and methods. Disciplines will include art foundation skills, painting, printmaking, drawing, 3D, and mixed media and use the Formal Elements to engage with a wide range of topic themes designed to develop and foster independent, thoughtful, confident and dynamic young artists/creatives.

WHY FINE ART?

Supports progression to A Level - the GCSE and the A Level have a common structure and titles, and follow a similar approach to the Externally Set Assignment and the assessment grid to ensure smooth progression to A Level at the end of the GCSE course. Develops transferable skills which students will learn to: ● apply a creative approach to problem solving ● consider and develop original ideas from initiation to realisation ● analyse critically their own work and the work of others ● express individual thoughts and choices confidently ● take risks, experiment and learn and develop from creative risk taking and mistakes

FINE ART

GCSE

COURSE CONTENT Component 1 - Personal Portfolio 60%

Undertaken throughout Year 10 and Year 11, Students will complete projects, investigating a range of themes to develop skills, knowledge and understanding within Fine Art. Themes, projects and resulting work, may be separate in focus or be interconnected. Students will develop skills to investigate, analyse and experiment. Students will develop and refine ideas supported by contextual research, resulting in a personal portfolio of exciting, thought provoking and dynamic practical work. The four Assessment Objectives must be covered equally and in full.

Component 2 - ESA - Externally Set Assignment 40%

This component is set externally by Edexcel and is started in the January of Year 11. There is a title theme which students then explore in the ‘preparation’ period. This is then followed by the 10 hr exam. This where students will produce an outcome or outcomes based on their preparation studies. All art based exams are held in the art studios. Both components are fully assessed and internally standardardised by the Art Department and then externally moderated by Edexcel. The Art Department has an excellent record, recognised by Edexcel of highly accurate assessment and course design and delivery.

SKILLS DEVELOPED

● Observational, drawing and mark making skills ● Creativity - risk taking ● Development of art based traditional and contemporary processes, materials and techniques ● Strong visual awareness and visual communication skills ● Wider appreciation of contextual and cultural themes ● Interpretative, emotional, social and moral consideration ● Development, exploration and inclusion of refined Visual and Written Literacy ● Connective and non-connective ideas and concept development ● Visual, digital and verbal communication, presentation and critique skills

SUGGESTED EQUIPMENT LIST

Whilst the Art Department has excellent facilities, equipment, materials and provision, it is highly recommended that all Fine Art Students have general art based equipment. ● Drawing pencils - HB/2B/3B/4B/9B. ● Eraser, sharpener, ruler - (For home use scissors) we do not recommend carrying sharp items around school. ● Basic paint sets - watercolour and acrylic - maybe oils - but are expensive so best to wait. ● Black Fine liners - different sizes. ● Paint brushes - watercolour and Acrylic. ● Digital media is or can be used widely on the course - Access to Adobe Creative Suite is recommended - please talk to your teacher before purchasing

SPECIFICATION LINK

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FURTHER STUDY

Students will be required to achieve at least GCSE grade 6 for entry consideration to Art A Level. The course is strongly recommended for all career paths, especially those that include creativity, visual communication, interpersonal, presentation and problem solving skills. Specific careers may include: Artist, Architecture, Design, Conceptual and Commercial Art roles and Education.

FOOD PREPARATION AND NUTRITION

GCSE

MRS AILBHE GANNON HEAD OF FOOD PREP & NUTRITION

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COURSE CONTENT

An array of culinary techniques and food preparation skills are learned through 5 key areas: Nutrition and Health, Food Science, Food Safety, Food Choice and Food Provenance.

Year 10

Principles of food safety, food spoilage and contamination, macronutrients, micronutrients, nutritional needs and health, cooking of food and heat transfer, functional and chemical properties of food, food preparation and cooking skills.

Year 11

Factors affecting food choice, British and international cuisines, sensory evaluation, environmental impact and sustainability of food, food processing and production, food preparation and cooking skills.

ASSESSMENT Through the preparation and cooking of food, students will gain the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to apply the principles of food science, food safety, nutrition and healthy eating.

