Gartree High School 11-16
Head Teacher’s Introduction My first visit to Gartree High School was in February 2008. I remember being immediately excited by the school; not by the building design, but by the potential of the space as a learning environment. I was excited about what Gartree High School would become in the future.
2
Each day as I arrive through the doors of Gartree High School, look into the atrium space and listen to the excited ‘buzz’ of the staff and students, I am reminded what a great place this is to learn. The students are full of energy and positivity; the lessons fire their imaginations and enthusiasm. Something about the school inspires this positivity and this imagination. Visitors are always impressed by the atmosphere of our school and I am very proud of the students and staff who create this special atmosphere each and every day. Those who joined our school community in Year 6 or 7 will have experience of how our school works. An education at Gartree High School takes you on a journey from dependence to independence, fostering individuality, maturity and respectful relationships. We encourage young people to take charge of their lives and show resilience when things do not go to plan. We have strong structures in place to guide and support young people. Each year group at Gartree is organised
into forms, which usually stay together throughout their time at Gartree to allow a strong relationship to form between students and their tutor. As students move into the upper school these relationships will enable us to astutely tailor our guidance and support to the changing needs of GCSE students. Leadership opportunities are currently available for those students who want to play a part in the shaping of our school, and this will develop into prefect opportunities in the upper school. 3
4
The Vision Our upper school will be based on boldness, ambition and academic excellence. It will build on teaching that already places our students well ahead of others by the end of Year 9. The essential foundations of this outstanding KS3 experience – values, friendships and familiar routines – will strengthen and broaden as students move through KS4. The final months of Year 9 teaching are designed to move students seamlessly into their GCSE courses. During Year 9 students will need to make choices. They will have an opportunity to select GCSE courses that they already enjoy and at which they excel, or perhaps a new course they want to follow with a view to future studies or vocations. All courses have been chosen to set them on track for A-Levels, college or an apprenticeship. At this time they will be given a lot of advice and guidance from teachers who know them well, subject experts who can link current strengths, attributes and interests to university courses and careers. Year 10 is about creativity, more focused independent study and exploring new ideas and experiences.
The structure of the school itself will also change. New learning spaces (such as a KS4 study and learning hub, as well as a separate upper school dining area and common room) will nurture personal and intellectual confidence in an environment that is fun and exhilarating. In KS4, students will be given plenty of support but also trusted to self-manage and take responsibility. This is a time for our students to flourish and take ownership of their school experience. Whatever courses they take, whatever path they choose, they’ll find the upper school at Gartree High School an inspirational place to learn, combining all of the great elements of KS3 with the intellectual rigour and academic expectations of GCSE.
Ms Sonia Singleton Headteacher 5
Pathways: A Note for Parents Preparing students for GCSEs is not a new thing at Gartree. We have always prepared students for GCSEs. Now, of course, we are taking them from their first moments at Gartree all the way to GCSE success. We want to see our students over the finishing line!
We are going to work hard, but they will need to work harder. Throughout their time at Gartree we have been developing the skills that we know they will need: resilience, creativity, persistence, imagination, cooperation, dedication.
6
So when they make their choices, rest assured that we will do all we can to help build on these skills and set them on the right path to success.
GCSE subjects changed radically for first examination in 2018. This means all schools have had to plan afresh. We have planned carefully so that we can help the students succeed, but we can only support them. It will be their responsibility to work hard and think hard.
They will work for GCSE success, and it will be their success. But we will do all we can to help.
7
An Individualised Curriculum: Pathways On the next few pages you will see the core subjects of English Language and Literature, Maths and Science. These are followed by the other subjects, in alphabetical order. In each case we have given details of the examination board and the subject specification, so you can track them down online. The subject specification will tell you exactly what is covered in each subject – it is the blueprint for GCSE success. What subjects are compulsory? English Language/English Literature Mathematics Combined Science Physical Education (not examined) Religious Education
5 Periods per week 5 Periods per week 5 Periods per week 2 Periods per week 1 Period per week
We envisage the majority of our pupils to complete the English Baccalaureate choosing either: French or Spanish History or Geography as well as two other subjects. Pupils will have four choices to make in total.  
