Can options booklet march 2014 by New Media

OPTIONS YOUR INTEREST, YOUR CHOICE, YOUR FUTURE

In addition to the information that you and your family will gain at the Options Evening on 13th March you will be interviewed and advised by a member of staff on the suitability of your proposed pathway in relation to your future plans.

Message from the Principal Dear All You are at a very important crossroads in your educational life when the decisions that you are about to make can shape your whole future. The combination of subjects that you elect to study during your next two years at City Academy Norwich will allow doors to open for you to pursue your preferred course of study when you are 16 or older at sixth form, college or employment.

As you will see there is a broad range of courses on offer to suit a variety of learning styles. Most courses lead to a single GCSE or BTEC accredited award. BTECs are on a par with GCSEs however, they can be more work related and may involve units of work containing real life practical exercises. Generally GCSE courses have an external examination at the end of two years whereas BTECs are continuously assessed. To achieve the English Baccalaureate you must achieve an A* - C grade in English, Mathematics, Core and Additional Science, a Language and either Geography or History. Students who wish to continue into Higher Education should follow this route. This is an important but exciting time, listen to the information and advice and choose wisely. Wishing you every success for the future. Mr D Brunton Principal

CORE Curriculum Structure Within your CORE time you will complete 5 GCSE qualifications. These are in: • English and English Literature –15 • Mathematics – 20 • Core Science and Additional Mathematics – 31 4

You will also have lessons in: • PE – 27 • RE/PSHE – 29 There will be groups that within the Core time will complete an additional GCSE in Further Science.

OPTION BLOCKS You will need to select a First and Reserve choice for each of the Blocks. Below are all of the subjects we offer as options and the Blocks they sit under. The numbers next to each option refer to which page they are on in this guide. Pick what options you would like by using the pull-out in the middle of this guide.

Baccalaureate and Core students

A B C D History – 18 Geography – 17 French – 16 Spanish – 32 Computing – 10

History – 18 Spanish – 32 Art – 6 Photography – 26 Sport – 33 Resistant Materials – 30 Hospitality (L1/2) – 20 PE – 27 iMedia* Business (BTEC) – 7

Foundation students can choose one vocational option in A and B and then one from C and D

Geography – 17 French – 16 Music – 24/25 Drama – 12 Art – 6 Photography – 26 Leisure and Tourism – 21 Business Admin (E3/L1) – 8 RE – 29

RE – 29 Electronics – 14 Catering – 9 Textiles – 34 DofE* Computing – 10 Dance – 11 Rock School – 23 Product Design – 28

Baccalaureate students must choose at least one Humanity subject (History or Geography) and one MFL subject (French or Spanish)

* Call CAN on 01603 452 628 to find out more about these courses 5

B C

GCSE Art In Art you will use a broad range of two and three dimensional materials to explore ideas and concepts inspired by both contemporary and historical artist and designers. We teach you the practical skills that you need to make your work look good, alongside an understanding of how you can communicate your ideas to other people. Be prepared to be challenged, and to produce work that you are proud of.

HOW ARE YOU ASSESSED?

• 60% Coursework (You will produce a portfolio of work) • 40% Exam (This takes two school days and you can prepare work in advance – it takes place in the Art Studio)

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN ABOUT? • How to collect your own visual research and present it • How to record ideas visually through drawing, photography and a range of other media • How to find out about how other artists make their work and what their ideas are • How to use artists to help make your work better • How to develop your ideas through making work • How to refine your work so that it looks as good as possible and communicates your ideas clearly • How to produce a final piece of work and present it to a professional standard

B BTEC First Award in Business (EdExcel) BTECs are vocationally related qualifications, where you develop knowledge and understanding by applying your learning and skills in a work-related context. You will take responsibility for your own learning and develop skills that are essential for the modern-day workplace. These skills include: teamworking; working from a prescribed brief; working to deadlines; presenting information effectively; and accurately completing administrative tasks and processes. In addition to this, the BTEC Business qualification provides opportunities for you to develop the communication skills needed for working in the business sector, as you progress through the course. This can be achieved through presentations and discussions where you have the opportunity to express your opinion.