Students will develop confidence in vital life skills and have opportunities to cook with ingredients f rom across the globe.

agannon@britishschool.sch.ae

Year 10

● End of topic written tests ● End of topic practical assessment ● Summer exam

Year 11

● Written exam: 1hr 45min- (50% of GCSE) ● Non-exam assessment (NEA) 1: Food investigation (15%) ● Students will undertake a practical food investigation and complete a written report ● Non-exam assessment (NEA) 2: Food preparation assessment (35%) ● Students will prepare, cook and present a final menu of three dishes within a three hour period and produce a written portfolio including photographic evidence (20 sides of A4)

FOOD PREPARATION AND NUTRITION

SKILLS REQUIRED

● Interest in food preparation ● Ability to work quickly under pressure ● Interest and aptitude in Science ● Good organisational skills

SPECIFICATION LINK

GCSE

ENTRY CRITERIA A minimum of grade 6 at GCSE Textiles or a similar creative subject. This might include Product FURTHER STUDY Design, Resistant Materials, Art and Design, Photography or Graphics. Food Preparation and Nutrition is considered a science as well as a creative, practical subject. Related degree courses and careers in Nutrition, Food Science, Dietetics, Food Technology and Health Education require A Level study, preferably in Chemistry and Biology. Catering courses offered in the UK can also be accessed after GCSE.

FRENCH

GCSE

MR CHARLIE DAVIES Head Of MFL

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While ‘only’ about 80 million people speak French as a first language, it is one of the world’s most widely spoken second languages with over 200 million speakers. In many parts of Af rica, French is the lingua f ranca. French is so widely spoken as a second language is that it is an official language in 29 countries. French has an enormous geographical distribution, and is spoken on every continent in the world. In Asia, French is the second most widely spoken and studied European language after English.

However, French is more than just language. France is a cultural powerhouse. Art, Philosophy, Literature, Drama are influential. Perhaps French music has not yet rocked the anglophile world but its popularity remains undimmed in the f rancophone one! French also remains an important language of international diplomacy, being one of the six official languages of the United Nations and who knows with the UK now leaving the European Union, French may gain more prominence in Europe as a diplomatic working language. If that doesn’t mean more job opportunities then what does?

cdavies@britishschool.sch.ae

COURSE CONTENT

There are numerous benefits to learning a language. They are a skill for life and something students should enjoy and find rewarding. Our objective as a school is to enable students of all abilities to develop their French language skills to their full potential, equipping them with the knowledge to communicate in a variety of contexts with confidence.

Year 10

Local, national, international and global areas of interest (My town and region, weather, community projects, holidays) Current and future study and employment (School Life)

Year 11

Current and future study and employment (career choices) Local, national, international and global areas of interest (the environment, ethical shopping, volunteering, discussing big events)

ASSESSMENT Year 11

Paper 1: Listening understanding and responding to different types of spoken French language (25% of GCSE) Paper 2: Speaking communicating and interacting effectively in French for a variety of purposes (25% of GCSE)

FRENCH

GCSE

ASSESSMENT

Paper 3: Reading understanding and responding to different types of written French language (25% of GCSE) Paper 4: Writing communicating effectively in French for a variety of purposes (25% of GCSE) Students in Year 10 will be assessed in each of these 4 skills as part of their summer assessments.

SKILLS REQUIRED

French aims to develop the following skills in our students: ● The ability to communicate spontaneously in French ● The ability to listen, understand and respond to spoken passages from a range ● Critical thinking skills of different contexts and sources ● The ability to read and respond to a variety of texts ● Summarising information from spoken and written sources ● The ability to translate material from French into English (and vice-versa)

SPECIFICATION LINK

FURTHER STUDY For students wishing to pursue French at A Level, we would expect a minimum of Grade 6 at GCSE. Longer term, students who combine their degree with a Modern Language are increasingly in demand in business. Degrees such as Law and French or Accountancy are becoming more and more sought after.

GEOGRAPHY

IGCSE

MRS JO MCDEVITT Head Of Geography

This course covers a variety of geographical processes and concepts and their application in the real world, including the use of fieldwork; it is designed as a two-year course for teaching in international schools and colleges, and UK independent schools.

jmcdevitt@britishschool.sch.ae

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COURSE CONTENT

Year 10: Hazardous Environments | Coastal Environments | Economic Activity and Energy Year 11: Urban Environments | Fragile Environments

ASSESSMENT

Year 10: There will be end of unit assessments for each of the 3 units covered in Year 10, and an end of year IGCSE style examination covering all 3 units. Year 11: 2 papers - Physical (40%) 1hr 10min, Human (60%) 1hr 45min.

