THE KING ALFRED SCHOOL - GCSE OPTIONS 2021/22
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• Introduction 05
SUBJECT DIRECTORY • Art & Design 10
• Your personal curriculum 05
• Classical Civilisation 10
• Compulsory subjects 06
• Computer Science 11
• Optional subjects 06
• Design & Technology 11
• Option blocks 06
• Drama 12
• Games 07
• English Language & English Literature 13
• Head's welcome 03
• Pastoral Support in the GCSE years 07
• Geography 14 • History 14 • Latin 15 • Maths 15 • Modern foreign languages: French and Spanish 17 • Music 18 • Photography 19 • Physical Education 20 • Science 22
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THE KING ALFRED SCHOOL - GCSE OPTIONS 2021/22
WELCOME TO THE 2021/22 GCSE OPTIONS GUIDE These next two years will be an excellent foundation for your A level studies and the vast range of opportunities beyond KAS
Throughout Years 7, 8 and 9 you have been developing the skills and personal qualities to make you successful independent learners. It is now time to look towards the exciting challenge of the GCSE years and the wide range of subjects that you will have the opportunity to study. We will give you all the support you need so that you enjoy the courses, and feel well-prepared for your exams in Year 11. These next two years will be an excellent foundation for your A level studies and the vast range of opportunities beyond KAS. I hope you will find this GCSE Options Guide helpful and informative. Please study it carefully and talk to your subject teachers, your Form Tutor and Head of Year, so that you feel confident about your choices. Looking forward to seeing you grow academically and personally over the next two years, and good luck in finding the right courses.
Robert Lobatto Head
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THE KING ALFRED SCHOOL - GCSE OPTIONS 2021/22
Introduction You have a choice of three optional subjects
This document is designed to help you make a choice of subjects to be studied over the next two years for your GCSEs. These will include those you already enjoy and do well in, those needed for a chosen career, plus compulsory subjects that we deem necessary as the backbone of any broad and balanced education. In Year 9, there is a special options programme. During this programme you will be made aware of the implications of subject choice for further studies and careers. The aim is to extend your awareness of the possibilities available, to keep long-term options as open as possible and also to reassure you. The subjects that must or may be taken during GCSE years (Years 10 & 11) are listed in the following pages, together with a brief overview of the subject, details of the examination board, style of assessment and an indication of the amount of work required outside school. This information will assist you making the necessary decisions following the GCSE Options Evening at which all queries about the options process and questions about subjects will be fully answered. The work for GCSE in Years 10 & 11 is demanding, but most students also find it interesting. To do well you need to be consistent in maintaining quality and meeting deadlines – and most students do. There are compensations – one of them being greater freedom. Year 10 students are allowed offsite in the lunch hour and Year 11 students in both breaks (provided they are punctual in returning). All in all, the GCSE years are something to look forward to.
Your personal curriculum KAS students generally study nine subjects at GCSE. In each subject you will be assessed by a formal written paper or papers, and in some subjects by your coursework during the year (also known as controlled assessment or non-exam assessment). All GCSE courses require two years preparation and the quantity of content and coursework in particular make it difficult to take any less time. The curriculum for KAS students entering Year 10 will comprise four areas of study/activity: • Examined subjects to be studied for GCSE • Choice activities, non-examinable afternoon options (much as in Years 7, 8 and 9) • Games • You will also have one tutorial period (Form Hour) per week, covering a number of activities, including planning careers, study skills, Personal, Social and Health Education, and Skills for Society in general. You will take all the compulsory subjects and you have a choice of three optional subjects. Early in the Spring term, you will be asked which three optional subjects you would like to do. Due to timetabling constraints, it is not always possible for you to be able to get your three main preferences. You are advised to have in mind alternative subjects that you would be happy to follow if one of your optional subjects is not possible.
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Compulsory subjects The following subjects are core or compulsory: • English Language, • English Literature • Mathematics • Science (double award) • One modern language, French or Spanish.
Optional subjects (choice of three) • Art and Design • Computer Science • Classical Civilisation • Design and Technology • Drama • Geography • History • Latin • Music • Photography • Physical Education • Separate sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Physics (triple award) • Two modern languages, French and Spanish.
