GCSEs at Hampton Court House
Welcome to Hampton Court House Senior – a place where every child's potential is not just recognised but celebrated, and where learning is an exciting and enriching adventure.
At Hampton Court House, we take pride in the breadth and depth of our curriculum Our commitment to providing an exceptional educational experience for your child is at the heart of everything we do We believe that every child is unique, and we tailor our approach to ensure that each individual thrives academically, socially, and personally
While our curriculum is carefully planned, we also believe in adaptive teaching that responds to the needs and interests of our students Our core GCSE curriculum is outlined here for all students and families, the way in which it is delivered and the depth in each subject will vary to ensure your child gets the very best educational experience Lessons are designed to be not only informative, but also interesting, engaging, supportive, and challenging
Our teachers enable students to actively participate in lessons, learn, and demonstrate new knowledge, skills, and ideas We believe in empowering our students to shape their own voices within our dynamic yet nurturing community
At GCSE level, students all take the core subjects: English Language, English Literature, Mathematics and the Sciences We have included them in this booklet to make you aware of the course information
In addition to this, students choose four other subjects they would like to study Sport and PSHE are also part of the core curriculum but are not examined at GCSE
Katy Deacon Head of Senior kde@hchnet co uk
English Language
Why study English Language?
English Language is essential for communicating with others in school and in the wider world. It is also fundamental to learning outcomes in all curriculum subjects. In studying AQA GCSE English Language, students continue to develop skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing that they need to participate in society and employment. This GCSE is not only vital, but it is also an engaging course which allows students to express themselves creatively and imaginatively and to communicate with others confidently and effectively. Taken alongside English Literature, the English Language grade is made up of two examination papers, as well as a non-examination assessment in the form of a speech.
The course AQA 8700
The assessment Paper 1: Explorations in Creative
Reading and Writing
Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes, 80 marks, 50% of GCSE
Section A: Reading – one literature fiction text (40 marks)
1 short form question (1 x 4 marks)
2 longer form questions (2 x 8 marks)
1 extended question (1 x 20 marks)
Section B: Writing – descriptive or narrative writing (40 marks)
1 extended writing question (24 marks for content, 16 marks for technical accuracy)
Paper 2: Writers’ Viewpoints and Assessments
Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes, 80 marks, 50% of GCSE
Section A: Reading – one non-fiction text and one literary non-fiction text
1 short form question (1 x 4 marks)
2 longer form questions (1 x 8 marks, 1 x 12 marks)
1 extended question (1 x 16 marks)
Section B: Writing – writing to present a viewpoint
1 extended writing question (24 marks for content, 16 marks for technical accuracy)
Non-examination Assessment: Spoken Language
Student to present a speech on a topic of their choice: 0% of GCSE
Students are assessed on:
Presenting
Responding to questions and feedback
Use of Standard English
Students to receive a separate grade in addition to their GCSE English Language: Distinction, Merit or Pass
Key contact
Chloe Fabregas Head of English cfa@hchnet.co.uk
English Literature
Why study English Literature?
English Literature is as varied as it is inspirational The AQA GCSE English Literature reflects the experiences of people from many eras and times and contributes to our sense of cultural identity This GCSE helps students learn to become enthusiastic and critical readers of stories, poetry and drama, gaining access to the pleasure and world of knowledge that reading offers Students will cover a broad range of literature and develop their analytical skills, considering writers’ crafts and how wider context and society can contribute to profound messages that shine through literature
The course AQA 8702
The assessment
Paper 1: Shakespeare and the 19th-century novel
Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes, 64 marks, 40% of GCSE
Section A Shakespeare:
Students will answer one question on Macbeth They will be required to write in detail about an extract from the play and then to write about the play as a whole
Section B The 19th-century novel:
Students will answer one question on A Christmas Carol They will be required to write in detail about an extract from the novel and then to write about the novel as a whole
Paper 2: Modern texts and poetry
Written exam: 2 hour 15 minutes, 96 marks, 60% of GCSE
Section A Modern texts:
Students will answer one essay question from a choice of two on Lord of the Flies
Section B Poetry:
Students will answer one comparative question on one named poem printed on the paper and one other poem from the AQA anthology: Love and Relationships poetry
Section C Unseen poetry:
Students will answer one question on one unseen poem and one question comparing this poem with a second unseen poem
Key contact
Chloe Fabregas Head of English cfa@hchnet.co.uk
Maths
Why study Maths?