SKILLS REQUIRED

The IGCSE exam is composed of short and extended written questions. Students will learn how to analyse and evaluate both graphical sources and data resources. Practical enquiries using the ‘route through an enquiry’. Other skills include statistical analysis, conflict resolution and management skills. Geography is considered a science, as well as a study of the physical world and anthropology. Therefore, being able in both Science and English will be an advantage.

SPECIFICATION LINK

FURTHER STUDY To consider Geography at A Level, a grade 6 or its equivalent will be required at IGCSE Geography. It is also recommended that the equivalent of a grade 6 is obtained in one of the English courses. Geographers move on to an extremely wide ranging set of career paths. It is a facilitating subject at A Level and as such is looked upon very favourably by the top universities.

GRAPHIC COMMUNICATION

GCSE

MR DAN EMERY Head Of Graphic Communication The GCSE Graphic Communication course will enable students to investigate and record the visual world using a range of creative techniques and processes to explore highly personal interpretations and responses. Students will develop and refine visual and written literacy, self expression, risk taking creativity and broaden their appreciation of emotional, moral and social awareness.

The course is delivered to actively engage and promote independent creativity in the context of local, regional and international culture and the art community.

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demery@britishschool.sch.ae

Graphic Communication introduces students to a visual way of conveying information, ideas and emotions, using a range of graphic media, processes, techniques and elements such as colour, icons, images, typography and photographs. Students will conduct primary and secondary investigations during their design development, and explore traditional and/or new technologies. They will also consider the use of signs and symbols, and the balance between aesthetic and commercial considerations. Students will learn to understand that Graphic Design practitioners may work within a small team environment or work as freelance practitioners. They may be responsible for a particular aspect of the Design or Production process or for the entire design cycle.

Students will use a wide range of 2D and 3D materials and combine traditional and contemporary techniques, processes and methods. Disciplines will include Graphic Communication foundation skills, typography, printmaking, Adobe Creative Suite and the Formal Elements to engage with a wide range of topic themes designed to develop and foster independent, thoughtful, confident and dynamic young designers/creatives.

WHY GRAPHIC COMMUNICATION?

Supports progression to A Level. The GCSE and the A Level have a common structure and titles, and follow a similar approach to the Externally Set Assignment and the Assessment Grid to ensure smooth progression to A Level at the end of the GCSE course.

Develops transferable skills students will learn to: ● apply a creative approach to problem solving ● consider and develop original ideas from initiation to realisation ● analyse critically their own work and the work of others ● express individual thoughts and choices confidently ● take risks, experiment and learn and develop from creative risk taking and mistakes.

GRAPHIC COMMUNICATION

GCSE

COURSE CONTENT Component 1 - Personal Portfolio 60%

Undertaken throughout Year 10 and Year 11, Students will complete projects, investigating a range of themes to develop skills, knowledge and understanding within Graphic Communication. Themes, projects and resulting work, may be separate in focus or be interconnected. Students will develop skills to investigate, analyse and experiment. Students will develop and refine ideas supported by contextual research, resulting in a personal portfolio of exciting, thought provoking and dynamic practical work. The four Assessment Objectives must be covered equally and in full.

Component 2 - ESA - Externally Set Assignment 40%

This component is set externally by Edexcel and is started in the January of Year 11. There is a title theme which students then explore in the ‘preparation’ period. This is then followed by the 10 hr exam. This is where students will produce an outcome or outcomes based on their preparation studies. All art based exams are held in the art studios. Both components are fully assessed and internally standardardised by the Art Department and then externally moderated by Edexcel. The Art Department has an excellent record, recognised by Edexcel of highly accurate assessment and course design and delivery.

SKILLS DEVELOPED

● Observational, drawing and mark making skills - Design rules/hierarchy and typography ● Creativity - risk taking ● Development of art based traditional and contemporary processes, materials and techniques ● Strong visual awareness and visual communication skills ● Wider appreciation of contextual and cultural themes. Graphic Design and Art History ● Interpretative, emotional, social and moral consideration ● Development, exploration and inclusion of refined Visual and Written Literacy ● Connective and non-connective ideas and concept development ● Visual, digital and verbal communication, presentation and critique skills

SPECIFICATION LINK

FURTHER STUDY

Students will be required to achieve at least GCSE grade 6 for entry consideration to an Art based A Level. The course is strongly recommended for all career paths, especially those that include creativity, visual communication, interpersonal, presentation and problem solving skills. Specific careers may include: Artist, Architecture, Design, Conceptual and Commercial Art roles and Education.

