Key Stage 4 Curriculum and Options 2019-2020
At The Park School, we recognise the importance of decisions that students make in their transition from Year 9 to Key Stage 4. In this challenging phase of your education, it is our aim to help each of you with clear and informed guidance regarding your choices and to match these to your individual aspirations, interests and abilities. This booklet, our programme of Parents' Evenings and continued guidance, are designed to ensure that parents and students are fully informed and involved when choosing subjects for Years 10 and 11. This is an important time and it is essential that the school, students and parents work together in the best interests of the individual and their ambitions. We value this unique relationship, as it is instrumental in ensuring that students commit themselves, wholeheartedly, to the hard work that will enable them successfully to meet the challenges of these courses. Our experienced academic team is pleased to offer any guidance that you or your parents may require regarding the opportunities available.
We encourage Year 9 students to attend the Key Stage 4 Options Evening in February and ask students to confirm their Optional subjects by the end of the Spring Term in order that effective timetabling can take place.
The Key Stage 4 Curriculum
The Park School curriculum is designed to ensure that students have a broad and balanced learning experience to allow them a wide choice of pathways at 16+. The curriculum is made up of some subjects that are compulsory for every student, and a choice of some optional subjects.
The “Core” subjects are: English Language & Literature (or EAL), Mathematics, Science (either Dual or Triple) and Religious Studies. Together with Physical Education and a robust PSHE programme, this forms a rounded education for all.
Students are also expected to select four further “Optional” subjects from: Art & Design, Business Studies, Computer Science, Drama, Design & Technology, Food & Cookery NCFE, French, Geography, History, Music, Spanish and BTEC Sport.
examination Results
At The Park School our students work hard and enjoy excellent academic results across a wide range of subjects.
GCSe Results 2018
• 84% of students gained grades 9-4 (A*-C) (national average 66.9%)
• Individual subjects fared well with students taking the three individual sciences gaining 100% 9-5 grades. There were 100% 9-4 grades in subjects across the whole range and students are to be congratulated on this confident response to the new exams.
Index
Core subjects: English EAL Mathematics Religious Studies Sciences Optional Subjects: Art & Design Business Studies Computer Science Drama Design & Technology Food & Cookery Geography History Music MFL French / Spanish Sport
2 3 4 5 6 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 20
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Core Subjects
english Language & english Literature - GCSe, AQA
All students in Years 10 and 11 follow both courses in English Language and English Literature (unless they are following an EAL syllabus). The courses are designed to link together, providing an integrated scheme with rich opportunities for exploring a range of texts and developing both critical and creative skills.
english Language
Students will draw upon a range of texts as reading stimulus and engage with creative as well as real and relevant contexts. Students will have opportunities to develop higher-order reading and critical thinking skills that encourage genuine enquiry into different topics and themes. This specification will ensure that students can read fluently and write effectively. Students will be able to demonstrate a confident control of Standard English and write grammatically correct sentences, deploying figurative language and analysing texts. For GCSE English Language students should:
• read fluently, and with good understanding, a wide range of texts from the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries • read and evaluate texts critically and make comparisons between texts
• summarise and synthesise information or ideas from texts
• use knowledge gained from wide reading to inform and improve their own writing • write effectively and coherently using Standard English appropriately
• use grammar correctly and punctuate and spell accurately
• acquire and apply a wide vocabulary, alongside a knowledge and understanding of grammatical terminology, and linguistic conventions for reading, writing and spoken language
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• listen to and understand spoken language and use spoken Standard English effectively.
Students will sit two, equally weighted, 1 hour and 45 minute papers. They will be required to respond to seen and unseen literary non-fiction texts. They will also be expected to write a descriptive or narrative piece and a transactional piece, presenting a point of view.
Speaking and Listening is compulsory and certificated separately. Students are expected to give a formal individual presentation as part of their assessment.
english Literature
The course is assessed through 2 examinations, both are ‘closed book.’
Paper 1: Shakespeare and the 19th Century Novel - 1 hour and 45 minutes (40%). Students will be required to answer essay questions in response to their studied novel and Shakespeare play.