Mathematics is a compulsory subject at GCSE precisely because it is a fundamental building block of so much learning and understanding in other subjects At Hampton Court House, we aim to inspire and excite students in mathematics through a varied, challenging and stimulating curriculum that encourages children to be able to problem solve, communicate well and be flexible in their approach to unseen tasks Maths is consistently the most popular A Level choice for students nationally and opens the doors to many opportunities both in higher education and in the wider workplace, so getting the basics right in Key Stage 4 is vital for everyone
The course Edexcel 4MA1
At HCH we study the IGCSE like the majority of independent schools These are of equivalent standard to Pearson’s regulated GCSE qualification and are globally recognised The course is examined by two written papers at the end of Year 11, worth 50% each and running to 2 hours per paper Both of these are calculator papers and examine anything on the specification
The key area of study is divided into 4 areas that can come up in any order on either paper:
Number (approx 30%)
Algebra (approx 30%)
Geometry (approx. 25%)
Statistics (approx. 15%)
There are two tiers of entry (Higher and Foundation) and we teach the Higher syllabus to the vast majority of students at HCH
Although some schools ask their more able students to take the GCSE exam at the end of Year 10 in order to get a head start on the AS material, we do not agree with this approach The way to develop strong mathematicians, capable of taking on Mathematics and Further Mathematics at A level, is to challenge them with problems which require them to independently think rigorously through multiple stages of calculation, rather than to simply give them a cursory grounding in ‘ more mathematics’ To rush students through examinations early only puts unnecessary limits on the curriculum that can be covered, and therefore is in our opinion more detrimental than it is advantageous: our policy is one of enrichment rather than acceleration
Instead we enrich our highest attainers with additional curriculum knowledge and in some cases enter them for an extra qualification known as the Free Standing Maths Qualification (FMSQ), which sets students up particularly well if they are considering studying Mathematics or Further Mathematics at A Level
Key contact
Nick Edwards Head of Maths ned@hchnet.co.uk
Science (Triple Award)
Biology, Chemistry and Physics
Why study Science (Triple Award)?
This course is recommended for those students wishing to take a particular science at A Level Students work towards three individual GCSEs in the three sciences, reflecting the appropriate level of study of physics, chemistry and comprehensive subject content and an assessment of investigative skills so that pupils develop a natural interest in practical science and how it can be applied in the real world Furthermore, the GCSE courses provide a sound foundation for progression to A levels in the sciences
The courses
AQA 8461, 8462 & 8463
Biology (8461)
Unit 1: Cell biology Unit 2: Organisation Unit 3: Infection and response Unit 4: Bioenergetics Unit 5: Homeostasis and response Unit 6: Inheritance, variation and evolution Unit 7: Ecology
The assessment
Chemistry (8462)
Unit 1: Atomic structure and the periodic table Unit 2: Bonding, structure, and the properties of matter Unit 3: Quantitative chemistry Unit 4: Chemical changes Unit 5: Energy changes Unit 6: The rate and extent of chemical change Unit 7: Organic chemistry Unit 8: Chemical analysis Unit 9: Chemistry of the atmosphere Unit 10: Using resources
The AQA Biology, Chemistry and Physics GCSEs are assessed by two examinations in each science Both examinations are taken at the end of Year 11
Physics (8463)
Unit 1: Forces Unit 2: Energy Unit 3: Waves Unit 4: Electricity Unit 5: Magnetism and electromagnetism Unit 6: Particle model of matter Unit 7: Atomic structure Unit 8: Space physics
Key contact
Thomas McCarthy-Ward Head of Science
tjmw@hchnet co uk
Science (Double Award)
Why study Science (Double Award)?