HISTORY

IGCSE

MISS KATE JONES Head Of History

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As Cicero said, ‘to be ignorant of what occurred before you were born, is to remain always a child’.

History enables students to study different aspects of the past so they can engage with bigger issues like conflict, understand what drives change and how the past influences the world around us today.

The course builds upon the History covered in Years 7, 8 and 9, while introducing a range of new topics.

kjones@britishschool.sch.ae

COURSE CONTENT Year 10 - Paper 1 Year 11 - Paper 2

Depth Studies: Germany

Investigation and Breadth Studies Development of dictatorship, 1918–45 The Vietnam Conflict 1945-75 A world divided: superpower relations, 1943–72 Changes in medicine 1848 - 1948

ASSESSMENT Year 10

At the end of each major topic area, internal tests will be set based on past questions. Students are assessed through an examination only. There will be two papers - Paper 1 and Paper 2 both 1hr30min. (60 marks).

SKILLS REQUIRED

● Demonstrate knowledge and understandings of key features and characteristics of the periods of history studied. (AO1) Explain and analyse historical events and periods using second-order concepts like cause, consequence, change, continuity and significance. (AO2) Analyse, evaluate and use sources (contemporary to the period) and interpretations (written after a period) to make substantiated judgements in the context of historical events studied. (AO3 and AO4).

SPECIFICATION LINK

FURTHER STUDY Students require at least a grade 6 in GCSE History to continue to A Level. History is recognised as a rigorous, academic subject by educational institutions and provides an excellent enabling degree for a range of careers including Historians, Teaching and Lecturing, Law, Commerce, Business, Government and Politics, Journalism, Media and Marketing.

ISLAMIC STUDIES A & B

MINISTRY

MRS ASMA AL HATTI ISLAMIC A

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MRS HIBA AL KURDI Head of UAE Subjects The Ministry of Education’s Islamic Studies course aims to help students understand and live the true values of Islam and their national traditions. Islamic Studies is compulsory for all Muslim students up to Year 13.

Students take their final Islamic Studies exam at the end of Year 13. Passing the exam is a requirement to receive an Equivalency Certificate f rom ADEK, which certifies that a student has completed their secondary education.

aalhatti@britishschool.sch.ae halkurdi@britishschool.sch.ae

An Equivalency Certificate is required for entry to UAE universities and for employment in some UAE government or semi governmental organisations. Further information is available directly from ADEK customer services.

COURSE CONTENT

The course content is based on linking between the values of Islam and how to apply them in real life situations. In addition, the content allows students to develop different skills such as Holy Quran recitation and memorisation of the sayings of the Prophet (PBUH).

ASSESSMENT

● Half termly assessments will take place throughout the academic year. ● An end of year exam will take place in all year groups testing knowledge of the curriculum.

SKILLS DEVELOPED

Memorisation and recitation of verses from the Holy Quran. Knowledge and application of Islamic values in real life situations.

FURTHER STUDY

Students take their final Islamic Studies exam at the end of Year 13. Passing the exam is a requirement to receive an equivalency certificate from ADEK, which certifies that a student has completed their secondary education.

MATHEMATICS

IGCSE

MR IAIN SINTON Head Of Mathematics Mathematics is for everyone. It is diverse, engaging and essential in equipping students with the right skills to reach their future destination.

Students studying Mathematics will further develop their knowledge and understanding of mathematical concepts and techniques, as well as using and applying them to solve a variety of problems and in the process develop an appreciation for the importance of Mathematics in society, employment and study.

isinton@britishschool.sch.ae

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COURSE CONTENT Year 10 and 11

Students will develop their knowledge, understanding and skills in the following areas: ● Numbers and the number system Equations, formulae and identities ● Sequences, functions and graphs ● Geometry and trigonometry ● Vectors and transformations ● Statistics and probability

ASSESSMENT Year 11

Examination entry is based on them in two tiers: Foundation Tier and Higher Tier. ● Foundation Tier grades 5-1 available ● Higher Tier grades 9-4 available Students complete two written papers; each paper contributes 50% of the final grade. Each paper will be assessed through a two-hour examination which is set and marked by Edexcel.

SKILLS REQUIRED

The ability to: acquire, select and apply mathematical techniques to solve problems, reason mathematically, make deductions and inferences and draw conclusions, comprehend, interpret and communicate mathematical information in a variety of forms.