HOW ARE YOU ASSESSED? • 75% Coursework • 25% 1 hour on-screen test

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN ABOUT? There are four units of work: 1. Enterprise in the Business World: • know how trends and the current business environment may impact on a business • plan an idea for a new business • present a business model for a business start-up

2. Finance for Business • understand the costs involved in business and how businesses make a profit • understand how businesses plan for success  • understand how businesses measure success and identify areas for improvement 3. Promoting a Brand • explore the use of branding and the promotional mix in business • develop and promote a brand for a business 4. Recruitment, Selection and Employment • know about job roles and functional areas in business • produce documentation for specific job roles • demonstrate interview skills and plan career development 7

BTEC Level 1 Certificate in Business Administration (EdExcel) This qualification introduces you to basic business administration principles, including how to behave in an office environment and how to use office equipment. You are also encouraged to develop your employability skills including time management, communication skills, research skills and teamwork. The assessment throughout the units may be based on practical situations or around scenarios.

HOW ARE YOU ASSESSED? • 100% Coursework • There are no exams

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN ABOUT? You will study different units of work including: • Job opportunities in Business and Administration • Working in Business and Administration • Investigating rights and responsibilities at work • Working in a team

D HOW ARE YOU ASSESSED?

The course is assessed through coursework and an exam. • 60% Coursework • 40% Exam

GCSE Catering Are you passionate about food and how to cook? Do you want to develop dishes that customers will eat? Do you want to be the next Jamie Oliver but don’t know how to get there? Catering could be for you. You will be looking at the various job roles in catering. Designing menus for different types of restaurants and occasions is a large part of the course. By the end of the GCSE course you will be able to recognise different food styles and understand the various areas of the catering industry.

During the first year of the course you will be developing the practical and written skills needed for the coursework and exam. At the end of the first year you will complete the first of two coursework assessments. The second coursework assessment will take place in the autumn term of Year 11. These two assessments count as 60% of your final result. At the end of the Year 11 you will be well prepared for the examination which lasts for 1 hour 45 minutes. This will count as 40% of your final result.

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN ABOUT? The course will help you learn about the catering industry, job roles and employment opportunities. It will also include: • Food preparation, cooking and presentation • Health & safety and hygiene • Nutrition and menu planning • Costing and portion control • Communication and record keeping • Sustainability and the environment

A D

GCSE Computing A GCSE in Computing will give you a fantastic set of skills to create your own software. It will give you the skills you need for any career. If you want to become a designer, architect, engineer, publisher, medical researcher, sports coach, music or film producer (the list is endless) then computing is one of the best points to start from. Don’t know what you want to do with your life just yet? Perfect! Most of the jobs that will be available when you leave university haven’t even been thought of yet! Computing is the very best start you will get at CAN.

such as mobile and web apps that solve problems. The rest of the marks come from an exam (40%) that examine a range of theoretical topics which will help you understand how computers work and can be used to solve problems in the world you live in. • One 1 hour 30 minutes exam paper worth 40% • Investigative coursework task worth 30% • Controlled Assessment programming task worth 30%

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN ABOUT? HOW ARE YOU ASSESSED?

Computing is an intellectually challenging yet very practical and rewarding discipline, the course reflects this. 60% of the course, and the marks, will involve creating solutions to real world problems. These focus on creating applications,

The course will develop critical thinking, analysis and problemsolving skills through the study of systems and computer programming, giving students a fun and interesting way to develop these skills, which can be transferred to other subjects and even applied in day-to-day life.

GCSE Dance This course will enable pupils to develop skills, knowledge and understanding of dance as choreographer, performer and critic through: • applying and adapting a wide range of skills and techniques effectively in performing and choreographing dance, including the ability to improve; • creating dances for a range of purposes and in response to different stimuli; • developing the ability to analyse, evaluate and appreciate dance. Pupils will also appreciate the contribution of dance to their personal and social health, fitness and wellbeing and be aware of the range of opportunities and pathways available in dance.