Paper 2: Poetry and Modern Texts - 2 hours and 15 minutes, (60%). Students will complete essay questions on their studied modern text (either a novel or a play), poetry from the set anthology and from unseen poems.
eAL - english as an Additional Language
EAL aims to meet the language needs of overseas students in preparation for the iGCSE exam English as a Second Language. In addition, we aim to introduce students to English culture as well as embracing cultural and linguistic diversity to help students find their place in the world. Cross-curricular support for other subjects is included within our syllabus.
The course in Years 10 and 11 encourages the development of language skills in general and prepares students for the specific language tasks set in the examination which are useful skills for academic life both now and into the future. We emphasise the importance of reading the task, analysing what is required and providing the response as directed, together with high standards in presentation and grammar. A good grade in iGCSE is an indication that a student has reached an intermediate level of English, and should be able to cope with the language aspect of most A-levels.
Reading and Writing
Students read a variety of written material to look for specific information, and to identify key points and arguments. It is essential that students respond as instructed in order to maximise their achievement. Some tasks require short answers, whilst others are limited by a word count. Students should be able to develop both a receptive and productive vocabulary appropriate to the demands of their GCSE courses. We also encourage reading for pleasure.
Students should be able to write long and short essays. Tasks typically require a response to a specific situation, or a more general piece of writing and may be either formal or informal. There may be errors but these will not obscure meaning. Good presentation and the correct use of grammar, spelling and punctuation as well as a wide vocabulary are all important.
Listening
Students should be able to listen and respond to material, with or without visual aids, and respond appropriately in both exams and class activities. Answers may be one word or a brief phrase.
Speaking
Students should be able to sustain a basic conversation/argument on curriculum or general themes in class or amongst their peer group socially. They should be able to comfortably describe, compare and explain their ideas and opinions in response to a question or suggestion on any topic.
Assessment
Students are usually entered for Cambridge iGCSE English as a Second Language examinations in Year 11.
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Core Subjects
Mathematics - iGCSe, edexcel
All students at The Park School will study this Mathematics course. The key subject aims are to: • Develop knowledge and understanding of mathematical concepts and techniques
• Acquire a foundation of mathematical skills for further study in the subject or related areas • Enjoy using and applying mathematical techniques and concepts, and become confident in using mathematics to solve problems
• Appreciate the importance of mathematics in society, employment and study
Key features and benefits of the specification:
• Tiers of entry that allow students to be entered for the appropriate level
• Questions designed to be accessible to students of all abilities within their tier • Papers that are balanced for topics and difficulty
• Standards that are equivalent to Edexcel’s UK GCSE in Mathematics
• A solid base for students wishing to progress to AS and Advanced GCE Level.
Assessment
Foundation Tier
• Two written papers, each weighted 50% of the qualification, targeted at grades 1 - 5. • Each paper is a 2 hour written examination
Higher Tier
• Papers as per Foundation Tier.
• Each paper weighted at 50% of the qualification, targeted at grades 4 - 9.
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Religious Studies - GCSe, AQA
At The Park School, all students (except EAL students) follow a Religious Studies course.
Religious Studies is highly valued by leading Universities because of the skills that are encouraged and nurtured. Successful candidates are able to consider views beyond their own personally-held beliefs and are able to engage in meaningful philosophical and ethical thought (which can be applied to subjects as diverse as Computer Science and Mathematics to History and Geography). Students are also able to discuss the fundamental questions of life based upon the key claims of a text rather than abstract assumptions. The course is divided into three separate components.
Components 1 and 2: Study of Religion
Students study two religions with one being an expression of the Christian faith. Â In Year 10, our students study Protestant Christianity (Component 1), and in Year 11 the course considers Judaism (Component 2). For both religions, students encounter foundational theological ideas in a section called Beliefs and Teachings. Following this, the practical applications of these ideas in the lives of believers are studied in a unit called Practices.
Component 3: Philosophy and ethics
In addition to the study of religion, the course offers an introduction to Philosophy and Ethics. Students consider critical philosophical ideas through various topics, including relationships and family life, war and peace, poverty and crime and punishment.
Assessment
The GCSE course is assessed by two written papers.