8
9
English Language How the course is assessed: 100% final examination (additional spoken language assessment recorded separately) Exam Board: AQA (8700) Course Overview: GCSE English Language will allow you to demonstrate the use of English in real life, investigate how language is used and draw upon your own experience. English Language at GCSE will provide students the opportunity to develop the skills necessary to communicate with clarity and meaning both in writing and orally. The course has been designed to develop each student’s knowledge and understanding of language through a wide range of opportunities, responding to a variety of fiction and non-fiction texts,
as well as through a range of speaking and listening opportunities. Learning activities are interactive and include small group class activities, whole group discussions and computerbased activities. You can expect to: • Make explorations in reading through the study of fiction and non-fiction texts. • Develop extended writing skills through the use of narrative and description. • Explore spoken language through presenting styles, responding to questions and feedback using Standard English. • Refine your writing skills to enable you to communicate clearly, imaginatively and effectively, as well as investigating viewpoints and perspectives. Where does it lead? GCSE English Language, when combined with other GCSE subjects, can lead you on to studying A-levels and further studies. A good qualification in GCSE English Language is demanded by most universities and employers, so it is a vital qualification to achieve. Overall, GCSE English Language is seen by many as one of the most important qualifications a person can have, as it helps to unlock many doors in education and employment. English Language is such a versatile subject that it can be combined with many other areas of study at university.
10
English Literature How the course is assessed: 100% final examination Exam Board: AQA (8702) Course Overview: GCSE English Literature offers you the chance to study classic literature, including drama, contemporary novels and poetry too. This specification develops each student’s enthusiasm for literature by using a skills-based approach to study. Students will analyse the styles and techniques of great works by writers such as Shakespeare, Dickens, Golding and Priestley. English Literature will also see students studying an anthology of poems on the theme of power and conflict. You can expect to: • Read, understand, evaluate and respond to texts, providing an informed personal response. • Analyse the language, form and structure of texts. • Show understanding of the relationships between texts and the contexts in which they were written. • Read critically in order to explore characters, events,
themes and language. • Relate texts to their social, historical, cultural and literary contexts. • Write about the texts using relevant quotations and detailed textual references. Where does it lead? A GCSE in English literature will give students vital skills that can lead on to A-level and further studies in English Literature and could lead to a career in one of its associated fields. Graduates go into a wide range of careers, including journalism and media as well as law, accountancy and business. English Literature will demonstrate to employers that you have acquired good reasoning and analytical skills, essential in practically all walks of life.
11
Mathematics How the course is assessed: 100% final examination Exam Board: OCR (J560) Course Overview: Mathematics is a core subject and is therefore studied by all students. The course is divided into two tiers, Foundation and Higher, and students will cover the material for one of these tiers depending on their ability. External assessment is 100% exam and a student’s final grade will be based on three exams that will be taken at the end of Year 11 (there is no coursework element to the mathematics course). You can expect to: • Gain a firm understanding of the following five key areas of mathematics: ▪ number ▪ algebra ▪ geometry and measures ▪ ratio and proportion ▪ statistics and probability • Develop strong reasoning and problem solving skills that will be beneficial in later life.
12
• Participate in high quality and engaging lessons. • Have the opportunity for independent study through regular homework assignments and online resources. • Be properly supported in exam preparation. Where does it lead? Mathematics is a beautiful and engaging subject that equips students with vital reasoning and problem solving skills. Due to the broad nature of the subject, a strong grasp of mathematics will support learning in other subject areas such as science, economics, business studies, computer science and even certain aspects of physical education. Many career paths are open to mathematics students, including engineering, computing, finance and academia. A strong GCSE in mathematics is a prerequisite for almost all AS-level and A2 courses - indicating the importance of this fascinating subject.
GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy How is the course assessed: 100% final examination Exam Board: AQA (8464) Course Overview: This is a traditional course, divided up into the separate disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. There are seven biology topics, ten chemistry topics and seven physics topics which continue seamlessly on from our current AQA KS3 science course. This course is worth two GCSEs. This course is linear, with students sitting all exams at the end of the two year course. There are six papers: two for biology, two for chemistry and two for physics. Each of the papers will assess knowledge and understanding from distinct topic areas. The questions are a mixture of multiple choice, structured, closed shortanswer, and open response questions. Students are no longer required to sit a practical exam, but are required to do 16 practicals during the course and they are tested on these practicals in the six final exam papers. These exams will also test science and mathematical skills alongside the scientific content.