Option blocks After submitting your first preferences for the three optional subjects, we construct the option blocks to enable the maximum number of students to take the subjects they want. We organise the optional subjects into three timetabling blocks. You can choose one subject from each of the three blocks. This year’s subject blocks will be announced later in the Spring term. Below is an example of what the option blocks looked like last year. Each year they change depending on student preferences. If a subject is very popular and there are teaching staff available, we can offer the same subject in different blocks.
LAST YEAR BLOCK A
BLOCK B
BLOCK C
Art & Design
Art & Design
Design & Technology
Computer Science
Classical Civilisation
Dual Language
History
Drama
History
Music
Geography
Photography
Photography
History
Physical Education
Design & Technology
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THE KING ALFRED SCHOOL - GCSE OPTIONS 2021/22
Separate Sciences
PASTORAL SUPPORT IN THE GCSE YEARS The Year 10 and 11 Pastoral program is designed to guide students to make wise and effective choices for their future lives. The transition from Year 9 to Year 10 is a big step and as a school we aim to support our students from the very beginning. Form Hour and Choice are key opportunities to understand this transition and enhance student understanding of their GCSE subjects as well as engage students in a range of enriching activities. Both Year 10 and 11 have Form Hour and PSHE combined in one lesson. It is led by their form tutor, who plays a crucial role as a mentor, coach and guide for the individuals in their form. Year 10 Form Hour includes a programme on Well Being, Healthy Choices, Sex, Gender and Relationships. In addition, outside specialists deliver a program on how to study, providing effective revision techniques which are useful for GCSE.
In Year 11 Form Hour, the students learn about how to create balance in their lives in terms of managing their time, continuing to exercise, eating healthily, sleeping well and maintaining key relationships - all whilst focusing on their GCSEs. We also deliver a unit on Drugs, Alcohol and the Law which helps guide student behaviour outside the classroom. In addition, each student is given very specific guidance and support on an individual basis, on how to make the best possible choices post-GCSE. Choice occurs every Wednesday afternoon and offers a choice of both extending academic opportunities, health and well-being workshops as well as key volunteering roles in the local community. At KAS, the promotion of emotional and psychological well-being of students is a high priority. The school has a team of well-trained professionals to support students if they have social, emotional or academic concerns.
GAMES In Year 10 and 11, students continue to access a weekly Games program which has a main focus on fun and enjoyment. The Games program is designed specifically for students to have autonomy over the sports and activities they would like to participate in at KAS throughout this time. Sports such as Basketball, Football and Netball continue to be an option for the more competitive students alongside noncompetitive alternatives such as Dance-Fit, Orienteering and Foot-Golf. The Games program is led primarily by the PE Department with some more focused sessions lead by the Dance Specialist and other visiting teachers (e.g. Yoga). Continuing Physical Activity throughout the GCSE years creates an opportunity for students to work collaboratively with one another, create healthy habits and improve their overall wellbeing. At KAS, we ensure our activity offerings are developed with feedback from students, and utilise off-site facilities where possible. THE KING ALFRED SCHOOL - GCSE OPTIONS 2021/22
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ART & DESIGN/CLASSICAL CIVILISATION/COMPUTER SCIENCE/DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY/DRAMA/ ENGLISH LANGUAGE & ENGLISH LITERATURE/ GEOGRAPHY/HISTORY/ LATIN/MATHS/ MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES: FRENCH AND SPANISH/MUSIC/ PHOTOGRAPHY/PHYSICAL EDUCATION/SCIENCE THE KING ALFRED SCHOOL - GCSE OPTIONS 2021/22
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OPTIONAL
OPTIONAL
ART & DESIGN CLASSICAL CIVILISATION 60%
COURSEWORK
EXAM BOARD: EDEXCEL
Assessment of work: Students are assessed on four main criteria: the ability to research; the ability to develop design ideas from looking at the work of artists and designers; the ability to experiment with, review and refine their own work; the realisation of ideas. Coursework related to the first two projects contributes 60% of the final assessment. The other 40% is for the final project. All work is marked internally and externally moderated at the end of the course when an exhibition is mounted of every candidate’s work.
Further study: Completing a GCSE in Art is essential preparation for A levels in Art & Design and History of Art (Critical & Contextual Studies in Art). It is also good preparation for Photography A level.