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Core Subjects
The Sciences - GCSe, AQA
The Park School offers students a choice between either a Combined Science GCSE (counting for two GCSE grades) or a triple science route where they can study three separate science GCSE subjects. We offer the AQA Combined Science Trilogy suite as this allows for the integrated teaching of its topics and practical work with the Biology, Physics and Chemistry qualifications as required. Assessment is based on end of year exam results. However, practical work is essential, so students will need to attend and complete a number of pre-selected practical activities during each course. While these will not be graded directly, the content and techniques learned will be assessed in the written exam papers.
Combined Science (dual Award)
The AQA Combined Science (Trilogy) consists of 24 modules and counts as two GCSE grades.
Biology
1. Cell biology 2. Organisation 3. Infection and response 4. Bioenergetics 5. Homeostasis and response 6. Inheritance, variation and evolution 7. Ecology
Chemistry
8. Atomic structure & the periodic table 9. Bonding, structure, and the properties of matter 10. Quantitative chemistry 11. Chemical changes 12. Energy changes 13. The rate & extent of chemical change 14. Organic chemistry 15. Chemical analysis 16. Chemistry of the atmosphere 17. Using resources
Physics
18. Forces 19. Energy 20. Waves 21. Electricity 22. Atomic Structure 23. Particle model of matter 24. Magnetism & electromagnetism
Assessment
There will be six exam papers, each of 1 hour 15 minutes; two biology, two chemistry and two physics. Each of the papers will assess knowledge and understanding from distinct topic areas.
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A combination of multiple choice, structured, closed short answer, and open response questions will be used. Practical work will be assessed and endorsed with the GCSE result.
Science (Separate)
AQA Separate Science GCSE courses (This corresponds to the old ‘Triple Science’ where students study for three separate GCSE’s).
GCSE Biology
The amazing diversity and resourcefulness of life is explored in this integrated course. The Biology GCSE Course 8461 contains the same seven topic areas as the Trilogy course but additional material is added to that taught for the Combined Science GCSE: 1 Cell biology
2 Organisation
3 Infection and response 4 Bioenergetics
5 Homeostasis and response
6 Inheritance, variation and evolution 7 Ecology
GCSE Chemistry
Bringing chemistry to life with clear content, relevant context and practical work at its heart. The Chemistry GCSE Course 8462 contains the same ten topic areas as the Trilogy course but additional material is added to that taught for the Combined Science GCSE: 1 Atomic structure and the periodic table 2 Bonding, structure, and the properties of matter 3 Quantitative chemistry 4 Chemical changes 5 Energy changes
GCSE Physics
From the depths of space to the forces shaping our lives on Earth, students can discover them all in this physics specification. The Physics GCSE Course 8463 contains the same seven topic areas as the Trilogy course, but an additional ‘Space Physics’ topic is added to that taught for the Combined Science GCSE: 1 Forces
2 Energy 3 Waves
4 Electricity
5 Magnetism & electromagnetism 6 Particle model of matter 7 Atomic structure 8 Space Physics
Assessment
Each GCSE is assessed by two exam papers of 1 hour and 45 minutes each. They will contain a mixture of multiple choice, structured, closed short answer and open response questions. Practical work will be assessed and endorsed within the GCSE result.
6 The rate and extent of chemical change 7 Organic chemistry 8 Chemical analysis
9 Chemistry of the atmosphere 10 Using resources
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Optional Subjects
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Art and design - GCSe, edexcel
GCSE Art and Design is fun and exciting and quite different from other subjects, it allows students to be creative and think in different ways. We offer the Edexcel Art and Design GCSE course; its broad-based option allows for flexibility in the choice of media and covers a wide range of art, craft and design. The course offers a large practical element in addition to written analysis and evaluation of the student’s own work and the work of other artists. This is a two-year course encouraging an adventurous and enquiring approach.
visual diary. These may be presented in a range of different ways to suit the interests of the student. Students take a mock exam in year 11 as part of their personal portfolio and a final exam (external assignment) is set by Edexcel and topics are released to students in February of year 11. Students have eight school weeks to prepare their ideas for their final tenhour practical exam undertaken over two days at the beginning of May in year two. At the end of the two years, students will present and display their work as a final show for moderation.