This is the most commonly taken science GCSE course nationally Students study all three sciences and are awarded two GCSEs at the end of the two years A large proportion of the subject content and required practicals in the specification are also in the GCSE Biology, Chemistry and Physics separate science courses
This means that we can transfer students to the triple award sciences easily, should there be a need
The course AQA 8464
The course provides clear, detailed and comprehensive subject content of Biology, Chemistry and Physics
There is a distinct emphasis on working scientifically and practical work Students build their investigative skills so that they develop a natural interest in practical science and how it can be applied in the real world
Furthermore, the GCSE course provides a sound foundation for progression to A level science specifications
Biology
Unit 1: Cell biology Unit 2: Organisation Unit 3: Infection and response Unit 4: Bioenergetics Unit 5: Homeostasis and response Unit 6: Inheritance, variation and evolution Unit 7: Ecology
Chemistry
Unit 8: Atomic structure and the periodic table Unit 9: Bonding, structure , and the properties of matter Unit 10: Quantitative chemistry Unit 11: Chemical changes Unit 12: Energy changes Unit 13: The rate and extent of chemical change Unit 14: Organic chemistry Unit 15: Chemical analysis Unit 16: Chemistry of the atmosphere Unit 17: Using resources
Physics
Unit 18: Forces Unit 19: Energy Unit 20: Waves Unit 21: Electricity Unit 22: Magnetism and electromagnet ism Unit 23: Particle model of matter Unit 24: Atomic structure
The assessment
Science (Double Award) is assessed through six examinations taken at the end of Year 11 There are two papers for each science and each paper is 1 hour and 15 minutes long
Key contact
Thomas McCarthy-Ward Head of Science
tjmw@hchnet co uk
Why study Art?
Whether you dream of becoming a fashion designer, a film director, an architect, a CG animator, a children’s book illustrator or an exhibiting artist; GCSE art is the perfect first step towards your goal Our students leave us embracing risk taking, pushing boundaries, making ingenious connections, enjoying collaboration, and developing an organic approach to art practice which feeds their natural curiosity and opens their minds to what the professional possibilities are in the Arts and creative industries
The course AQA 8202
Our Fine Art GCSE course is structured as three large ‘portfolio projects’ over the two years Two of these are set by the teacher and the third is chosen from a list of possible exam topics Students spend two terms per project producing a portfolio of work These portfolios are full of visual studies and research on the topic As well as this, students produce a final piece that realises their ideas for each project
The assessment
The GCSE art exam, which is taken at the end of Year 11, is a 10-hour exam, whereby the student makes a final piece for their chosen exam topic Throughout the course, students work in a balance of teacher-led workshop sessions, where they learn new skills and techniques, and selfdirected studio time, where they use their skills to develop their own ideas and outcomes Students put their imaginations to work and build strong visual vocabularies in a variety of media, growing in self-confidence and developing a life-long interest in art and culture
Key contact
Eve Blackwood Head of Art
Chinese
Why study Chinese?
Chinese is one of the most ancient languages which is still used on a daily basis It is fascinating to learn this unique language and the rich culture that comes with it The other driver of this language’s attractiveness is China’s status as a rising global superpower China has opened itself to the world, encouraging foreign investment and economic co-operation As such, there is a huge demand for people who can bridge the gap between this new growing China and the wider world
Chinese at GCSE allows students to develop their ability to communicate with Chinese native speakers in both speech and writing Students will study across a variety of contexts relevant to their age and interests and will also develop a greater awareness of the culture of Chinese-speaking communities and countries It also gives the students a solid basis from which to progress to A level or employment
The course Edexcel 1CN0
Questions across all four language skills are set in common contexts, addressing a range of relevant contemporary and cultural themes They are organised into five themes, each broken down into topics and subtopics The five themes are: 1 Identity and culture 2 Local area, holiday, travel 3 School 4 Future aspirations, study and work 5 International and global dimension
The assessment
Listening
45 minutes; 25% of the total qualification
Speaking
10–12 minutes plus 12 minutes preparation time; 25% of the total qualification
Reading
1 hour 5 minutes; 25% of the total qualification
Writing
1 hour 25 minutes; 25% of the total qualification
Key contact
Shirley Xue Wang
Teacher of Mandarin sxw@hchnet co uk
Computer Science
Why study Computer Science?