HOW ARE YOU ASSESSED?

• 80% practical (set dance, duo/ group dance, choreography)

• Set dance - practical examination, externally assessed (20%) • Performance in a duo/group dance – controlled assessment (20%) • Choreography – controlled assessment (40%) • Solo composition task (15%) • Choreography for solo or group (25%) • 20% theory (1 hour written paper including multiple choice, short answer and extended answer questions) • Critical appreciation of dance – written examination, externally assessed (20%)

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN ABOUT? Pupils will learn about a range of dance styles, whilst given opportunities to participate in professional dance workshops and watch performances at a range of venues. They will learn to appreciate professional works and mimic motifs performed by skilled specialists.

GCSE Drama In Drama you will use a range of performance skills to explore ideas and concepts inspired by both contemporary and historical theatre practice. We teach you the practical skills that you need to make your performance work look polished alongside an understanding of how you can communicate your ideas to an audience. Be prepared to be challenged, and to produce work that you are proud of.

HOW ARE YOU ASSESSED?

60% Coursework Unit 1: ‘From Page to Stage” 30% (exploring the development and performance of a script. Assessment is on practical work and a supporting Working Record) Unit 2: ‘Drama in the Making’ 30% (exploring the devising and improvising process. Assessment is on practical work and a supporting Working Record) 40% Exam (You will spend approximately ten weeks developing work as a performer, devised or technician based on script or stimulus material set by the exam board)

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN ABOUT?

• How to create a character for a group performance and a monologue or duologue • How to identify the context in which a piece of theatre is made • The characteristic and conventions of plot • The way a piece of drama is put together • How to communicate ideas to an audience • Different performances spaces • How to develop your ideas through improvisation and create original drama

• To identify and use a range of theatre styles, genres and conventions • How to record ideas on paper as a working record of your creative process • How to use theatre practitioners to help make your work better • How to rehearse your work effectively so that it looks as good as possible and communicates your ideas clearly • How to produce a final piece of performance work and present it to a professional standard

GCSE Electronic Products Students will learn to use a variety of electronic components to create interesting circuits and gain an understanding of how modern products are produced. The course covers digital logic and decisionmaking circuits. Students also use microcontroller systems and learn a programming language for controlling more complex circuits. Combining academic and practical work, students will have a sound basis for moving into A-level and Degree level technology courses as well as giving grounding in electrical/electronic skills suitable for vocational study.

HOW ARE YOU ASSESSED? • 60% Coursework • 40% Exam

will help to indicate the most suitable coursework task to choose in the second year. The second year will have a 60% coursework element in which students research, design, make and evaluate a product chosen from given tasks. At the end of the second year students’ knowledge of Electronic Products will be tested in a 2 hour written exam paper for which they will have dedicated theory lessons to help prepare them and this is worth 40% of their overall grade.

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN ABOUT? • Projects that will be made include Transistor circuits, 555 timers, flashing lights, night lights, alarms • Circuit prototyping techniques: students experiment with a wide variety of electronic components, such as counters, timers and sensors • Decision-making and digital logic: students see how computers and electronic circuits process information

CORE

GCSE English GCSE English Language allows you to demonstrate the use of English in real life, from functional writing to having an understanding of the spoken word. You will develop an understanding of writing for different purposes and audiences, equipping you with vital skills for the future. GCSE English Literature offers you the chance to study literature in the form of poetry, prose and drama. From Shakespeare to Carol Ann Duffy, students will be exploring the written word and gaining analytical skills that will span different curriculum. All students will study both subjects and receive two GCSEs.

HOW ARE YOU ASSESSED?