• Visit to GCSE Science Live. • Study new topics that are at the cutting edge of science. Where does it lead? Good performance in combined science will enable students to continue their studies in science at A-level. “A strong supply of people with science, technology, engineering and maths skills is important to promote innovation, exploit new technologies, produce world-class scientists and for the UK to compete internationally”. DFE, Nov 2010
You can expect to: • Conduct a variety of practical work. • Tackle field work and field trips.
13
Art and Design: Fine Art How the course is assessed? 60% portfolio of work (controlled assessment) 40% externally set assignment (10hrs) Exam Board: AQA (8202) Course Overview: GCSE Art and Design provides students with a wide range of creative, exciting and stimulating opportunities to explore their interests in ways that are both personally relevant and developmental in nature. This course enables students to develop their ability to actively engage in the processes of Art and Design – to build creative skills through learning and doing, to develop imaginative and intuitive ways of working, and to develop knowledge and understanding of media, materials and technologies in historical and contemporary contexts, societies and cultures. You can expect to: We aim to provide a balance in the programme of study between making and investigating, whereby students engage in the practical aspects of creating art, and develop the knowledge and understanding of art. Students study the work of artists from our own culture and other cultures both past and present. Students have the opportunity to make both two-dimensional and three14
dimensional work, including ceramics. During the two-year GCSE course, students develop the core study skills of recording and collecting, developing and exploring, analysing and understanding, realising and evaluating, through a series of coursework projects in both two-dimensional and three-dimensional work. Where does it lead? It is a strong foundation for further progression to Art and Design related courses, such as A-level Art and Design, and enhanced vocational and career pathways. Other useful information: To support learning and to put it in relevant context, student experience will be enhanced with several out of class experiences, including visits to a range of London galleries. Please look up our up-to-date student work at www.pinterest.com/GartreeADT
Astronomy How the course is assessed: TBA Exam Board: TBC – Specifications have yet to be released by exam boards Course Overview: The course is likely to be split into 2 sections: Understanding the Universe (this is the ‘theory’ section, split into 4 modules) and ‘Exploring the Universe,’ which is the practical coursework section. The first section is split into four parts: • Earth, Moon and Sun • Planetary systems • Stars • Galaxies and cosmology You can expect to: • Learn about the history of the oldest of sciences. • Develop your investigational, mathematical and written skills. • Carry out astronomical observations and complete your own astronomical project. • Get philosophical as you consider where the universe
came from. • Think about whether life might exist on other planets, and how we might find out. • Visit sites around the country which are important to astronomy, such as the National Space Centre, the Greenwich Observatory and Jodrell Bank. Where does it lead? Astronomy is an excellent course for supporting students going on to study sciences and maths in Higher Education.
15
Business Studies How the course is assessed: TBA Exam Board: TBC – Specifications have yet to be released by exam boards Course Overview: Business has long been considered the choice subject for managers and leadership in the corporate world. Students will encounter a variety of teaching methods including case studies, interactive media and ICT and more traditional methods. They will study setting up, investment, growth and marketing in business, as well as human resources and enterprise/entrepreneurial skills. The world needs bright young people with a clear understanding of the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century world of business. Where does it lead? Through the study of this subject you will gain an understanding of the world of business. You will develop skills which will open up exciting opportunities to study business-related subjects at AS-level or A-level. Business is a fascinating subject in its own right, as well as a useful subsidiary subject to be studied alongside almost any degree course at university. Common courses to combine with Business are Law, Accounting, Economics, Mathematics, Social Sciences, ICT and Engineering. 16
You can expect to: • Learn about issues concerning the setting up and operation of a business, as well as considering a wide range of business stakeholders who will hold differing perspectives. • Explore ways by which businesses recruit, motivate and retain staff. • Explore how businesses carry out customer research in order to identify and understand the needs of customers. • Explore enterprise skills that are present in successful entrepreneurs. • Learn the nature of the costs that businesses face and introduce the four key elements of business finance. Other useful information: Students will be encouraged to participate in Young Enterprise and other specific business challenges, as well as team-building activities. Students will have the opportunity to attend a range of business related trips to show how business works in real life contexts, and draw upon these practices as case studies within lessons. Students will be expected to keep up-to-date with current affairs and read around the subject using recommended textbooks, newspapers and business magazines.