The course starts with a structured project that leads the student to his or her own development of ideas and a personal interpretation of their chosen theme. A wide range of media and disciplines can be explored such as drawing, painting, mixed media and print-making. Projects will then progress to textiles, some photography and 3D. Students will choose their second project and explore their own interests in discussion with Mrs Briggs.
The coursework - personal portfolio makes 60% of the final marks and the externally set assignment (exam) 40% of the total marks.
The course is flexible to suit individual strengths and interests; previous students have created work in a wide range of exciting media including digital and installation work. Students will explore the work of established artists, designers and craft people both past and present to inspire ideas, and a trip to London galleries is undertaken each year. Individual sketchbook work is an integral part of the course and students are encouraged to create their book as a
Assessment Objectives
The personal portfolio and the externally set assignment must cover all four assessment objectives: • AO1 Develop ideas through investigations demonstrating critical understanding of sources.
• AO2 Refine work by exploring ideas, selecting and experimenting with appropriate media, materials, techniques and processes. • AO3 Record ideas, observations and insights relevant to intentions as work progresses.
• AO4 Present a personal, informed and meaningful response that realises intentions and demonstrates understanding of visual language.
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Optional Subjects Business Studies - GCSe, AQA
This subject is valuable and relevant regardless of a student’s future education choices or career ambitions. It provides a foundation for those who plan to study Business or Economics in the future and work in industry. Additionally, a public sector employee such as a nurse may need to control budgets, manage a team or give staff appraisals, all of which are covered by this course. This subject will help to teach students how to structure an essay, think logically, analyse data and work independently. Students gain valuable transferable skills while learning a dynamic and interesting subject. Business Studies is different from anything students may have studied previously and its relevance extends way beyond the classroom environment.
Aims of the Course
• To demonstrate knowledge and understanding of business concepts and issues
• To apply knowledge and understanding to different business situations
• To develop chains of analysis relating to issues raised • To make informed business decisions to solve business problems
Business Studies GCSE encourages students to think commercially and creatively about the current issues facing real businesses. Students are expected to consider the role of Operations, Human Resources, Finance and Marketing as they react to changes in the external environment, and coordinate their actions to achieve business objectives. Students will also need to develop quantitative skills and interpret numerical data to inform business decisions.
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Topics include
• Business in the real world • Influences on business • Business operations
• Human resources (HRM) • Marketing • Finance
Assessment
Paper 1: Influences of Operations and HRM on Business Activity (50% of GCSE)
Paper 2: Influences of Marketing and Finance on Business Activity (50% of GCSE)
Both papers are 1h 45 minutes. Section A consists of multiple choice and short answer questions. Sections B & C require longer structured answers.
Computer Science - GCSe, AQA
The AQA GCSE in Computer Science is a challenging, highly technical course that will be an excellent choice for those interested in Science and Mathematics. It should be noted that Computer Science is not a course in using PCs – or any other type of computer. The course is the fundamental study of the mathematical concepts that allow electronic digital machines to do the work that is required of them. That is to say, how do we instruct machines to ‘do’ computation.
The principles of Computer Science are the same whether you are considering how a cheap calculator adds two numbers or how the fastest Mac Pro renders graphics for a Hollywood film. This course consists of three components and introduces students to, and requires them to apply, many of these skills.
Component 1: Computational Thinking and Problem Solving
This component teaches students how to think computationally, solve problems, trace code, and apply theoretical knowledge of Computer Science. In particular the following topics are studied: • Fundamentals of algorithms • Programming in Python
• Fundamentals of data representation
Component 2: Written Assessment
Whilst Component 1 focuses on applying problemsolving skills, Component 2 is a more theoretical unit. The cutting-edge practices in the following areas are studied: • Fundamentals of computer networks • Fundamentals of cyber security
• Ethical, legal and environmental impacts of digital technology on wider society, including issues of privacy • Aspects of software development
Component 3: Programming Project
This final unit assesses a student’s ability to use the knowledge and skills gained through the course to solve a practical programming problem. Students will be expected:
• To follow a systematic approach to problem solving • To develop a computer program along with the computer programming code itself which has been designed, written and tested by the student to solve a problem • To produce an original report outlining this development
• Computer systems
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Optional Subjects drama - GCSe, eduqas
Do you enjoy:
• Expressing yourself in a creative, active and exciting way?