GCSE English Literature: • 25% Controlled Assessment: Drama • 25% Poetry Exam • 50% Prose Exam GCSE English Language: • 60% Written Exam • 40% Controlled Assessment

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN ABOUT? Literature: • Romeo and Juliet – William Shakespeare • An Inspector Calls – J.B. Priestley • Of Mice and Men – John Steinbeck • Animal Farm – George Orwell • A selection of poetry Language: • Spoken Language Study • Speaking and Listening Skills • Writing for Purpose • A Topical Language Investigation

A C

GCSE French Studying GCSE French will allow you to develop your communication skills in writing and speaking as well as your comprehension skills in listening and reading. Being able to learn a foreign language will broaden your experience and open doors to further studies and a wide variety of careers. You will be developing skills that you will find useful in all areas of your life such as confidence, perseverance and independence; you will also learn to appreciate different cultures. Learning a language will also equip you with the skills required to develop deeper understanding of your own language. Choosing GCSE French will contribute to your English Baccalaureate Award. Please note that you need to have studied the language previously to be able to take it at GCSE.

HOW ARE YOU ASSESSED?

• 60% is Controlled Assessment in Speaking and Writing (untiered). • 40% is assessed by Examination at the end of the course in Listening and Reading (tiered i.e. foundation or higher).

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN ABOUT? The course will concentrate on topics which are relevant to young people. Using a variety of activities (reading, games, songs, listening etc…) we will cover areas such as: • Sports and leisure • Travel and holidays • You, your family and friends • Your local area • School and careers • Environmental issues

Your personal knowledge of grammar will be challenged and stretched – conveniently supporting your English Language GCSE.

A C

GCSE Geography GCSE Geography is about you investigating issues at local, national and global levels. This might involve investigating topics as diverse as “What the link is between the floods in Pakistan and the rising price of clothes?”, to “Will the Olympic games be good news or bad news for the people of east London?” This course provides opportunities for you to develop research and presentation skills that will be beneficial in both the world of work and further education.

HOW ARE YOU ASSESSED?

GCSE Geography is assessed through a combination of Terminal Examination and Controlled Assessment. • Terminal Examination 75% • Controlled Assessment 25%

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN ABOUT? You will cover three main themes: • Challenges of Living In The Built Environment (Planning regulations / overpopulation in less developed cities / conflicting demands on the countryside etc) • People And The Natural World (Climate Change / Ecosystems / River Flooding / Coastal Erosion) • People, Work And Development (Development Issues / Trade and Aid / Globalisation and MultiNational Companies) Controlled assessment involves going on a field trip to investigate a geographically relevant issue – e.g. Regeneration in East London, Coastal Management in North Norfolk, Ecosystem Management on The Norfolk Broads, Managing River Flooding.

A B

GCSE History History can help us to make sense of the world in which we live in. Studying the past helps us to understand why the world around us now is like it is. History develops your ability to reason, to weigh up evidence and to argue a point so you can reach a balanced judgement. The skills developed in History will be very useful both in your future life and further study. History is one of those subjects that can provide you with a range of skills, essential to your success at school and beyond.

HOW ARE YOU ASSESSED?

• Unit 1 25% Final Examination Paper (1 hour 15 minutes) • Unit 2 25% Final Examination Paper (1 hour 15 minutes) • Unit 3 25% Final Examination Paper (1 hour 15 minutes) • Unit 4 25% Controlled Assessment (Coursework) based upon study of unit. You will sit exams for Units 1, 2 and 3 at the end of Year 11. Controlled Assessment will be completed in Year 10.

OPTIONS

YOUR

OPTIONS

OPTION Baccalaureate and Core students

A B History – 18 Geography – 17 French – 16 Spanish – 32 Computing – 10

History – 18 Spanish – 32 Art – 6 Photography – 26 Sport – 33 Resistant Materials – 30 Hospitality (L1/2) – 20 PE – 27 iMedia* Business (BTEC) – 7

Foundation students can choose one vocational option in A and B and then one from C and D

BLOCKS

C D Geography – 17 French – 16 Music – 24/25 Drama – 12 Art – 6 Photography – 26 Leisure and Tourism – 21 Business Admin (E3/L1) – 8 RE – 29

RE – 29 Electronics – 14 Catering – 9 Textiles – 34 DofE* Computing – 10 Dance – 11 Rock School – 23 Product Design – 28

Baccalaureate students must choose at least one Humanity subject (History or Geography) and one MFL subject (French or Spanish) * Call 01603 452 628 to find out more about these courses

YOUR OPTIONS NAME

FORM

MUST BE SUPPLIED BY THURSDAY 20TH MARCH 2014 CHOOSE A FIRST CHOICE FROM EACH BLOCK. YOU ALSO NEED TO SELECT A RESERVE FROM EACH BLOCK.