Computer Science How the course is assessed: 80% final examination 20% non-examined programming assessment Exam Board: TBA Course Overview: The course will include: • Computer Hardware • Networking • Moral, Social and Legal Concerns • Programming Languages • Computational Logic • Data Representation You can expect to: • Learn to program in at least one language such as Python, JavaScript or Android App Inventor. • Understand what the different parts of a computer are and how to compare and build a custom PC. • Learn how networks work. • Solve problems using computational thinking. • Learn how to design, code and test a complete software solution. Where does it lead? To Computing A-Level or college courses such as Game Development and Software Engineering as well
as apprenticeships in web development or software engineering. Potential careers in computing include: Software Engineering, Data Scientist, Web Designer, App/ Game Developer, as well as Academic Research. You can prepare by visiting w3schools.com and teaching yourself some JavaScript or Python in preparation for your programming project.
17
Design and Technology How the course is assessed: 50% final examination 50% non-examined assessment portfolio Exam Board: TBC – Specifications have yet to be released by exam boards Course Overview: This non-material specific Design and Technology specification is an amalgamation of five current subject specific short course options into a single short course specification. The GCSE Design and Technology (Short Course) is far removed from previous Design and Technology short courses as it is a process-based specification, which allows students in the traditional Design and Technology areas to make small quality products.
Students build on the KS3 Design and Technology strategy and develop their knowledge and experience of materials in order to design and make small scale products or prototypes. The course allows students to take a generic examination paper which addresses the ‘across the board’ approach of Design and Technology. Students can complete a design and make a project which is equivalent to half the amount of work required for the full course and which can be produced using any material or ingredient or combination. You can expect to: • Gain further knowledge and experience using a multi -material approach to Design and Technology. The course builds upon schemes of learning used at KS3 to allow students to develop and challenge their skills. This brand-new approach to GCSE Design and Technology offers students a chance to be innovative and creative, and to show they are able to follow the design process to produce commercially viable solutions. Where does it lead? • To an industrial career in a design field crossing all specialist fields. • To further study of Design and Technology at A-level or equivalent. Please look up our up to date student work at www.pinterest.com/GartreeADT
18
Economics How the course is assessed? TBA Exam Board: TBC – Specifications have yet to be released by exam boards Course Overview: Your studies will explore the complex world of market forces, productivity, demand and supply. We will look
at the local, national and global context as well as the key role government plays in shaping the future through policies. You will also study an international dimension, linking to trade patterns, competitiveness, exchange rates and the balance of payments. The study of economics will help you to gain an insight into the ‘real world.’ It will build a knowledge and understanding of a whole range of the theories and concepts that will help you to make sense of contemporary issues and current events. You can expect to: This GCSE will develop a range of transferable skills that will support your study of this subject and others. You will need to think reflectively, look critically at facts and opinion, and study moral issues linked to the environment, development and poverty. Where does it lead? An understanding of economics will help you to engage with the world around you. It will provide you with the analytical and evaluation skills useful in many careers - including financial services, business management, marketing, law and politics.
19
Food Preparation and Nutrition How the course is assessed: 50% final examination 50% non-examined assessment Exam Board: AQA (8585) Course Overview: Our fresh and exciting GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition course equips students with an array of culinary techniques, as well as knowledge of nutrition, food
traditions and kitchen safety. Created with help from teachers and subject experts, it will inspire and motivate your students, opening their eyes to a world of career opportunities and giving them the confidence to cook with ingredients from across the globe. You can expect to: • Experience and develop a range of practical food preparation techniques by following and modifying recipes to suit a range of clients. Students will look at both traditional and modern food preparation techniques and may present their work in our end of year exhibition. • Be introduced to professional chefs, visit the Good Food show, and be given the opportunity to be entered into the Future Chef competition. Where does it lead? Upon completion of this course, students will be qualified to go on to further study, or embark on an apprenticeship or full-time career in the catering or food industries. Other useful information: This course offers students opportunities to be creative, allowing them to take on fresh challenges and to explore different techniques in the world of food. Please look up our up-to-date student work at www.pinterest.com/GartreeADT
20
Geography How the course is assessed: 100% final examination Exam board: Edexcel Geography B (1GB0) Course Overview: The qualification has a straightforward structure with three components. The specification content is framed by geographical enquiry questions that encourage an investigative approach to each of the key ideas. As part of this enquiry process, students are encouraged to use integrated geographical skills, including appropriate mathematics and statistics, in order to explore geographical questions and issues. Students are encouraged to make geographical decisions by applying their knowledge, understanding and skills to real-life 21st century people and environment issues. There is a diverse content on offer within Geography at GCSE and the following topics are taught: Hazardous Earth, Development Dynamics, Challenges of an Urbanised World, The UK’s Evolving Physical and Human Landscape, People and the Biosphere, Forests under Threat and Consuming Energy Resources. Students will undertake fieldwork investigations based on coastal change and on dynamic urban areas.