The subject of computing is incredibly exciting It touches our lives from the cars we drive, to the movies we watch, to the ways businesses and governments deal with us Understanding computing is a necessary skill set for an educated person in the 21st century Whether you want to be a scientist, an engineer or the next Mark Zuckerberg, studying computing will provide you with valuable knowledge
Computing is an incredibly innovative subject Creating high-quality computing solutions is a highly desirable skill, and computing supports creative work in many other fields The best solutions in computing exhibit high levels of elegance and beauty Having a computing GCSE will provide you with a foundation of knowledge, problem solving and logical thinking that will serve as a competitive advantage in your further education and career, in whatever field you choose
The course Cambridge IGCSE 0984
This course gives students a real, in-depth understanding of how computer technology works The course will give them an insight into what goes on ‘behind the scenes ’ , including computer programming, which many students find absorbing Students will develop critical thinking, analysis and problem-solving skills, which can be transferred to further learning and everyday life Students who wish to go on to higher study and employment in the field of computer science will find that this course provides a superb stepping stone
The assessment
There are two papers: Computer Theory (50%)
This is assessed by a written paper (1 hour 45 minutes), which has a mixture of short- and long-answer questions
Algorithms, Programming and Logic (50%)
This is assessed by a written paper (1 hour 45 minutes), which has a mixture of short- and long-answer questions
Key contact
Nick Edwards
Assistant Principal, Maths and Computer Science ned@hchnet co uk
Design and Technology
Why study Design and Technology?
When you stop and think about it, virtually everything around us has been designed and engineered in some way GCSE D&T opens the door to a wide range of careers in the creative, engineering, and manufacturing industries It is also excellent preparation for careers in many other fields e g medicine, law and computer science
The course AQA 8552
Taught as a project-based learning experience with connections to real-life industry Over the course of the GCSE Design and Technology, our students will acquire the knowledge and understanding of both designing and making and the skills required to undertake the iterative design process of continuously improving a concept via exploring, creating, evaluating, and creating prototypes Students will be learning and using CAD/ CAM technologies to aid in design, analysis, and manufacturing The majority of the course will be delivered through the practical application of this knowledge and understanding
The course structure covers a number of core technical principles such as new and emerging technologies; energy generation and storage; and developments in new materials Specialist technical principles covered includes forces and stresses; ecological and social footprint; using and working with materials and specialist techniques and processes Designing and making principles include design strategies; communication of design ideas; prototype development; specialist tools and equipment and specialist techniques and processes
The assessment
Written exam (50%)
The exam will last 2 hours and is worth up to 100 marks, contributing 50% of the total GCSE grade
Non-exam assessment (NEA) (50%)
The assessment will consist of approximately 30–35 hours of portfolio work, which is worth up to 100 marks and contributes 50% of the total GCSE grade
Work will be marked by teachers and moderated by AQA
Key contact
Eve Blackwood Head of Art
eb@hchnet co uk
Why study Drama?
Drama is about creativity and self-expression, cooperation, personal stories and life experiences, finding commonality with others, confronting and changing the way people think about the world and considering your own beliefs and actions. The skills learnt in this course go beyond a textbook as students develop a greater understanding of themselves, empathy, confidence and discipline that will serve them throughout their lives. Plus, it’s so much fun. Students who take GCSE drama develop a toolkit of useable and transferable skills that they can take into their future experiences.
The course AQA 8261
The subject content for GCSE Drama is divided into three components:
Understanding drama
Devising drama
Texts in practice
The assessment
What’s assessed
Component 1
Understanding drama
Knowledge and understanding of drama and theatre
Study of one set play from a choice of six
Analysis and evaluation of the work of live theatre makers
Written exam: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Open book
80 marks 40% of GCSE
How it’s assessed
Questions:
Section A: multiple choice (4 marks)
Section B: four questions on a given extract from the set play chosen (44 marks)
Section C: one question (from a choice) on the work of theatre makers in a single live theatre
Component 2
Devising drama (practical)
Process of creating devised drama
Performance of devised drama (students may contribute as performer or designer)
Analysis and evaluation of own work
Component 3
Texts in practice (practical)
Performance of two extracts from one play (students may contribute as performer or designer) Free choice of play but it must contrast with the set play chosen for Component 1
Devising log (60 marks)
Devised performance (20 marks)
80 marks in total 40% of GCSE
Performance of Extract 1 (20 marks) and Extract 2 (20 marks)
40 marks in total 20% of GCSE
Key contact
Alice Goodman Director of Performing Arts ago@hchnet.co.uk
Physical Education
Why Study Physical Education?