SPECIFICATION LINK

FURTHER STUDY

Students wishing to study Mathematics at A Level will require a grade 7 or above in their IGCSE Mathematics. Those wishing to study Further Mathematics will require a grade 9 Mathematics at IGCSE. Mathematics develops a wide range of useful skills for those seeking a career in Accountancy, Computing, Engineering, Psychology, Medicine, Nursing, Teaching, Pharmacy, Agriculture, Horticulture, Chemical Engineering and many other fields.

MEDIA STUDIES

GCSE

MISS MICHELE FLEMING Head Of Media Studies Our aim at BSAK is to provide the best Media Studies course available.

Our results speak for themselves, but we aim to give our students much more than a good pass at GCSE. We are able to achieve this with a department of experienced Media specialists, who provide students with the best possible education in both the theoretical study of media and the practical application of skills learnt.

mfleming@britishschool.sch.ae

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Media Studies is a contemporary and interactive subject which encourages students to develop their creative, analytical, research and communication skills, through the exploring of a range of media forms and perspectives. At BSAK, Media Studies is one of the flagship departments, consistently achieving excellent value added results and in the most recent school inspection receiving ADEK commendation for our integration of UAE culture into the curriculum.

COURSE CONTENT Year 10

Media Studies requires the application of a theoretical framework which comprises four key concepts: Media Language, Media Representation, Media Industries, Media Audiences. These concepts will be explored through the following platforms in Year 10: ● Advertising and marketing ● The film industry ● Music videos online ● Social and participatory media ● Radio, video games, magazines Study of each platform will involve exploration of constituent elements, exam board set texts (close study products) and for many topics an element of practical media production.

Year 11

The key concepts will continue to be explored through the following platforms: television and newspapers and students will spend one term working on their non-exam assessment.

MEDIA STUDIES

GCSE

ASSESSMENT YEAR 10

Internal end of year exam. Exam-style assessments at the end of each platform, approximately every three to eight weeks, to act as a checkpoint for the development in student’s knowledge, understanding and progress.

YEAR 11

Paper 1 - Multiple choice, short answer and an extended response question focusing on all nine media platforms, with conceptual emphasis on industries, audiences and representation. Written assessment – 1hr 30min, 84 Marks (35% of GCSE grade). Paper 2 - Multiple choice, short answer, stepped response and extended response questions. An extract from one of the television close study products will be shown. This paper requires in depth knowledge of television, newspapers and online media with an understanding of all four key concepts. Written assessment – 1hr 30min, 84 marks (35% of GCSE Grade).

Non-Exam Assessment (NEA)

Each year AQA provides five set briefs, of which students select one to specialize in for their NEA. Working individually in one of the media platforms, students create a practical production for a specific audience, supported by a statement of intent. The coursework will be graded on technical quality and application of the key concepts. Coursework – 60 marks (30% of GCSE grade).

During the GCSE course students will develop and be assessed upon the following skills: ● Practical production skills - including the use of cameras and editing software. ● Creativity - application of key concepts. ● Analysis of media texts - particularly exam board specified close study products. ● Written communication.

SKILLS REQUIRED

Ability to research and summarise Analyse and respond Applying key concepts Developing and creating practical work

SPECIFICATION LINK

FURTHER STUDY

To continue the study of Media at A Level, students need to attain a grade 6 at GCSE. If students have not studied the GCSE beforehand, grade 6 in English is strongly recommended. Students from BSAK have gone into jobs such as Film Production, Graphic Design, Public Relations, Events Management, Fashion Marketing, Web Design, Partnership and Events at NHS, Entertainment Law, Online Editor, Fashion Blogger (Founder of Fashion Hub), Working in Social Media, Stylist at Harvey Nichols, Pilot for Etihad and International Marketing Coordinator at Christie’s.

MUSIC

GCSE

MR ROB HALL Director Of Music

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The course develops performing, composing, listening and appraising skills.

The four ‘Areas of Study ’(Instrumental Music, Vocal Music, Music for Stage and Screen and Fusions) each contain two set works, which enable students to understand and appreciate a range of musical genres.

The set works form the basis of study, allowing students to develop their individual strengths and interests.

rhall@britishschool.sch.ae

COURSE CONTENT

The course is divided into 3 components:

Component 1: Performance (30% - internally assessed)

A solo performance and an ensemble performance, lasting at least four minutes combined total.