You can expect to: • Develop your knowledge and understanding of place, process and interaction through global and UK issues. • Explore geographical concepts through two fieldwork trips. • Study key contemporary geographical issues that are relevant and insightful. • Develop and extend competence in a range of skills including those used in fieldwork, in using maps and in computer software such as Geographical Information Systems (GIS). Where does it lead? The study of Geography stimulates an interest in and a sense of wonder about places, people and the environment. It helps young people make sense of a complex and dynamically changing world. The Russell Group of Universities and key employers recognise Geography as one of the key ‘facilitating’ subjects for entry to degree level study. Geography provides a platform for career paths into town planning, architecture, environmental management, travel and tourism, plus teaching.
21
History How the course is assessed: 100% final examination Exam Board: Edexcel History (1HI0) Course Overview: The qualification is based on the study of five main components that have been carefully selected for broad appeal and a balanced programme of study. The specification content is framed by historical enquiry that encourages an investigative approach to each topic of study, often using sources to form judgements and opinions. Students are encouraged to make historical decisions by applying their knowledge, understanding and skills to different periods through time. The following modules are studied within History at Gartree High School at GCSE: • Thematic study: Medicine through time. • Historic environment: The British sector of the Western Front 1914-1918 - injuries, treatment and the trenches. • Period Study: The American West 1835-1895. • British depth study: Early Elizabethan England 15581588. • Modern depth study: Weimar and Nazi Germany 19181939. You can expect to: • Develop and extend your knowledge and understanding of specified key events, periods and societies in local, 22
•
•
•
•
British, and wider world history - and of the wide diversity of human experience. Engage in historical enquiry to develop as an independent learner and as a critical and reflective thinker. Develop your ability to ask relevant questions about the past, to investigate issues critically and to make valid historical claims by using a range of sources in their historical context. Develop an awareness of why people, events and developments have been accorded historical significance and how and why different interpretations have been constructed about them. Organise and communicate your historical knowledge and understanding in different ways and reach substantiated conclusions.
Where does it lead? History is a ‘facilitating’ subject that is highly respected educationally and professionally as academically rigorous. It is an excellent platform for anyone interested in law, journalism, social studies and politics as well as further studies in History. It provides valuable skills of expression and enquiry that are valued at Higher Education and in the workplace. History can open doors into many careers such as law, genealogy, architecture, teaching, business, journalism, politics, and market research.
MFL: French & Spanish How the course is assessed: 75% final examination 25% teacher-assessed speaking task (externally moderated) Exam Board: AQA French (8658) and Spanish (8698) Course Overview: The courses consist of three broad themes: Identity and Culture; Local, National, International and Global Areas of Interest; Current and Future Study and Employment. Within these themes, the courses cover a variety of topics including Technology in Everyday Life, Customs and Festivals in French and Spanish-speaking countries and communities, The Environment and Jobs, Career Choices and Ambitions. In exploring these topics students will develop their ability in all four language skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing), as well as gaining a fuller understanding of the world around them. You can expect to: • Develop an understanding of your chosen country and culture through the use of authentic materials including newspaper articles, poems and film. • Improve your spoken communication, confidence and public speaking skills in your chosen language. • Explore a wide range of topics including new technologies, social and global issues and future career choices and ambitions.