• Working in a group?
• Contributing your own ideas?
• Exploring ideas by putting yourself in other people’s shoes?
• Playing many parts in imaginary situations?
• Creating your own Drama work?
• Studying plays written by other people? If so, then Drama is the subject for you! Drama students also benefit from learning valuable transferable skills such as teamwork, communication skills, analysing text and presentation skills.
What do students need to know before taking this course?
Students may have had experience of Drama during lessons, or they may be a member of Drama Club. These experiences can help students if they choose Drama as a GCSE subject. Students will develop improvisation, performance and acting skills to a higher level. They will study plays in detail and explore different ways of bringing a play to life. Those 12
interested in the technical side of Drama (set design, costume, lighting etc) can focus on these for part of the course. Working with the Eduqas Drama GCSE Syllabus students will complete units that focus on the following elements:
Component 1: devising Theatre
Students participate in the creation, development, and performance of a piece of devised theatre using either the techniques of an influential theatre practitioner or a genre, in response to a set stimulus. Students will keep a portfolio of their process and evaluate their final performance. (40% )
Component 2: Performing from a text
Students study two extracts from the same performance text. Students participate in one performance using sections of text from both extracts. (20%)
Component 3: Interpreting Theatre
Students work towards a written exam after practically exploring a set text. Questions approach from a director, actors and design point of view. Students also complete a review of a live theatre performance they have seen. (40%)
design and Technology - GCSe AQA
Students gain insight into a broad range of material areas; such as: textiles, metals and alloys, timber, paper and board, polymers (plastics) and composite materials. Students will be able to mix media and create innovative products and ideas. This course is for students who have enjoyed Design and Technology in years 7-9 and have a good, positive work ethic. The skills they develop are transferable and beneficial for students who want to develop essential 21st century skills: independence, critical thinking, inquiry, research, analysis, innovation, problem-solving, and much more. Alex uses his D&T skills every day... “I couldn’t see how I could get here now, which is designing products that are sold internationally, without that first step of Design and Technology.” Alex Gort-Barten, Designer for Dualit
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Design and Technology encourages students to be inspired, moved and challenged by following a broad, coherent, satisfying and worthwhile course of study to gain an insight into related sectors, such as manufacturing and engineering. It prepares students to make informed decisions about further learning opportunities and career choices such as: Graphic designer, Fashion buyer, Designer, Art worker, Merchandiser, Magazine editor or publisher, Computer graphics, Interior design or Engineering.
Design and technology should be the subject where mathematical brain boxes and science whiz kids turn their bright ideas into useful products. James Dyson
Abbie designs spacecraft... “D&T was my favourite subject at school – the one time that I got to apply my creativity and problem solving skills to the creation of new products, and see my ideas become reality.” Abbie Hutty MEng (Hons) CEng FIMechE MIET, Lead Spacecraft Structures Engineer, ExoMars Rover Project Airbus Defence and Space Paul says D&T is important... “In a world which is so oversupplied, one way to succeed and stand out is to have a creative and lateral way of thinking about things. Creativity makes businesses, careers and futures for people and this is why subjects like Design and Technology are so important.” Sir Paul Smith, Fashion Designer
Summary of Content and Assessment
• Written paper 2 hours - 100 marks 50% of GCSE
• Non exam assessment 30-35 hours - 100 marks 50% of GCSE 13
Optional Subjects Food & Cookery nCFe Level 1/2 Technical Award
The Food and Cookery award is an excellent course designed for students who are motivated and challenged by learning through hands-on practical content. The course is designed to provide students with the skills, knowledge and understanding of the applied study of good food and cookery practices.
During the course, students will gain a broad understanding of the preparation of food, including the following: • The safe and hygienic practices for themselves and the cooking environment
• The main food groups and the key nutrients required for a healthy diet
• Food recommendations for specific needs/age groups • Planning and producing dishes in response to a brief • How to create a recipe.