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100%
40%
EXAM
CONTROLLED ASSESSMENT
The study of Art & Design promotes and encourages the development of imagination, creativity and critical thinking. Students will work individually and together developing ideas and exploring creative processes. Students will learn to develop further their use of sketchbooks to gather ideas that interest and inspire them, and refine these ideas into more resolved outcomes. They will gain experience of working broadly across a range of disciplines within the design fields, learning about the building blocks of visual language, and covering work in the following areas: • Drawing and photography • Painting and printmaking • Textile and fashion design • Ceramics and sculpture • Graphic design • Contextual studies The Art & Design GCSE comprises three projects spread across the two years. Each one is themed and students will be supported to produce a sketchbook of research and ideas, as well as a body of classwork for each. The themes are very much open to interpretation and the development of personal and individual imaginations will be promoted and encouraged.
EXAM BOARD: OCR
Assessment of work: Students do two written papers. The first is a comparative study of ancient Greece and Rome, and combines literary and visual/material sources. In the second paper, students couple an in-depth cultural and archaeological study with the study of a related body of literature.
Further study: Classical Civilisation can be continued at A level. A study of Classical Civilisation also complements further study of other humanities subjects such as English, History, Politics and Philosophy
Classical Civilisation is a wide-ranging humanities subject, which explores the ancient world through original sources, both literary and archaeological. All sources are studied in translation, so no knowledge of Latin or Greek is required. The course provides an excellent introduction to the classical world and its legacy. Students will study material from ancient Greece and Rome, and other societies with which they came into contact. Many learners come to Classical Civilisation due to a love of Greek mythology, and this forms a central part of the GCSE. In the first year of the course, learners will study myths about the role of gods and heroes such as Hercules. They will also explore links between myth and the exercise of power, rituals surrounding death and burial, and festivals. Other topics that run through the modules include gender, politics, and morality; these foster creative thinking and encourage students to make comparisons between ancient and modern society. They also learn skills of rigorous interpretation of evidence, and of analytical analysis and discussion.
OPTIONAL
OPTIONAL
COMPUTER SCIENCE
DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY
100%
50%
EXAM
EXAM BOARD: EDUQAS
Assessment of work: Students are assessed through two examinations. The first assesses knowledge of computer hardware and architecture, logic, communication, the organisation and structure of data, software, principles of programming, security and ethics. The second exam is screen based and will test the students ability to write algorithms, create web pages, work with graphical environments and think computationally.
Further study: Students are able to go onto study A level OCR Computer Science.
The study of Computer Science encourages students to understand and apply the fundamental principles of computer science through of a combination of practical activities, algorithm design, problem analysis and studying real world applications. Through logical discipline and imaginative creativity, students can develop a deeper understanding of the underlying concepts. The course encourages students to extend their horizons beyond the school environment in order to appreciate the effects of computer science on society and individuals. Students are to be given the opportunity to undertake programming tasks during their course of study which allows them to develop their skills to design, write, test and refine programs using a high-level programming language. Students will be assessed on these skills during the written examination.
EXAM
EXAM BOARD: AQA
Assessment of work: Students do one written exam and coursework. In the exam there is a mixture of multiple choice, short answer and extended response questions. It is split into sections assessing breadth of Technical knowledge, Specialist technical principles and Designing and making principles. In the Non-Exam Assessment students will undertake a single ‘design and make’ activity, which will arise from investigating one of five contextual challenges set by AQA. Students will produce a working prototype and a portfolio of evidence (max 20 pages). Work will be marked by teachers and moderated by AQA.
50%
COURSEWORK
GCSE Design and Technology will prepare students to participate confidently and successfully in an increasingly technological world. Students will gain awareness and learn from wider influences on Design and Technology including historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic factors. Students will get the opportunity to work creatively when designing and making and apply technical and practical expertise. The new GCSE Design and Technology course will give students the opportunity to use their creativity and imagination to design and make prototypes that solve real and relevant problems. Whilst considering their own and others’ needs wants and values, students can learn about a wide variety of contemporary technologies, materials and processes, as well as established practices.
Further study: Students who gain GCSE Design & Technology can go on to study the subject at A level, where students study 3D Design: WJEC Art and Design.