• Develop problem-solving strategies. • Enhance your knowledge of how a language is structured. Where does it lead? Studying a modern foreign language will enable students to improve their communication skills and confidence, as well as allowing them to express their ideas, interests and opinions to speakers of their chosen language. It will deepen their understanding of how languages work, will stimulate their cultural knowledge and can enhance their understanding of many other subjects including English, Music, Mathematics and ICT. Language study adds an international dimension to their choice of GCSE subjects, and is valued by future employers and higher education providers alike. Other useful information: Achieving proficiency in a Modern Foreign Language at GCSE requires a commitment to independent study and regular revision. You can make use of a range of online resources as well as materials available in school to help you progress.
23
Music How the course is assessed: 40% final examination 30% composing (two compositions) 30% performing (two performances) Exam Board: Edexcel (1MU0) Course Overview: This course will equip students with all the skills required to develop as a musician. The three key components of the course are appraising, composing and performing, with a focus on developing deeper musical understanding in a wide variety of contexts throughout the course. Students will be given the opportunity to perform with others and also use technology to compose music in a variety of genres and styles. Areas of study: • Instrumental music 1700-1820 • Vocal Music • Music for stage and screen • Fusions You can expect to: • Appraise and understand music from a variety of genres. These include music for stage and screen, classical music and vocal music.
24
• Perform as a soloist and in groups/ensembles. • Compose music based on your own ideas and set composing briefs. Where does it lead? Music is a creative and expressive subject that can lead to many fields including music teaching, music therapy, sound recording and music technology based industries. GCSE Music is an ideal path into A-level Music, which can lead to many specialised courses including degree courses that specialise in composing, song writing and popular music. There are also many college courses specialising in performance, studio techniques, sequencing and turntablism. Other useful information: Students would benefit from taking part in extracurricular music making in school and also following a dedicated practise regime on their chosen instrument. Students will be expected to take every opportunity to perform in school concerts, shows and events. The ability to read music is an advantage but not essential. Students will develop the knowledge of music theory throughout the course.
Physical Education How the course is assessed: 60% final examination 40% practical assessments and performance Exam Board: AQA Physical Education (8582) Course Overview: GCSE Physical Education provides students with the knowledge and understanding of how to live a healthy and active lifestyle, enabling them to make informed choices about their own physical development. Students can choose from a variety of roles and activities in which to participate in physical activity.
Where does it lead? This course will lead to a secure foundation for progress to: • A level PE • BTEC level 3 Sport • Higher Education Qualifications These qualifications can then lead to career opportunities within sport, such as sports management, teaching, personal trainer or physiotherapy.
Students will learn how to analyse and evaluate performance and suggest effective plans for improvement. You can expect to: • Enjoy a mix of practical and theory lessons. • Improve personal performance and the performance of others through effective coaching. • Develop analytical skills and be able to evaluate performance. • Broaden your theoretical knowledge of sport.
25
Religious Studies How the course is assessed: 100% final examination Exam Board: AQA Religious Studies A (8062) Course overview: The qualification has a clear structure with two main components. Students consider different beliefs and attitudes to religious and non-religious issues in contemporary British society. As part of the specification, the students will study the beliefs, teachings and practices of two nominated religions: Christianity and Islam. As a matter of course though, students with a good grounding in another faith are welcome to use their own personal knowledge and understanding in the exam if it is one covered by the exam board. Students learn how religious believers consider relationships and families, peace and conflict, crime and punishment, human rights and social justice. Students consider secular concepts too, to try to ensure a balance of views and understanding through atheism and humanism. You can expect to: • Develop your knowledge and understanding of religious beliefs, teachings and sources of wisdom and authority, including through their reading of key religious texts,
26
other texts and scriptures of the religions being studied. • Develop your ability to construct well-argued, wellinformed, balanced and structured written arguments, demonstrating depth and breadth of understanding of the subject. • Reflect on and develop your own values, belief, meaning, purpose, truth and their influence on human life to give a reasoned consideration of a single point of view through a logical chain of reasoning. • Reflect on and develop your own values, beliefs and attitudes in the light of what has been learnt, and contribute to your preparation for adult life in a pluralistic society and global community. • Have a knowledge and understanding of different attitudes about an ethical or philosophical issue or belief. • Have a knowledge and understanding of how a religious belief or practice influences individuals or groups. Where does it lead? Religious Studies both informs and challenges each student’s preconceptions of religious beliefs, teachings and practices enabling, students to embark on adult life with tolerant, open-minded views about religion in the 21st Century. The skills developed by students will be useful for a career path in journalism, media, politics, teaching and the legal profession.