Studying GCSE (9–1) Physical Education will give you a fresh perspective on the fascinating world of Sports performance. You'll have the opportunity to showcase your skills in three different sports through the non-exam assessment, while also gaining a deeper understanding of the theories behind physical activity and Sport.
Physical Education is approached through various contexts, allowing you to see its impact on our everyday lives and the lives of others. You’ll discover the factors that lead to varying levels of performance, both mentally and physically. Additionally, you'll investigate the ethical implications of drug use in sports and understand the consequences of inactivity and unhealthy eating habits.
The course AQA 8582
The subject content for GCSE PE is divided into three components:
The assessment
What’s assessed
Component 1
The human body and movement in physical activity and sport
Applied anatomy and physiology
Movement analysis
Physical training
Use of Data
Written exam: 1 hour and 15 minutes
78 marks 30% of GCSE
How it’s assessed
Questions:
Questions: answer all questions a mixture of multiple choice/objective test questions, short answer questions and extended answer questions
Component 2 Socio-cultural influences and well-being in physical activity and sport
Sports psychology
Socio-cultural influences
Health, Fitness and well-being
Use of Data
Written exam: 1 hour and 15 minutes
78 marks 30% of GCSE
Questions: answer all questions a mixture of multiple choice/objective test questions, short answer questions and extended answer questions
Component 3 Performance in physical activity and sport (practical)
A practical performance in three different physical activities in the role of player/performer (one in a team activity, one in an individual activity and a third in either a team or in an individual activity). Analysis and evaluation of performance to bring about improvement in one activity
Assessed by teachers
Moderated by AQA
100 marks
40% of GCSE
Questions:
For each of their three activities, students will be assessed in skills in progressive drills (10 marks per activity) and in the full context (15 marks per activity).
Students will be assessed on their analysis (15 marks) and evaluation (10 marks) of performance to bring about improvement in one activity
Key contact
Janak Odedra Director of Sport
jvo@hchnet co uk
Lille, France
HCH French Trip
French
Why study French?
The French GCSE programme is built to help students develop an insight into French and the culture of French speaking countries It will allow the students to develop an understanding of the language and will deepen their understanding of English too It is a good stepping stone towards fluency in French and will prepare the students towards A level and higher education France is also Britain's closest neighbour and Paris is only two and half hours away from London! The relationship between the two countries is as ancient as the history of Europe and the course will allow you to have access to this French is also spoken all over the world by over 115 million people and will be an asset for students towards their future career and personal development Candidates learn about the culture of countries where French is spoken and will be able to communicate with young people in these countries French is studied in relation to everyday activities, personal and social life, the world around us, the world of work and the international world
The course
The assessment Unit 1: Listening
Students are assessed on their understanding of standard spoken French by one or more speakers in a range of public and social settings 45 mins, 25%
Unit 2: Speaking
There are three tasks: Task 1 – a role play Task 2 – questions based on a picture stimulus Task 3 – conversation based on two themes The assessments are conducted by teachers in one session within a prescribed assessment window and the recordings then submitted for external marking 10–12 mins (+ 12 min prep time), 25%
Unit 3: Reading
Students are assessed on their understanding of written French across a range of different types of texts, including advertisements, emails, letters, articles and literary texts A short text also needs to be translated from French into English 60 mins, 25%
Unit 4: Writing
Students are required to produce extended responses of varying lengths and types to express ideas and opinions in French The instructions to students are in French Word counts are specified for each question A short text also needs to be translated from French into English 75 mins, 25%
Key contact
Clarisse Gheur Head of Languages clg@hchnet.co.uk
Français Langue Maternelle (FLAM)
Why study FLAM?
The FLAM programme is tailored to native French speakers or extremely confident French speakers. The purpose is to learn French as a first language, rather than a foreign one. The programme will cover the study of poetry, literature, historical periods and art movements in order to build up an understanding as well as knowledge of the French speaking culture The students are assessed at the end of each individual unit In Year 10 and 11, the emphasis will be put on expressing views and organising arguments in order to write essays The skills acquired on the FLAM programme enables your child to (re)join a French speaking school, should this be your choice at a later date The FLAM programme is also a fantastic way to prepare for French A Level.