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OPTIONAL
DRAMA UAL LEVEL 2 DIPLOMA IN DRAMA AT KS4 100%
CONTROLLED ASSESSMENT
EXAM BOARD: UAL
Assessment of work: NOTE: this course is not a GCSE but is equivalent to four GCSEs. Practical assessments are carried out through a series of projects based on real industry scenarios and academic tasks. Projects are accompanied by written work varying from essays to presentations to journals that document student progress.
Further study: Students can go on to take A level Theatre Studies or the UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing Arts.
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This course is aimed at students who have a passion for Drama and is shaped to get the maximum out of its students as performers, production technicians and designers. The key qualities we look for: enthusiasm, passion for theatre, and a ‘can do’ attitude. You can approach this course as an actor, technician or a mixture of both. You will explore many aspects of performance and production and develop as an artist, an academic and as a person. This course will enable students to develop resilience, responsibility, organisation, critical & creative thinking, teamwork and professionalism. A variety of performance opportunities will allow you to put your skills and technique into practice. Such projects include: From page to stage bringing a text to life, devising, scripted performance, personal research project and presentation. All practical work will be produced to the highest technical standard at King Alfred’s very own Phoenix Theatre and be internally marked and externally moderated.
Qualification Structure: Y10
Units
Content
Term 1
Unit 1 Introduction to performance
An introduction to elements of the course in terms of performance, production and writing, building towards informal performances.
Unit 2 Introduction to production
Term 2
Unit 3 Communicating with an audience Unit 4 Staging a performance
An exploration of a text practically and on paper - in terms of its context and style, building towards performance of extracts.
Unit 5 Contextual research for performance and production Term 3
Unit 6 Performance skills and practice Unit 7 Production skills and practice
A devised project that will encourage all students to consider elements of performance and production skills, building towards a performance.
Y11
Units
Content
Term 1
Unit 8 Personal project
An exploration of the history of theatre, its practitioners and styles. Students will then write and prepare a ten minute research project on a topic of their choice.
Term 2
Unit 8 Presentation
Presentation of project
Unit 9 Producing and performing to an audience
Rehearsals begin for final project.
Term 3
Unit 9 Producing and performing to an audience
Rehearsals for and performance of final project
Exam leave
Students will use this time to finish off their journals and evaluations for their final project.
CORE
ENGLISH LANGUAGE & ENGLISH LITERATURE 100% EXAM
EXAM BOARD: OCR
Assessment of work: GCSE English Language is made up of two units: Unit 1 develops understanding of reading and writing non- fiction texts and Unit 2 explores literary texts and creative writing. This is designed to support learners’ development as critical readers and help them make conscious choices when planning and crafting their own writing. Students are assessed by two, twohour exams. It is also mandatory for candidates to undertake a speaking and listening task as part of the course. However, their achievement in this will constitute an endorsement on their GCSE certificate and will not contribute to their final GCSE grade.
one thematically linked poetry cluster and one Shakespeare play. There is an unseen element to each exam where candidates will have to compare one of the texts they have studied to a text or section of text which is new to them.
Further study: Students can go on to study A level English Literature.
The new OCR Language qualification meets the needs of students of differing abilities and interests and encourages an exploration of communication, culture and creativity through exciting 19th, 20th and 21st century texts. The syllabus encourages students to develop independent and critical thinking; engage with the richness of our language and literary heritage; and experiment in writing across a range of contexts and styles. The new OCR English Literature specification is designed to encourage students to engage critically with and explore a variety of texts across the major genres including modern texts as well as classic literature. Underpinned by a skills-based approach, the emphasis is on building students’ confidence in developing and articulating a fresh, individual response to texts that is supported and justified.
GCSE English Literature is made up of two units, each assessed by a two-hour exam: Unit 1 asks candidates to study one modern prose or drama text and one 19th century prose text. Unit 2 sees students study
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OPTIONAL
OPTIONAL
GEOGRAPHY
HISTORY
100%
100%
EXAM
EXAM BOARD: OCR
Assessment of work: There are three exam papers at the end of the course: Our Natural World; People and Society; Geographical Exploration.