A B C D

FIRST

RESERVE

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN ABOUT? Unit 1: A Development Study Medicine and treatment from 1350 to today You will study the major developments in medicine from 1350 to the present day. You will also look at the idea of what changed and what stayed the same and how and why medicine has changed over time, looking at the individuals and factors that contributed to the changes that took place in medicine.

Unit 4: Representations of History The Vietnam War You will explore how and why America became involved in the Vietnam war. You will explore the tactics used by both sides during the war as well as exploring the impact the war had upon American society.

Unit 2: An Indepth Study of Germany 1919-1945 You will look at what happened in Germany after the First World War. You will also look at the successes and failures of the Weimar government that existed until 1933, how it was that Hitler and the Nazis were able to gain power and control and what it was like to live in Germany under the Nazi rule. Unit 3: A Source Enquiry The transformation of surgery 1845-1918 You will explore how surgery was transformed during this period studying the key developments and individuals that contributed to its transformation. This is a sources based enquiry.

GCSE Hospitality (WJEC) GCSE Hospitality is an exciting course that will allow you to gain valuable skills working as a team to plan and run an event of your choice, whilst learning the key skills and knowledge of the hospitality industry.

HOW ARE YOU ASSESSED?

• Unit 3: Hospitality skills related to events and functions. Event Based Task. Controlled Assessment (worth 60% of final grade) • Unit 4: Hospitality and the customer (Written Paper – 1 hour 45 minutes – 40% of final grade)

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN ABOUT? Throughout the course you will learn about the following:

• Types of service provided and the related client groups • Job roles, employment opportunities and relevant training • Menu planning, preparation and presentation • Planning for functions and events • Costing menus and events • Customer care • Standards of service • Communication and teamwork • Environmental considerations

GCSE Leisure and Tourism (AQA) The UK leisure and tourism industry is huge and rapidly expanding, offering many career opportunities for today’s young people. In 2008 it employed over 3 million people – more than 13% of UK employees. An AQA GCSE Leisure and Tourism qualification is a real first step-up onto the career ladder. GCSE Leisure and Tourism gives you the opportunity to develop a sound knowledge and understanding of the leisure and tourism industry. There are 2 units of work: Unit 1: Understanding leisure and tourism destinations Unit 2: The nature of leisure and tourism

HOW ARE YOU ASSESSED?

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN ABOUT? This course gives you the chance to: • understand people’s changing leisure activities and travel behaviour • investigate changes in the pattern of tourism, including the issue of sustainability • study employment in leisure and tourism and the issues faced by the industry including health and safety • explore leisure and tourism activities in the UK and abroad, including the businesses and organisations which make up this industry • gain skills in applying knowledge to real-world situations, including planning and carrying out investigations • analyse and evaluate evidence and sources to make reasoned judgements and draw conclusions.

• Unit 1 is a written exam paper lasting 1 hour worth 40%. • Unit 2 is controlled assessment worth 60%.

CORE HOW ARE YOU ASSESSED?

• Examination board: EDEXCEL – Linear Mathematics – Specification A. • Two tiers: Foundation – Grades G-C Higher – Grades A*-D (E allowed) • 100% Examination • Two written papers; each paper contributes to 50% of qualification. • Paper 1 (Non-calculator) – 1 hour 45 minutes • Paper 2 (Calculator) – 1 hour 45 minutes Within the qualification is a functional skills element. This is weighted 30-40% on a Foundation paper and 20-30% on the Higher paper.

GCSE Mathematics This qualification in Mathematics encourages students to develop confidence in, and positive attitudes towards, mathematics and to recognise the importance of mathematics in their own lives and to society. This qualification prepares students to make informed decisions about the use of technology, the management of money, further learning opportunities and career choices.