Component 2: Composition (30% - internally assessed)

Two compositions of at least one minute each, totalling a minimum of three minutes combined duration. One piece is composed from a given brief and the second is a ‘free composition’.

Component 3: Listening Exam (40% - externally assessed)

Six listening questions based on the set works studied throughout the course and one unfamiliar piece. One essay question comparing one of the set works to another unfamiliar piece.

ASSESSMENT

Year 10

Students receive an introduction to the History of Western Music before beginning analysis of the set works. Composition skills are taught in preparation for Year 11. The Performance component is ongoing with the instrumental teachers.

Year 11

Students complete the analysis of the set works and study exam techniques, essay writing and continue to develop their listening and appraising skills. Both compositions are completed and the performance coursework is recorded.

MUSIC

GCSE

ASSESSMENT Year 10

Ongoing assessment throughout Year 10 includes regular testing of key musical terminology and listening tests with a GCSE-style end of year exam based on the set works covered. Solo Performance will also be assessed at the end of Year 10.

Year 11:

Completion of Performance and Composition Coursework by the end of term two. GCSE Listening Exam in May/June.

SKILLS REQUIRED

Proficiency on a musical instrument, of around Grade 3, at the start of the course, is expected. Students should to be able to read staff notation and follow a musical score for analysis purposes.

SPECIFICATION LINK

FURTHER STUDY

A Level: A minimum Grade 6 in Music GCSE. Students who do not have this must be able to demonstrate a working knowledge of performing, composition and music theory/analysis to a reasonable standard. You must have a minimum standard of Grade 5 on your instrument(s) and your understanding of musical notation/theory also needs to be equivalent to the ABRSM Grade 5. BTEC Music Production: A minimum of 5 Grade 4/C Grades at GCSE (including Mathematics and English Language). In addition to GCSE Grades, you must be able to prove a good work ethic and that you are able to work independently. A minimum average Effort Grade of 3.75 across all subjects is a requirement.

PHOTOGRAPHY

GCSE

MR DAN EMERY Head Of Photography

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The GCSE Photography course will enable students to investigate and record the visual world using a range of creative techniques and processes to explore highly personal interpretations and responses. Students will develop and refine visual and written literacy, self expression, risk taking creativity and broaden their appreciation of emotional, moral and social awareness.

The course is delivered to actively engage and promote independent creativity in the context of local, regional and international culture and the art community.

demery@britishschool.sch.ae

Photography may be defined as the creative journey through the process of lens and light-based media. This could include work created using film, video, digital imaging or light sensitive materials. With the developments of new affordable lens-based technologies, students will use photographic mediums to explore and create a portfolio of work, which develops and refines both the process and the concept. Students will also understand that Photography practitioners may work to client commissions within a commercial photography studio, or work as freelance photographers. They will need photo manipulation and graphic design skills, and good communication skills in order to liaise with clients and to promote themselves as photographers.

Students will use a wide range of 2D and 3D materials and combine traditional and contemporary techniques, processes and methods. Disciplines will include Photography foundation skills, abstract, narrative, photojournalism, The Everyday and using the Formal Elements as a basis to engage with a wide range of topic themes designed to develop and foster independent, thoughtful, confident and dynamic young photographers/creatives.

Students will reflect on, refine and apply the observations they make with a camera, and determine which tools or techniques are most appropriate in their exploration of ideas. They will also consider the application and implications of new and emerging technologies that can be used to create personal and thought provoking responses.

WHY PHOTOGRAPHY?

Supports progression to A Level. The GCSE and the A Level have a common structure and titles, and follow a similar approach to the Externally Set Assignment and the assessment grid to ensure smooth progression to A Level at the end of the GCSE course. Develops transferable skills students will learn to: ● apply a creative approach to problem solving ● consider and develop original ideas from initiation to realisation ● analyse critically their own work and the work of others ● express individual thoughts and choices confidently ● take risks, experiment and learn and develop from creative risk taking and mistakes

PHOTOGRAPHY

GCSE

COURSE CONTENT Component 1 - Personal Portfolio 60%

Undertaken throughout Year 10 and Year 11, Students will complete projects, investigating a range of themes to develop skills, knowledge and understanding within Graphic Communication. Themes, projects and resulting work, may be separate in focus or be interconnected. Students will develop skills to investigate, analyse and experiment. Students will develop and refine ideas supported by contextual research, resulting in a personal portfolio of exciting, thought provoking and dynamic practical work. The four Assessment Objectives must be covered equally and in full.