Further study: Students can go on to study A level Geography. By focusing on the major global issues likely to dominate our future sustainable use of the planet, Geography encourages students to think about their own place in the world, their values, their rights, and their responsibilities. Modern Geography attempts to provoke students into asking and coming up with answers to, the big questions facing society. Climate change, hazard management, the disparities between rich and poor, the future of urban areas, sustainable management of global resources such as the Arctic & the Rainforest, and the changing face of 21st Century UK are just some of the topics about which students can expect to develop a well-informed opinion.
Alongside the ability to think critically and creatively about the changing world, students will also develop fieldwork skills to allow them to investigate the theory learnt in class in the world around them. There are two field trips, one day trip and one residential, that explore the geography of contrasting places and environments. In terms of careers, Geographers can be found in every sector of the economy; working in corporations, local business, not-for profit organisations, academia, local and national government and the media. Geography is part of the academic group of English Baccalaureate GCSE subjects and the Russell Group of universities have recognised it as one of their preferred ‘facilitating’ subjects, which support an application into a wide range of undergraduate courses. Geography bridges the gap between the natural and social sciences. By developing an understanding of how physical and human systems operate and by considering why others’ views may differ from their own, the subject enables students to make sense of the world around them and encourages them to become active local & global citizens.
EXAM
EXAM BOARD: EDEXCEL GCSE
Assessment of work: There are three exams of between 1 hour 15 minutes and 1 hour 45 minutes in length. There is no coursework on the GCSE syllabus.
Further study: Students can go on to study A-level History and/or A-level Politics. History GCSE at KAS equips students to understand crucial themes, stories and events that shaped our world. Students learn to analyse and organise information, argue and explain their ideas, evaluate source material and use evidence to answer historical questions. There are four main units of study: • Migration to Britain from c800 – today. This is the story of how Britain has been shaped by and responded to human migrations, from Saxons and Vikings to the Windrush generation. This unit includes a depth study on the experiences of Caribbean migrants in Notting Hill in the 1950s and 1960s. • The Cold War – How a conflict between two nuclear-armed superpowers dominated the second half of the twentieth century.
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• Elizabethan England – Power, religion, society and culture in the Elizabethan age. • Mao’s China – The dramatic and revolutionary impact that Mao’s rule had on the world’s most populous country. The course provides an insight into contemporary debates in British history around colonialism and its legacy, and how our world has been shaped by global forces and powers. Students who are inquisitive, and interested in understanding how our world was shaped by the past will thrive on this course. In Year 10 we organise a trip to Berlin, to see a city as the epicentre of these events, and also take students out in London to see history on their doorsteps.
OPTIONAL
CORE
LATIN
MATHS
100%
100%
EXAM
EXAM BOARD: OCR
Assessment of work: There are three components: Language, Prose Literature, and Verse Literature (set texts in the original Latin). The Language paper is worth 50% of the GCSE and tests translation and comprehension skills as well as the understanding of the derivation of English words from Latin. The Prose and Verse Literature papers are each worth 25% of the final mark. There is considerable choice of topics. Students are currently studying extracts from Tacitus’ Annals and Pliny’s Letters, alongside a portion of Virgil’s Aeneid about the fall of Troy. The examination tests linguistic understanding and literary appreciation and students welcome the opportunity to study sources in the original language at such an early stage.
Further study:
Latin is all around us; it is the basis of much of our language and culture. Studying Latin helps enlarge and clarify English vocabulary, grammar, and spelling. It is also invaluable when learning foreign languages – especially those directly derived from it, such as French, Spanish and Italian. It opens the door to much of the history, literature, and philosophy of the West, and is invaluable for an understanding of the Classical, Medieval, and Renaissance periods in particular. Much contemporary art, film, and writing derives from Greek and Roman history and myth. Latin at KAS is fun but challenging. Students will build on the work they have done in Year 9 and will follow an intense twoyear course, culminating in the reading of two pieces of Latin literature in the original language. This is a programme that requires commitment, but one that offers great rewards.
EXAM
EXAM BOARD: EDEXCEL
Assessment of work: The examination involves three written question papers (no coursework or controlled assessments).
Further study: A level Mathematics. A level Further Mathematics.