To be awarded NCFE Level 1/2 Technical Award in Food and Cookery, students are required to complete and pass two mandatory units. Students must also achieve a minimum of a “Level 1 Pass” in the internal and external assessments. Unit 1 is an externally assessed written examination. The examination is worth 40% of the qualification and is based on the principles of food safety, nutrition and food choices. Unit 2 is an internally assessed synoptic project. The internal assessment is worth 60% of the qualification and is based on developing preparation and cooking skills.
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The NCFE V Cert qualification is recognised by the Department for Education as a technical qualification that is equivalent to GCSE qualifications. As such, the qualification is graded: • Level 1 Pass / Merit / Distinction / Distinction* • Level 2 Pass / Merit / Distinction / Distinction* (equivalent to GCSE grades 1-8.5).
Geography - GCSe, AQA
Are you thinking about studying geography?
You should be because geography tackles the big issues: • Climate change; who is to blame and how do we tackle it?
• International security and terrorism: what causes it and why does it spread?
• The power of the planet and how it impacts us: Earthquakes, Volcanoes, Tsunamis, Extreme Weather • Managing natural resources; controversies and shaping public policy
warming, terrorism, extreme weather, environmental refugees; the challenges facing our species are enormous. Equip yourself with the critical knowledge necessary to shape the future and be a proactive citizen of the world. Choose geography!
Course Content and Assessment
Paper 1: Living with the physical environment 35% of final grade • Section A: The challenge of natural hazards • Section B: The living world
Geography graduates are some of the most employable in the world. By understanding human-human and human-nature interactions, students are uniquely positioned to make sense of the world in which they live. Whether students go on to be a politician, entrepreneur, scientist or pilot, studying geography teaches transferable skills that are essential in a variety of professions. We are now in the Anthropocene, the age of humans. Our impact on the planet is now greater than ever and will become ever more acute over the next century. Global
• Section C: Physical landscapes in the UK Paper 2: Challenges in the human environment 35% of final grade • Section A: Urban issues and challenges
• Section B: The changing economic world
• Section C: The challenge of resource management Paper 3: Geographical applications 30% of final grade • Section A: Issue evaluation • Section B: Fieldwork
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Geography students hold the key to the world’s problems. Michael Palin
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Optional Subjects History - GCSe, edexcel
The History course gives students a chance to look at major events, personalities and developments in Britain and the wider world. They are encouraged to consider different interpretations, and in so doing they learn to select, organise and analyse evidence to construct coherent arguments and to write persuasive essays. History GCSE is a useful but not an essential qualification for A-level History – which itself is particularly useful as a preparation for university courses in history, law, politics and the social sciences. The skills learned in history are highly valued in many walks of life and are particularly relevant to anyone considering a career in law, journalism, management and public affairs. The GCSE History exam course we follow is provided by Edexcel and includes: • A thematic study covering a long period that spans medieval, early modern and modern history • A period study covering at least 50 years
• A British depth study and a non-British depth study from different eras (Modern, Early Modern and Medieval) • A study of the historic environment
Aims of the Course
• To investigate historical events and issues • To use historical sources critically
• To develop an understanding of the past
• To realise that the past is open to differing interpretations
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Topics and Assessment
Paper 1: British Thematic Study with Historic Environment (Examination 1 hour 15 minutes, 30%)
• Medicine in Britain, c1250 to present day with The British sector of the Western Front, 1914–18: surgery and treatment
Paper 2: Period Study and British Depth Study (Examination 1 hour 45 minutes, 40%)
• British Depth Study – Early Elizabethan England 1558–88
• Period Study – The American West, c1835–c1895 Paper 3: Modern Depth Study (Examination 1 hour 20 minutes, 30%)
• The USA, 1954–75: conflict at home and abroad (the Civil Rights Movement and the Vietnam War)
Music - GCSe, edexcel
Dedication to music-making in all its forms is important to the success of this course, as is the self-discipline necessary to practice at least one instrument regularly outside school hours. Experiencing live music of all types from all over the world is vital to the understanding of how and why different forms have developed, as is the ability to recognise and discuss the musical idioms, with reference to their historical, geographical, social, cultural and acoustic influences. Consequently, great emphasis is placed on attending musical events in the locality, both as a performer and as a member of the audience. It is recommended that students have a Music Theory level of grade 2, or its equivalent, in order to meet the musical literacy demands of the course. The suggested level for a chosen instrument should be grade 3 or above. Preparation for the solo section of the performing coursework consists of singing or playing instruments, both as a soloist and as a part of a small ensemble. The bestrecorded performances during the course are selected for assessment.