Component 2 - ESA - Externally Set Assignment 40%

This component is set externally by Edexcel and is started in the January of Year 11. There is a title theme which students then explore in the ‘preparation’ period. This is then followed by the 10 hr exam. This where students will produce an outcome or outcomes based on their preparation studies. All art based exams are held in the art studios.

Both components are fully assessed and internally standardardised by the Art Department and then externally moderated by Edexcel. The Art Department has an excellent record, recognised by Edexcel of highly accurate assessment and course design and delivery

SKILLS REQUIRED

● Observational Skills - Photographic techniques, rules and processes ● Creativity - risk taking ● Development of photography based traditional and contemporary processes, materials and techniques ● Strong visual awareness and visual communication skills ● Wider appreciation of contextual and cultural themes. ● Photography and Art History ● Interpretative, emotional, social and moral consideration ● Development, exploration and inclusion of refined Visual and Written Literacy ● Connective and non-connective ideas and concept development ● Visual, digital and verbal communication, presentation and critique skills

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

All students will have the opportunity to work with outside artists and have artwork in internal and external exhibitions and participate in collaborative projects with external agencies. Recent partnerships include the British Council, British Embassy, The Future Centre, Warehouse 421(New Beginnings Abu Dhabi schools exhibition) and The Club (BSAK Young Artists and Designers)

SPECIFICATION LINK

FURTHER STUDY

Students will be required to achieve at least GCSE grade 6 for entry consideration to an Art based A Level. The course is strongly recommended for all career paths, especially those that include creativity, visual communication, interpersonal, presentation and problem solving skills. Specific careers may include: Artist, Architecture, Design, Conceptual and Commercial Art roles and Education.

PHYSICS

MR SIMON LLOYD Head Of Physics

GCSE

Physics is the study of everything, f rom the outer reaches of the Universe, right down to what is inside the nucleus of every atom.

This course is designed to give students the tools and concepts they need to be able to construct a scientific approach to solving problems. They will learn to ask and answer questions about the fundamental laws that govern natural phenomena.

slloyd@britishschool.sch.ae

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COURSE CONTENT Year 10

Conservation and Dissipation of Energy (P1), Energy Transfer by Heating (P2), Energy Resources (P3), Electric Circuits (P4), Electricity in Home (P5), Molecules and Matter (P6), Radioactivity (P7), Forces in Balance (P8).

Year 11

Motion (P9), Force and Motion (P10), Force and Pressure (P11), Wave Properties (P12), Electromagnetic Waves (P13), Light (P14), Electromagnetism (P15), Space (P16).

ASSESSMENT Year 10

Students will be assessed with a topic-test after completing each of the topics P1 to P8 above. They will also sit an internal examination at the end of Year 10 that will assess knowledge and understanding from all these topics.

Year 11

In addition to the end of topic tests for P9 to P16 throughout Year 11, students will sit two external AQA examinations in May/June that will both have multiple-choice, structured, closed short-answer and open - response questions.

SKILLS REQUIRED

• Problem-solving • Good mathematical skills • Ability to describe and explain observations and patterns

SPECIFICATION LINK

FURTHER STUDY

GCSE Physics would be compulsory for any student wishing to continue onto A Level Physics and the entry requirement is a Grade 7-9 at GCSE. A GCSE Maths Grade 7-9 at GCSE is also compulsory. Physics A Level is compulsory for students wishing to pursue university courses in Physics or any of the Engineering disciplines. It is also recommended for students wishing to follow the other sciences or medicine.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION GCSE

Mr PAUL SEWILL Head Of Secondary PE

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The GCSE Physical Education (PE) Course develops knowledge and understanding of sport and exercise through practical application. It consists of both theory and practical lessons, providing students with a well - rounded and full introduction to the world of Physical Education, sport and sport science. Students will also be required to complete three practical physical activities f rom a set list. One must be a team game, another an individual activity and the final activity can be either team or individual. In addition to this students will plan, perform, monitor and evaluate a personal exercise program. The course develops a holistic understanding of Physical Education.

psewill@britishschool.sch.ae

COURSE CONTENT

Component 1: Fitness and Body Systems – Written examination (36%) Component 2: Health and Performance - Written examination (24%) Component 3: Practical Performance - Three assessed practical activities (30%) Component 4: Personal Exercise Program – Assessed coursework (10%)

Year 10

• Skeletal System & Muscular System • Movement Analysis & Physical Training • Aerobic & Anaerobic exercise & Short Term effects of exercise

Year 11

• Health, Fitness, Energy, Diet & Nutrition • Mental Preparation for Sport & Goal Setting • Classification of Skills & Commercialisation of Physical Activity

ASSESSMENT

Students will be assessed in both the theoretical and practical components of Physical Education.