It is important to note that the FLAM programme is not a GCSE, hence it has no exam at the end of the two-year period What it offers instead is the chance to sit the French GCSE earlier (in Year 9 or 10) and then for our students to also secure a DELF B2 This is an internationally recognised exam and the qualification needed for students who wish to study at a French speaking university following on from A level (not baccalauréat)
The course
FLAM programme of troisieme and seconde
Key contact
Aurore Duvollet Head of FLAM acd@hchnet
co uk
Jurassic Coast,
HCH Geography Trip
Dorset
Geography
Why study Geography?
We live in a time of rapid change It is an exciting and challenging period in history, and there is increasing pressure on countries to develop quickly Decisions we make now will dramatically affect our future Problems such as global warming, destruction of our reefs and forests, loss of important plants and animals, pollution, increasing poverty, unemployment, ill health and nutritional problems are some of the well-known results of inappropriate development The course aims to address such questions and to facilitate the pupil’s understanding of the Earth It examines how places and countries differ, how natural and human environments work, as well as examining the connections between places, resources, people and development Geography examines why some places develop and are good places to live, and why other places do not develop, or, in some cases, are worse today than they were in the past
The course AQA 8035
The course is split into three components, each with an examination at the end of Year 11 There is no longer a specific coursework component to this course although various fieldwork activities are undertaken
The assessment
Component 1: The Physical Environment
A 90 minute exam taken at the end of Year 11
Topic 1: Natural hazards and climate change
Topic 2: Ecosystems, biodiversity and management
Topic 3: Physical landscapes of the UK – including optional sub-topics from which students choose two from three, 1A: Coastal landscapes and processes, 1B: River landscapes and processes and 1C: Glaciated upland landscapes and processes
Component 2: The Human Environment
A 90 minute exam taken at the end of Year 11
Topic 4: Urban Challenges
Topic 5: The Changing Economic World
Topic 6: Resource management – including optional sub-topics from which students choose one energy resource management, water resource management and food resource management
Component 3: Geographical Investigations
Issue Evaluation, Fieldwork and Geographical Skills A 90 minute exam taken at the end of Year 11
Fieldwork
Will include trips to Nine Elms, Battersea and Swanage, Dorset to examine the human and physical geography of the regions and to collect primary data This will be carried out in Year 10 Please note there is a small additional cost incurred with these trips
Textbooks: Geography AQA (9-1), Widdowson, Blackshaw, King, Oakes, Wheeler & Witherick. Revision Guides accompany the series
Key contact
Rebecca Williams Teacher
of Geography rwi@hchnet co uk
Berlin, Germany
HCH History Trip
History
Why study History?
Not only does History provide us with a record of our past, it also provides us with a road map for the future History influences every aspect of human society; it provides us with a collective memory; it gives us a sense of connection to place, time and community A person without an understanding of History is essentially blind not just to the beliefs and culture of their own country but also to those of other nations In this globalised and increasingly unstable world, lessons from the past can help equip us for a new and uncertain future, surely a fundamental part of any child’s education History at GCSE provides students with the opportunity to develop a broad and detailed understanding of modern history
The course Edexcel 4HI1
The History GCSE will be 100% externally examined and all candidates will be required to sit two written examinations at the end of their second year of study The first of these examinations (Depth Studies) will be divided into two sections Part A will focus on civil rights in the USA, 1945–74 Students will consider the extent to which post-war American society was divided along lines of race, religion, wealth and politics Part B will be a study of Germany from 1918 to 1945 Students will examine the rise and fall of Weimar democracy, and the advent of the Third Reich through to its collapse at the end of the Second World War
The second examination (Investigation and Breadth Study) will also be divided into two sections Part A will be an investigation into conflict in Southeast Asia from 1945 to 1975 This topic explores the social, economic and political impacts of French and US involvement in Vietnam and its neighbouring countries within the Cold War era Part B will be a study of crisis, conflict and change in the Middle East, 1917 to 2012 Students will examine the context in which the state of Israel was created and learn about the ongoing struggles to establish peace within the region
The assessment
Paper one: Depth Studies
One examination paper worth 50% (1 hour 30 mins)
Paper two: Investigation and Breadth Study
One examination paper worth 50% (1 hour 30 mins)
Key contact
Tom Roberts Head of Humanities
twr@hchnet co uk
Pompeii, Italy
HCH Classics Trip
Why study Latin?