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN ABOUT? Develop knowledge, skills and understanding of mathematical methods and concepts including: • Numbers • Algebra • Geometry • Measures • Statistics • Probability Your will be required to use your knowledge and understanding to make connections between mathematical concepts and apply the functional elements in everyday and real-life situations.

Access to Music – Rock School In Access to Music you will explore performance, listening and composition skills. You will extend your knowledge of the music industry, explore performance skills as a soloist and as part of an ensemble. The units of the course can be specifically chosen to best suit each student’s strengths and challenge their areas for development. This qualification prepares students for all post 16 music courses and careers in the music industry, including performing, teaching, composing and studio/recording professions.

HOW ARE YOU ASSESSED?

100% Coursework (both project work and performances)

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN ABOUT? • How to improve your performance skills • How to communicate through composition and performance • How the music industry works • How to forge a career in the music industry • How to raise your profile as a performer • How to use Music Technology to record and produce music

It is preferred that you will have been taking music instrument/singing lessons in preparation for taking this course.

BTEC Music In BTEC Music you will explore performance, listening and composition skills. You will extend your knowledge of the music industry, create and promote a musical product and explore performance skills.

HOW ARE YOU ASSESSED?

The units of the BTEC can be specifically chosen to best suit each student’s strengths and challenge their areas for development.

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN ABOUT?

This qualification prepares students for all post 16 music courses and careers in the music industry, including performing, teaching, composing and studio/recording professions. It is preferred that you will have been taking music instrument/singing lessons in preparation for taking this course.

• 20% Exam (Understanding job roles within the music industry) • 80% Coursework (Written and video evidence from project work)

• Understanding roles and responsibilities of jobs in the music industry • Learning how events and music projects are organised • Real life experiences of the music industry • How to forge a career in the music industry • How to improve your performance skills • How to perform and record using Music Technology/Studio equipment

HOW ARE YOU ASSESSED?

• 40% Exam (Listening and responding to music) • 60% Coursework (2 x performances and 2 x compositions)

GCSE Music In GCSE Music you will explore performance, listening and composition skills. You will extend your knowledge of different musical genres, learn to read notation and communicate through written music as well as improve your solo and ensemble performance skills.

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN ABOUT? • How to recognise musical features • How to use musical language • Composers, traditions and genres of music • How to communicate through writing your own compositions • How to use technology to write and perform music • How to improve your performance as a soloist • How to perform to high standards as an ensemble

B C

GCSE Photography In Photography you will be introduced to a variety of experiences exploring a range of lens-based and light-based media, techniques and processes, including both traditional and new technologies. Students will learn the technical processes involved in producing high quality photographs, including the operation of cameras, development of films, and the use of specialist equipment required for printing in the darkroom. Students will also work with a digital camera and explore a variety of ways of manipulating digital images on the computer. Some whole group study and location trips will be arranged. As students progress in this course they will be expected to work independently on the selecting and taking of original photographs and they must be able to work to deadlines.

HOW ARE YOU ASSESSED?

• 60% Coursework (You will produce a portfolio of work) • 40% Exam (This takes two school days and you can prepare work for it in advance. It takes place in the art studio)

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN ABOUT? • Develop your knowledge of how to use a digital and SLR Camera creatively  • Practical photography work  • Researching a range of different photographers  • Keeping a sketchbook of ideas and experiments  • Presenting work to a high standard, including an end of year exhibition

GCSE PE If you enjoy: • sport and recreation; • developing knowledge and understanding through practical involvement; • learning about the benefits of sport and exercise; • improving your own performance in a range of sports roles; • or if you are considering a sportsrelated career or an A Level/higher education course; ...then GCSE PE is the right subject for you. This course will give you exciting opportunities to be involved in a number of different physical activities, promoting an active and healthy lifestyle. You can perform in one or all of the following roles: player/participant, leader or official. You should have an interest in PE and sport, enjoy being active and appreciate the benefits of keeping fit and healthy.

HOW ARE YOU ASSESSED?