Year 10

Three Theoretical Assessments: ● December – Muscular & Skeletal System ● March – Physical Training & Movement Analysis ● June – Aerobic, Anaerobic exercise & short term effects of exercise Two Practical Assessments: ● January – 1 Team Sport & 1 individual sport ● May – 1 Team sport, 1 individual & 1 sport of their choice

PHYSICAL EDUCATION GCSE

ASSESSMENT Year 11

Four Theoretical assessments: ● October – Health, Fitness & Energy Balance, Diet & Nutrition ● December – Mental Preparation for Sport & Goal Setting ● February – Classification of Skills & Commercialisation of Physical Activity ● May – Formal GCSE PE Examination Three Practical assessments: ● November – 1 Team sport, 1 individual & 1 sport of your choice ● January - 1 Team sport, 1 individual & 1 sport of your choice ● March - Formal GCSE PE Practical Assessment

SKILLS REQUIRED

● Good level of sporting performance ● Motivated and willing to try new sports ● Interested in observing and analysing sporting performance ● As the course is 60% theoretical, students must be motivated to learn in a classroom setting about the theoretical concepts that underpin sporting performance at the elite level.

SPECIFICATION LINK

FURTHER STUDY GCSE PE enables students to develop a range of transferable skills for progression to the next level. It encourages teamwork, leadership, co-operation and communication, as well as encompassing practical, scientific and social areas of knowledge. PE offers a wide choice of careers in fields such as Sport and Exercise Science, Sports Medicine and professional level sport.

SPANISH

GCSE

MR CHARLIE DAVIES Head Of Spanish

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A knowledge of Spanish quite literally opens up the world to you, it is spoken across four continents and a wealth of nations use it as their mother tongue. Currently in second place for its sheer number of speakers there has never been a better time to study it at a higher level! Widely regarded as the language of the Gods and nowadays for being the most fun-loving and trendy idiom out there, Spanish ticks all the boxes, f rom ancient Iberian culture, gastronomy, Don Quijote, incredible artists, top-class footballers to modern clothes design, it really has it all. By having a qualification in Spanish, you might work in the UN in New York, as an aid worker in Bolivia or in the European Commission Headquarters. Alternatively, you could teach in South America, interpret for the Spanish Royals or put your linguistic prowess to use in Honduras as a volunteer Medic. The possibilities are endless - all you need is a love of Spanish, a desire to live and breathe all things hispanic, and you’re good to go.

cdavies@britishschool.sch.ae

COURSE CONTENT Year 10

● Interests and Influences (Free time, sports, entertainment, role models), ● Home (our neighbourhood, future plans, shopping, improving a city, visiting Peru), ● Customs and Traditions (food, festivals, restaurants, music).

Year 11

● World of Work (chores, work experience, importance of languages, applying for jobs, gap years, hopes for the future), ● Making the World a Better Place (global issues, looking after your environment, health, sporting events, natural disasters).

SPANISH

GCSE

ASSESSMENT Year 11

Paper 1: Listening - Understanding and responding to different types of spoken Spanish (25% of GCSE) Paper 2: Speaking - Communicating and interacting effectively in Spanish for a variety of purposes (25% of GCSE) Paper 3: Reading - Understanding and responding to different types of written Spanish language (25% of GCSE) Paper 4: Writing - Communicating effectively in Spanish for a variety of purposes (25% of GCSE)

Students in Year 10 will be assessed in each of these 4 skills as part of their summer assessments.

SKILLS REQUIRED

Spanish students will need the following skills and abilities: ● To communicate spontaneously in Spanish ● To listen, understand and respond to spoken passages from a range of different contexts and sources ● To read and respond to a variety of texts ● To summarise information from spoken and written sources ● To translate material from Spanish into English (and vice-versa)

SPECIFICATION LINK - please click here

FURTHER STUDY

For students wishing to pursue Spanish at A Level, we would expect a minimum of Grade 6. Longer term, students who combine their degree with a Modern Language are increasingly in demand in business. Degrees such as Law and Spanish or Accountancy and Spanish are becoming more and more sought after.