GCSE Mathematics at KAS is a three year course and the pupils in Year 10 continue using the Edexcel GCSE (9-1) books that they started in Year 9. Currently in Year 9 all pupils are studying for the Higher level of entry where they can achieve grades from 4-9. The course encourages true understanding and mastery by putting mathematical questions into context to make the subject more relevant and accessible to students. Pupils will learn how to apply complex trigonometry, applications of probability and how to recognise and interpret misleading statistics in the media. Mathematics is a beautiful language that requires continued practice for fluency and enjoyment. Homework of some 1½ hours per week in Year 10 rising to 2½ hours in Year 11 is expected. Parental guidance and encouragement are welcome and members of the Maths Department are always available to give specific help. As in Years 7-9 pupils are encouraged to come to a ‘drop in’ Mathematics Clinic in the mornings before school starts, for extra help when needed (these run each weekday from 8:05-8:55am).
Students can go on to study A level Latin and/ or A level Classical Civilisation.
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CORE WITH OPTION
MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES: FRENCH AND SPANISH
100%
EXTERNAL EXAM
EXAM BOARD: EDEXCEL IGCSE
Assessment of work: Speaking is worth 25%. This will be a 8-10 minute oral examination in April or May of Year 11. Listening is worth 25%. This will be examined in May or June of Year 11. Reading and writing is worth 50%. This will be examined in May or June of Year 11.
Further study: Students can go on to study A level French and A level Spanish.
Students can choose to study either French or Spanish or both. If students would like to take both French and Spanish, it will take up one of the three GCSE options. In both French and Spanish, students work on all four skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. The department run fortnightly debating clubs in both languages as well as drop in language support sessions. In Spanish, Year 10 students are offered a chance to participate in our residential trip to Salamanca during Easter holidays. Students are immersed in the language as they stay with Spanish families and attend school during the day. In French, Year 11 students are offered a chance to participate in our residential trip to Lyon during the first week of October half-term. Students are immersed in the language as they stay with French families and attend school during the day.
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OPTIONAL
MUSIC
40%
60%
EXAM
EXAM BOARD:
Further study:
OCR
Students can go on to study A level Music and/ or A level Music Technology.
Assessment of work: Students are assessed verbally throughout the GCSE course when both the teacher and their peers give feedback and positive criticism of their performances or compositions. The compositions are completed in lesson time under informal controlled assessment. The Listening and Understanding exam is the final summative assessment at the end of Year 11. Students work towards this exam by completing practice exercises that are marked together and the answers reflected upon by the group. Students regularly perform at school concerts to further develop their performing skills and to build their confidence. Compositions are performed, annotated and recorded throughout the course as a record of progress made. Again, students are given feedback that is taken from the Assessment Guide developed by the exam board.
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COURSEWORK
THE KING ALFRED SCHOOL - GCSE OPTIONS 2021/22
Music GCSE is an enjoyable and exciting way to consolidate and advance a thorough understanding of a wide range of musical styles and cultures. It is creative course that is designed to suit all young musicians no matter how eclectic their taste. GCSE Music students need skills on an instrument or voice (around Grade 5 level by the second year of the GCSE course) and an understanding of Music Theory (working towards Grade 3 prior to the start of the course). Any instrument and style of playing is acceptable. Students must take instrumental and vocal lessons, in or out of school, and be willing to attend Music Theory sessions to supplement the work done in class and develop the skills necessary to access the course content.
Unit 1: Listening and appraising (40%) • 1 hour 30 minute Exam Paper with listening exercises using excerpts of music. Unit 2: Performing (30%) • Performance 1: Solo performance (15%) • Performance 2: Ensemble performance (15%) Unit 3: Composing Music (30%) • Composition 1: Composition to a brief (15%) • Composition 2: Free Composition (15%) Candidates are required to contribute to some of the many extra-curricular musical activities in the school. This is a direct and enjoyable way to polish musical skills and broaden musical experience, as well as being a requirement of the exam.
OPTIONAL
PHOTOGRAPHY
60%
40%
COURSEWORK
EXAM BOARD: EDUQAS/WJEC
Assessment of work: The GCSE examination consists of a coursework Portfolio (60% of the final mark), several projects looked at together as a group, externally set assignments (40% of the final mark). Work is documented in work journals and a portfolio. All work is internally marked and moderated by the exam board.
Further study: Students can go on to study A level Photography.