GCSE Latin introduces you to our shared Western heritage The course is a unique guide to understanding the ancient world's cultural and social aspects and appreciating the differences and continuities to still be relevant in our own time It does so by exploring a range of literary texts from Rome through readings of and discussions about some of the most influential writers of the Western world Latin provides a solid foundation for the development of our own language while providing a good background for the acquisition of other languages Latin differs from other languages as it is a systematic and analytical language, as a consequence, learning Latin helps students become more observant, precise, and logical They will also extend their linguistic, comprehension, and translation skills The GCSE Latin course is rigorous but highly enriching
Latin at GCSE level is typically taken by pupils who have attained a good pass at 13+ and have a keen interest in language and linguistics; it is particularly valuable in combination with French or Spanish (both direct descendants of Latin),and provides an essential basis for those seeking to expand, improve and refine their English vocabulary and stylistic skills In addition, pupils will encounter a number of well-known Roman authors in the original Latin for the first time This is a workintensive course, but the intellectual and academic rewards are considerable This is an essential building block for those wishing to continue Latin at A level alongside literature and humanities subjects as well as computing and mathematics
The course
OCR J282
assessment
Marks
Duration
Key contact
Victoria Rwabeh Teacher of Latin vrw@hchnet co uk
Music
Why study Music?
GCSE music is an academic and creative subject that offers students a well-rounded education Studying music can increase your performance in other academic subjects and can offer you a creative outlet which is a change of pace from other scientific subjects Universities and employers find the qualities that musicians have developed attractive in applications Music also teaches you many skills that are transferable to many aspects of life
Independent learning: having to be disciplined about practicing on your instrument or voice
Team work: particularly if you are involved in groups or ensembles, concerts and performances
Performance and presentation skills: which are useful for any career
Listening and analytical skills: this is highly developed in musicians, and is sort after in many professions
Confidence and self-esteem: which has a knock-on effect in all areas of life and learning
Creativity and self-expression: helping you to think differently and harness power of your imagination
The course
Eduqas C300QS
This qualification is linear which means that students will sit all their exams and submit all their non-exam assessment at the end of the course
The assessment
Component 1: Performing (30%)
One solo performance or ensemble piece linked to an area of study
One piece as part of an ensemble
Total time 4-6 minutes
Repertoire will be determined by the students and instrumental teacher and can be chosen in any style or genre The performance will be completed and assessed during the school year and externally moderated
Component 2: Composing (30%)
Students must learn how to develop musical ideas, including extending and manipulating musical theme and compose music that is musically convincing through two compositions
Composition 1: Must be in response to a brief set by the exam board in September of Year 11
Composition 2: Is a free composition and the student will write their own brief
The combined total of the compositions must be 3-6 minutes The compositions will be completed and assessed during the school year and externally moderated
Component 3: Listening Exam (40%)
This component involved a 1hr 15 min written listening exam We cover 4 areas of study covers a wide range of styles from Western Art "classical" music, musical theatre, blues, jazz, film, rock and pop The final listening paper will include questions on the two set works as well as unprepared extracts of music from the four areas of study AoS1: Musical Forms and Devices | AoS2: Music for Ensemble | AoS3: Film Music | AoS4: Popular Music Set Work 1: Badinerie, Bach | Set Work 2: Africa, Toto
Course requirements
Students who embark on the GCSE music programme must be enrolled in instrumental lessons in or outside school They should be a minimum of grade three on one instrument and be preparing for higher grades, and they should engage in ensembles offered at HCH and outside of school
Key contact
Helen Page Teacher of Music hpa@hchnet.co.uk
Coco, Year 12
Hampton Court House
Photography
Why study Photography?