Assessment
Coursework (worth 60% of the ďŹ nal grade) covers Performing:  solo performing, ensemble performing and approaches to performing, and Composing (students compose their own pieces to a set brief and their own free composition). Appraising (worth 40% of the ďŹ nal grade) Section A: Includes dictation and unfamiliar pieces, six questions related to the eight set works, one short melody/rhythm completion exercise, one question on an unfamiliar piece (skeleton score provided) with questions on its musical elements, musical contexts and musical language. Section B: Includes an extended response comparison between a set work and one unfamiliar piece, a question that asks students to compare and/or evaluate the musical elements, contexts and language of one set work with an unfamiliar piece of music, a listening exercise.
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Optional Subjects Modern Foreign Languages French or Spanish - GCSe, AQA
Why study a language?
The syllabus focuses on the following themes:
• Learning a language improves communication skills
• Technology in everyday life – Social media, mobile technology
• English is not enough - Not everyone speaks, or wants to speak English
• Students may wish to study abroad, as part of future university studies • A new language enables students to read books, watch films and listen to songs in a new native language - and understand them too
• Languages can mean business – the ability to speak another language(s) makes individuals stand out on their CV • Speaking more than one language is proven to increase brain capacity and improves memory
These GCSE Courses follow the AQA syllabus and enable students of all abilities to study French/Spanish with success and enjoyment. Students will develop skills in the four main Attainment Target areas: Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing. Two tiers of examination are offered, aimed at the following grades: Higher (grades 9-4) and Foundation (grades 5-1).
• Me, my family and friends – Relationships with family and friends, marriage/partnership
• Leisure activities, customs and festivals in French/Spanish speaking countries/communities, travel and tourism, home, town, neighbourhood and region • Social issues – Charity/ volunteer work, healthy/unhealthy living
• Global issues – The environment, poverty/ homelessness
• My studies; life at school/college; education post-16; jobs, career choices and ambitions Listening - understanding and responding to different types of spoken language, questions to be answered in English, in French/Spanish and non-verbally.
Speaking - communicating and interacting effectively in speech for a variety of purposes. This includes a role-play, photo-card stimulus and conversation.
Reading - understanding and responding to different types of written language. Includes questions to be answered in English, in French/Spanish and nonverbally and translation from French/Spanish.
Writing - Foundation tier includes writing a list of nouns, composing a message of nine sentences, translation from English into French/Spanish and structured writing task of approximately 90 words.
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Optional Subjects Sport - BTeC First Certificate
The BTEC Level 2 First Certificate in Sport offers an engaging programme and the underpinning knowledge required for students to explore their interest in the world of sport.
It is primarily a vocational course; however, two units are externally examined by a controlled assessment. There is no final examination. Instead, ongoing assessment in the form of assignments takes place throughout the two years of study. All internally assessed units are externally validated. The course of study at The Park School requires students to undertake 8 units: 2 core, 1 mandatory and 5 optional specialist units.
Core Units
• Unit 1 Fitness for Sport and Exercise External Assessment • Unit 2 Practical Sports Performance Internal Assessment
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Mandatory Unit
• Unit 7 Anatomy & Physiology for Sports Performance - External Assessment
Optional Specialist Units - Internal Assessment • Unit 3 The Mind and Sports Performance • Unit 4 The Sports Performer in Action • Unit 5 Training for Personal Fitness
• Unit 9 Lifestyle and Well-being
• Unit 10 Injury and the Sports Performer To attain the Level 2 First Certificate in Sport, students must complete all 8 units to a minimum of PASS standard. They can also gain a Merit or a Distinction for each individual unit. The course offers a stepping stone into several A-level subjects and assistance with other GCSE’s. Units 4 and 7 both have links with Biology; unit 9 has a link with Food Technology and unit 3 offers an introduction to aspects of Psychology.
Our location
The Park School Chilton Cantelo Somerset, BA22 8BG
Independent Co-educational Day & Boarding 4-18
01935 850555 admissions@parkschool.com
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