CONTROLLED ASSESSMENT
In GCSE the specification used is Art & Design (Photography). It emphasises the importance of photography as an art form as well as a way to communicate ideas. Development of ideas through sustained research and individual work is the most important aspect of the course. Candidates are encouraged to understand the potential of photography through: • The proper use of cameras, both film and digital and associated equipment • Developing and printing monochrome images • Working to a brief, theme or topic • Viewpoint, composition, depth of field • Presentation, layout, mounting • The production of journals and critical studies to explain ideas • Digital post-production software • Studio practice and electronic lighting • Work on location
Students may choose to work in many areas of the subject area including: Photojournalism; Fashion; Portraiture; Illustration; Documentation; Landscape and Cityscape. All students must provide their own 35mm Single Lens Reflex camera in good working order, a digital camera and ideally a tripod.
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OPTIONAL
PHYSICAL EDUCATION 40%
60%
EXAM
EXAM BOARD: OCR
Assessment of work: There are two exams assessing taught content in component 1 and component 2. Component 3 is the nonexam assessment (NEA), contributing 40% of the GCSE.
Further study: This course will prepare learners for the further study of PE or sports science courses as well as other related subject areas such as psychology, sociology and biology.
COURSEWORK
GCSE specification in Physical Education will equip students with the knowledge, understanding, skills and values to develop and maintain their performance in physical activities and understand the benefits to health, fitness and well-being. The content of OCR’s GCSE in Physical Education is divided into three components: Component 1: Physical factors affecting performance Students explore how parts of the human body function during physical activity and the physiological adaptations that can occur due to diet and training. They also develop skills in data analysis, and an understanding of the principles of training, why we train in different ways and how training plans can be made to optimise results. Component 2: Socio-cultural issues and sports psychology Students develop their knowledge of the socialcultural and psychological influences on levels of participation in sport, and also how sport impacts on society more broadly. This includes the individual benefits to health, fitness and well-being of participating in physical activity, as well as the influences of commercialisation, sponsorship and the media.
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Component 3: Performance in physical education Students are assessed in performing three practical activities and one performance analysis task. In the practical performance, they demonstrate effective performance, the use of tactics or techniques and the ability to observe the rules and conventions under applied conditions. They are also required to demonstrate their ability to analyse and evaluate their own performance to produce an action plan for improvement.
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CORE WITH OPTION
SCIENCE
100% EXAM
EXAM BOARD: EDEXCEL IGCSE (INTERNATIONAL GCSE)
Assessment of work: A summary of the number of exams that are needed for IGCSE in Science (Double Award), Biology, Chemistry and Physics is shown in the following table.
Further study: Students can go on to study A levels in Biology, Chemistry and/ or Physics. Pupils follow the Edexcel IGCSE course in Science (Double Award) in Year 9. In Year 10 they can choose to continue with this Science course, or study science as separate subjects, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Choosing to study Biology, Chemistry and Physics as separate subjects requires extra time as there is more content and consequently it will take up one of the three options. The Science course (Double Award) is built up of content taken from Biology, Chemistry and Physics and pupils will attain a qualification in Science worth two IGCSEs. If students choose to study Biology, Chemistry and Physics as separate subjects then they will obtain three IGCSEs. There is no coursework for either route but pupils will experience a wide range of practical
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activities to develop their skills in this area. Both courses help to develop transferable skills valued by universities and employers as well as help to broaden and deepen student’s analytical, logic, and maths skills.
BIOLOGY PAPER 1 2 HOURS
BIOLOGY PAPER 2 1 HR 15 MIN
INTERNATIONAL GCSE IN BIOLOGY
CHEMISTRY PAPER 1 2 HOURS
CHEMISTRY PAPER 2 1 HR 15 MIN
INTERNATIONAL GCSE IN CHEMISTRY
PHYSICS PAPER 1 2 HOURS
PHYSICS PAPER 2 1 HR 15 MIN
INTERNATIONAL GCSE IN PHYSICS
INTERNATIONAL GCSE IN SCIENCE (DOUBLE AWARD)
THE KING ALFRED SCHOOL - GCSE OPTIONS 2021/22
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The King Alfred School, North End Road, London NW11 7HY www.kingalfred.org.uk Tel: 020 8457 5200 Email: kas@kingalfred.org.uk Design by Sparkloop 24
THE KING ALFRED SCHOOL - GCSE OPTIONS 2021/22