• 60% practical - controlled assessment (performance as a player/participant, leader and/or official) • 40% theory – externally assessed (1 hour written paper including multiple choice, short answer and extended answer questions)

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN ABOUT? You will: • develop your knowledge and practical skills in a range of physical activities • examine the effects of exercise and how training can improve performance • find ways to improve your own performances in a variety of roles • identify ways to develop and maintain a healthy and active lifestyle through participation in physical activity • appreciate the benefits of promoting ‘sport for all’

D HOW ARE YOU ASSESSED?

• 60% coursework • 40% exam

GCSE Product Design This subject requires a creative and inventive mind and a problem solving attitude towards learning. Do you have an interest in inventions and prototyping of products and wish to investigate these through challenging tasks and projects? GCSE Product Design will allow you to explore traditional design and modelling techniques alongside modern technologies and developments in prototyping equipment such as 3D printing and laser cutting. Do you want to be the next James Dyson? This course would be an excellent pathway into college and university courses in graphic or product design, engineering and resistant materials. 28

The two year course is broken into three parts. The first year will be assessed against given criteria relating to the exam board mark scheme throughout a series of mini design and make challenges. The grade students achieve in this year will help to indicate the most suitable coursework task to choose in the second year. The second year will have a 60% coursework element in which students research, design, make and evaluate a product chosen from given tasks. At the end of the second year students’ knowledge of product design will be tested in a two hour written exam paper for which they will have dedicated theory lessons to help prepare them and this is worth 40% of their overall grade.

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN ABOUT? • Presenting design ideas in different formats • A range of materials • Prototyping and modelling • Computer Aided Design and Manufacture such as laser cutting and milling • Modern technologies and equipment such as 3D printing • Industrial practices

GCSE Religious Studies GCSE Religious Studies requires you to think about challenging moral and ethical issues that face us in today’s world. You will be encouraged to express your opinions on a variety of issues for example prejudice, abortion, crime and punishment and animal rights.

HOW ARE YOU ASSESSED?

You will also learn about the opinions of others, what makes people think the way they do and how to engage in debate with those who think differently to you. This subject will challenge your ideas and encourage you to ask hard questions about controversial topics to expand your mind!

Unit 1 • Animal Rights • Prejudice and Discrimination • War and Peace • Abortion

Two equally weighted written exams at the end of Year 11.

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN ABOUT? The two units comprise of 4 topics in each.

Unit 2 • Matters of Death • Crime and Punishment • Drugs • Poverty

B HOW ARE YOU ASSESSED? • 60% coursework • 40% exam

GCSE Resistant Materials This subject requires a practical approach and a problem solving attitude to learning. Do you have an interest in producing unique items with a range of tools, made from woods, plastics and metal and wish to investigate these through challenging tasks and projects? Resistant Materials will allow you to explore traditional techniques and machinery alongside modern technologies and developments in product manufacture. Do you want to be the next Philippe Starck? This course would be an excellent pathway into college and university courses in product design, graphics, engineering and construction. 30

The two year course is broken into three parts. The first year will be assessed against given criteria relating to the exam board mark scheme throughout a series of mini design and make challenges. The grade students achieve in this year will help to indicate the most suitable coursework task to choose in the second year. The second year will have a 60% coursework element in which students research, design, make and evaluate a product chosen from given tasks. At the end of the second year students’ knowledge of resistant materials will be tested in a 2 hour written exam paper for which they will have dedicated theory lessons to help prepare them and this is worth 40% of their overall grade.

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN ABOUT? • Presenting design ideas • Studying existing products and trying to improve them • A variety of materials • A range of construction techniques • Experience of hand and machine skills • Modern technologies and equipment • Industrial practices

CORE

GCSE Science GCSE Core Science encourages students to develop their core scientific skills. Students will get the opportunity to take part in practical activities that explore fundamental questions about the world that they live in.

HOW ARE YOU ASSESSED?