Sociology How the course is assessed: TBA Exam Board: TBC – Specifications have yet to be released by exam boards Course Overview: Sociology looks at the different groups that individuals belong to within society and the interaction between them, such as families, school and the national population. Through the study of society, Sociology looks at the way in which our behaviour, beliefs and identity are shaped. Some Sociologists believe that social institutions like the media, education, religion, the law and families play a major role in doing this. The course is likely to focus on social inequalities, the role of the media and crime and deviance. Students will therefore study different views about society and our role in it. The course is also likely to introduce students to
Sociological Methodology, which focuses on research processes including social surveys, questionnaires, interviews, observation and statistical data, to reveal the varying ways in which evidence is collected about the social world. Where does it lead? Studying Sociology may be a first step towards a career in the caring professions, education, the media, or the criminal justice system. It will certainly provide a new perspective on the social world in which we live.
27
Triple Sciences
GCSE Biology, GCSE Chemistry, GCSE Physics How the course is assessed? 100% final examination Exam Board: AQA (8461), (8462), (8463)
6. Particle model of matter 7. Atomic structure 8. Space physics
Course Overview: All three courses are linear, with exams at the end of the two years. Each separate science subject has its own two exams which test subject content, scientific and mathematical skills. Students are required to complete eight practicals for each subject during the two year course and are examined on these practicals in the final exams.
GCSE Biology: 1. Cell biology 2. Organisation 3. Infection and response 4. Bioenergetics 5. Homeostasis and response 6. Inheritance, variation and evolution 7. Ecology
Studying the separate sciences means students will cover more content than on the GCSE Combined Science Trilogy course.
GCSE Chemistry: 1. Atomic structure and the periodic table 2. Bonding, structure and the properties of matter 3. Quantitative chemistry 4. Chemical changes 5. Energy changes 6. The rate and extent of chemical change 7. Organic chemistry 8. Chemical analysis 9. Chemistry of the atmosphere 10. Using resources
Students will study the following topics: GCSE Physics: 1. Forces 2. Energy 3. Waves 4. Electricity 5. Magnetism and electromagnetism 28
South Leicestershire College Building on a long-standing partnership between South Leicestershire College and Gartree, we are keen to ensure that there are opportunities for students to choose subjects in which they may have a particular interest. These courses offer vocational options. They will also offer academic challenges to our students - as well as the opportunity to experience the independent learning skills of Higher Education. They may also require commitment outside of our usual school day. We have the opportunity to engage a wide range of subjects - however, this will be subject to availability and the interests of our pupils. BTECs such as Engineering, Information Technology and Health and Social Care would each offer our students a unique opportunity to study quality subjects in a state-ofthe-art environment.
Useful information: www.slcollege.ac.uk
29
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award What is the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award? The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is regarded very highly by further and higher education establishments; it demonstrates that you have a wide range of abilities and attributes and that you can adapt to a variety of different challenges. Taking part builds confidence and develops self-esteem. The scheme requires persistence and commitment, and it has a lasting impact on the attitudes and outlook of all young people who do their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Students learn new skills, help others, have fun, make new friends and gain a great sense of achievement. Employers, colleges and universities really value the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, and it is beneficial when applying to college or university after Gartree High School.
30
What does The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award entail? At Gartree High School we offer The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award as an extra-curricular subject, starting in Year 9 for the Bronze level and going up to Silver level at GCSE. Students are involved in weekly sessions guided by qualified Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Leaders in which they can learn skills such as orienteering, first aid, camping and outdoor cooking. Additionally, students are supported with their Volunteering, Physical and Skill sections through weekly sessions in order to achieve the Award. After registration, students are provided with necessary training and a framework to complete the Award, as well as a social to enhance team bonding - and extra goodies such as a hoodie. In the summer term, students will embark on their expeditions in order to complete the Award.
31
Gartree High School Ridgeway, Oadby, Leicestershire, LE2 5TQ Tel: 0116 271 7421 Email: admin@gartree.leics.sch.uk www.gartree.leics.sch.uk Ofsted Report:
YouTube:
Designed & Produced by FSE Design Tel: 01933 303520 www.fsedesign.co.uk