Studying Photography for a GCSE is a highly respected creative qualification that can help you to move towards a creative career. Photography plays many roles in our society from advertising and promotion to fashion, sports, documentary and film Photography has the power to inspire many people An inspiration that could lead to a change for the better
The
course
Our Photography GCSE is structured in three ‘portfolio projects’ over two years Two of these are set by the teacher and the third is chosen from a list of possible exam topics Students spend two terms per project to produce a portfolio with practical experiments, visual studies and research; as well as a finished 10-hour piece that realises their ideas
Our students build a strong visual language in the rudiments of Digital SLR photography, Photoshop, Lightroom, animation, film making, sound and editing Cultivating a lifelong interest in the arts alongside their ability in photography Students put their imaginations to work and build strong skills in focused research, visual analysis and idea development All great transferrable skills into their working lives, whatever career they go into
Key contact
Eve Blackwood Head of Art
eb@hchnet co uk
Psychology
Why study Psychology?
Psychology is the science of behaviour and mental processes The brain and neuropsychology features throughout and the GCSE specification has a focus on mental health, which encourages greater awareness in young people and therefore reduces stigma and discrimination There is strong emphasis on the importance of practical work and ‘doing psychology’, including research studies, and therefore mathematics features heavily in the quantitive analysis Psychology is a fascinating and lifeenriching subject, which can prepare you for a wide range of career options, such as counselling, nursing and medicine, as well as other careers which require an element of psychological understanding, such as teaching, advertising, media, personnel management and finance
The course
OCR J203
The topics
Criminal Psychology
Why do people commit crime?
Do we learn it from others or do we have an inherited tendency?
Social Influence
Obedience and conformity
Are we responsible for our behaviour or is it being controlled by our environment?
The assessment
Developmental Psychology
How does the brain change over the course of ones life? Is intelligence fixed?
Sleep and Dreaming
Why do we sleep/dream? Insomnia
The GCSE is assessed by two written papers taken at the end of Year 11
Studies and Applications in Psychology 1
Psychological Problems
Schizophrenia Depression
Memory
How much can we store in our short term/long term memory?
What is amnesia? How can it impact one ’ s memory?
Criminal Psychology, Development, Psychological Problems, Research Methods, 1 hour 30 mins (50%)
Studies and Applications in Psychology 2
Social Influence, Memory, Sleep and Dreaming, Research Methods, 1 hour 30 mins (50%)
Core Textbook
OCR GCSE Psychology, Mark Billingham and David Groves (Heinemann)
Other Resources
Psychology, Science of Mind and Behaviour, Richard Gross (Hodder & Stoughton)
Key contact
Laraib Saeed Head of Psychology
lsa@hchnet.co.uk
Granada, Spain
HCH Spanish Trip
Spanish
Why study Spanish?
The language is studied in relation to everyday activities, personal and social life, the world around us, the world of work and the international world Students develop the skills of Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing, building a broader vocabulary and gaining an understanding of grammar rules and usage There are also trips to Spain designed to complement the students’ class work Spanish has become a popular GCSE subject and many students at HCH continue to study the subject at A Level
The course
Edexcel 1SP0
Topics:
Identity and culture: friends, family, friends, interests, social media, technology, eating out, celebrations and festivals
Local area, holiday and travel: Travel and accommodations, shopping, places to see and things to do
School: What school is like and school activities
Future aspirations: Further study, volunteering, training, jobs, careers, professions
International and global dimension: sports and music events, being " green " , access to natural resources
The assessment
Paper 1: Listening and understanding in Spanish (45min, 25%)
Students are assessed on their understanding of standard spoken Spanish by one or more speakers in a range of public and social settings Multiple-response and short-answer open response
Paper 2: Speaking in Spanish (12min, 25%)
Internally conducted and externally assessed Students are assessed on their ability to communicate and interact effectively through speaking in Spanish for different purposes and in different settings Task 1: Role Play; Task 2: Picture; Task 3: Conversation based on two themes
Paper 3: Reading and understanding in Spanish (1h, 25%)
Understanding of written Spanish of different texts Includes a translation passage from Spanish to English
Paper 4: Writing (1h 20min, 25%)
Students are required to produce extended responses of varying lengths (one of 80-90 words and another one of 130-150 words) and types to express ideas and opinions (first one using and informal style and the second one using a formal style)
Key contact
Rebeca Lopez-Pernas Teacher of Spanish rlp@hchnet.co.uk