The majority of students will study Core Science and Additional Science over a three year KS4. Some students will be offered the opportunity to study for separate GCSE qualifications in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

For each qualification (GCSE Core Science, Additional Science, Biology, Physics and Chemistry), 25% of the course is examined through a skills assessment (written papers marked internally), and 75% through examination papers.

Each year students sit a mock examination to assess progress in their course. This mock is taken from a past exam series. AQA externally assessed exams are taken in Year 11 for all courses.

GCSE Spanish Studying GCSE Spanish will allow you to develop your communication skills in writing and speaking as well as your comprehension skills in listening and reading. Being able to learn a foreign language will broaden your experience and open doors to further studies and a wide variety of careers. You will be developing skills that you will find useful in all areas of your life such as confidence, perseverance and independence; you will also learn to appreciate different cultures. Learning a language will also equip you with the skills required to develop deeper understanding of your own language. Choosing GCSE Spanish will contribute to your English baccalaureate award. Please note that you need to have studied the language previously to be able to take it at GCSE.

HOW ARE YOU ASSESSED?

• 60% is controlled assessment in Speaking and Writing (untiered). • 40% is assessed by examination at the end of the course in Listening and Reading (tiered i.e. foundation or higher).

Your personal knowledge of grammar will be challenged and stretched – conveniently supporting your English Language GCSE.

B BTEC Sport This is a two-year full-time course which is practical and work related. It introduces you to the employment area of sport, leisure and recreation and provides a good basis to progress to further training, education or employment. You will study several units during the two years, some of which will be classroom based and others will take place in either the Sports Hall or at off-site venues. You will enjoy a variety of assignments and challenges. You will find yourself working with others, applying key skills and improving on both your own knowledge and performance throughout all the units of the course.

HOW ARE YOU ASSESSED?

BTEC Sport has core, mandatory and optional specialist units. At the end of the course the grades for each unit will combine to form an overall grade. You can achieve a pass, merit, distinction or distinction plus: • A pass = C at GCSE level • A merit = B at GCSE level  • A distinction = A at GCSE level  • A distinction plus = A* at GCSE level

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN ABOUT? Learners must complete:

Core Units (Compulsory): • Fitness for Sport and Exercise – Externally assessed • Practical Sports Assessment – Internally assessed Mandatory Specialists Unit (Compulsory): • Anatomy and Physiology for Sports Performance – Externally assessed Optional Specialist Units (A choice of 5 out of the following): •T he Mind and Sports Performance Internally assessed •T he Sports Performer in Action Internally assessed •T raining for Personal Fitness Internally assessed •L eading Sports Activities – Internally assessed •P romotion and Sponsorship in Sport – Internally assessed •L ifestyle and Well-being – Internally assessed • I njury and the Sports Performer Internally assessed •R unning a Sports Event - Internally assessed •T he Sport and Active Leisure Industry – Internally assessed 33

GCSE Textiles This subject requires a creative mind and a problem solving attitude towards learning. Are you interested in interior design and fashionable textiles and wish to investigate these through challenging tasks and projects? GCSE Textiles will allow you to explore traditional techniques and machinery alongside modern technologies and developments in fabric products and garment design and production. Do you want to be the next Stella McCartney? This course would be an

excellent pathway into college and university courses in fashion, textile, graphic or product design and manufacture.

HOW ARE YOU ASSESSED? â&#x20AC;˘ 60% coursework â&#x20AC;˘ 40% exam

The two year course is broken into three parts. The first year will be assessed against given criteria relating to the exam board mark scheme throughout a series of mini design and make challenges.

The grade students achieve in this year will help to indicate the most suitable coursework task to choose in the second year. The second year will have a 60% coursework element in which students research, design, make and evaluate a product chosen from given tasks. At the end of the second year students’ knowledge of textiles will be tested in a 2 hour written exam paper for which they will have dedicated theory lessons to help prepare them and this is worth 40% of their overall grade.

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN ABOUT? • Interior design, layout and product manufacture • Fashion and garment design and production • Presenting design ideas in different formats • A range of decorative and construction techniques • Experience of hand and machine skills • Modern technologies and equipment • Industrial practices

Notes